BD intends to fund a research program at Accelr8 until September 30, 2009, under an agreement covering Accelr8’s BACcel™ pathogen diagnostics platform. BD-backed activities at Accelr8 will support BD’s product development in the diagnostics arena.
BD holds the option to exclusively license Accelr8’s intellectual property in the field of infectious diseases diagnostics. Accelr8 retains commercialization rights for other applications.
If BD exercises the option during or at the conclusion of the research program, the firm will have to pay an initial fee and running royalties on covered products. Under the license, BD will fund and conduct all product development, manufacturing, and marketing.