MicroProbe, Gen-Probe, Becton Dickinson Diagnostic Instrument Systems deal

MPRO will sell its diagnostics business, including the MPRO name, to Becton Dickinson Diagnostic for $8.5 million. MPRO, which will change its name to Epoch Pharmaceuticals, received an advance of $3 million and could receive an additional $1.5 million under certain conditions.

Epoch will focus on its oligonucleotide-based therapeutics for viral, cancer and genetic diseases. The Bothell, Wash., company has developed gene-modifying oligonucleotides (GMOs). ...