Chiron Said to Have Bid for PowderJect

Chiron Corp. of Emeryville, Calif., declined to comment on reports that it bid the equivalent of $700 million for PowderJect Pharmaceuticals, a British manufacturer of vaccines and needle-free injection devices.

PowderJect said it had received “preliminary approaches from certain parties,” but that it was too soon to say whether the overtures would lead to any firm offers. Chiron produces vaccines and blood-testing equipment, but has no business relationship with PowderJect.

Denise Gellene