CHIRON - ANALYSIS OF PATENTING 1992-1995

Chiron is arguably the foremost specialist biotechnology R&D company i n the world. This profile details the Company's uniquely low ratio of patents per compound derived from the exceptionally large and active d evelopment pipeline, the Company's strong associations with large conv entional companies such as Ciba-Geigy and their aggressive company acq uisition policy which has resulted in rapid sales growth but has adver sely affected profitability. The Company's patenting policy and profil e is discussed, revealing that 75% of its patenting is classed as phar maceutical, dominated by virus-orientated projects and with virtually all of its inventors based in the US. This article provides in depth a nalysis of Chiron's patenting activity and R&D between 1990 and 1995.