The University of Colorado today announced it has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Quidel Corp. to market Flu Chip and MChip diagnostic technologies developed by CU-Boulder researchers in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

The Flu Chip and MChip can be used to determine the genetic makeup of specific influenza strains from patient samples within hours. Current methods take about four days. Identifying flu strains is critical for tracking emerging strains and helping world health officials combat coming epidemics and pandemics, including bird flu. In addition, the technology will help facilitate the development of preventive vaccines.

"We are delighted that Quidel has licensed the MChip Technology," said CU-Boulder Professor Kathy Rowlen, who led the project. "We see Quidel as the ideal company to bring this technology to health care providers and surveillance personnel around the world due to their established leadership in point-of-care diagnostics and reputation for high-quality products."

Quidel Corp., based in San Diego, is a leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of rapid-diagnostic solutions at the point of care in infectious diseases and reproductive health. The license agreement gives Quidel access to the Flu Chip and MChip technologies, developed during a multi-year project by CU-Boulder's Rowlen and Professor Robert Kuchta, both of the chemistry and biochemistry department. They worked with a team of postdoctoral researchers and students in collaboration with the influenza division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"This relationship is another example of technology created in CU labs moving to the marketplace, where companies like Quidel can distribute it to improve health care around the world," said David Allen, associate vice president for technology transfer in CU's Technology Transfer Office.