In 1980, Genetic Systems was founded in 1980 as a monoclonal antibody-based diagnostic company by Robert Nowinski of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center with $40 million raised by David and Isaac Blech. On Jun. 4, 1981, Genetic Systems announced an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The company was Acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb for $310 million in 1986, and was divested to Sanofi on April 19, 1990.