Chiron Biocine

Chiron Biocine was a prominent vaccine-focused entity formed as a joint venture between Chiron Corporation and Ciba-Geigy, later becoming a wholly-owned division of Chiron. The company was a pioneer in the field of biotechnology, notably developing the first recombinant vaccine for Hepatitis B and the innovative MF59 adjuvant system. Its research and manufacturing hub in Siena, Italy, became a center of excellence for conjugate vaccines, leading to the development of products for Meningococcal C and acellular pertussis. Following the acquisition of Chiron by Novartis in 2006, the Biocine assets were integrated into Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics. Most of these vaccine assets were subsequently acquired by GSK in 2015 as part of a major asset swap.