Document:

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

                                LICENSE AGREEMENT

         This Agreement is made between The Johns Hopkins University, a
corporation of the State of Maryland, having a principal place of business at
111 Market Place, Suite 906, Baltimore, MD 21202 (hereinafter referred to as
"JHU") and GMP Genetics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter the
"Company"), having an address at 1 East Broward Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
33301, as of January 14, 2000 ("EFFECTIVE DATE").

                                   WITNESSETH:

         WHEREAS, as a center for research and education, JHU is interested in
licensing PATENT RIGHTS (hereinafter defined) in a manner that will benefit the
public by facilitating the distribution of useful products and the utilization
of new methods, but is without capacity to commercially develop, manufacture,
and distribute any such products or methods; and

         WHEREAS, valuable inventions entitled "Mono-Allelic Mutation Analysis"
(JHU Ref. DM-9989) and "Converting Diploidy to Haploidy for Genetic Diagnosis"
(JHU ref. DM-3574) were developed during the course of research conducted by
Drs. Bert Vogelstein, Ken Kinzler, Nickolas Papadopoulos and Hai Yan (all
hereinafter, "Inventors" and Dr. Vogelstein being an employee of Howard Hughes
Medical Institute, hereinafter "HHMI"); and

         WHEREAS, JHU has acquired through assignment all rights, title and
interest, with the exception of certain retained rights by HHMI, in said
valuable invention; and

         WHEREAS, Company desires to commercially develop, manufacture, use and
distribute such products and processes throughout the world;

                                       1
<PAGE>   2

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the
following mutual covenants, and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties agree as follows:

                             ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS

         1.1      "PATENT RIGHTS" shall mean the following:

         (a) US. patent 5,750,352, entitled "Mono-Allelic Mutation Analysis",
corresponding Canadian application 2,229,558 & European application 96930551.5
(DM-9989),

         (b) U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/158,160 filed on
October 8, 1999, U.S. utility application Serial No. (to be determined) filed on
December 15, 1999, both assigned to JHU entitled "Converting Diploidy to
Haploidy for Genetic Diagnosis" (DM-3574),

         (c) The inventions disclosed and claimed in (a) and (b) above, and all
continuations, divisions, continuations-in-part directed to subject matter
specifically described in the U.S. utility applications above, and reissues
based thereof, and any corresponding foreign patent applications, and any
patents, patents of addition, or other equivalent foreign patent rights issuing,
granted or registered thereon.

         1.2      "LICENSED PRODUCT(S)" means any material, compositions,
diagnostic kit, or other product, the manufacture, use, import, offer to sell or
sale of which would constitute, but for the license granted to the Company
pursuant to this Agreement, an infringement of a claim of PATENT RIGHTS
(infringement shall include, but is not limited to, direct, contributory, or
inducement to infringe).

                                       2
<PAGE>   3

         1.3      "LICENSED SERVICE(S)" means the performance on behalf of a
third party of any method including a diagnostic service or the manufacture of
any product or the use of any product or composition which would constitute, but
for the license granted to the Company pursuant to this Agreement, an
infringement of a claim of the PATENT RIGHTS, (infringement shall include, but
not be limited to, direct, contributory or inducement to infringe).

         1.4      "NET SALES", subject to Paragraph 4.12, below, shall mean
gross sales revenues received by Company or AFFILIATED COMPANIES from their sale
of LICENSED PRODUCT(S) less trade discounts allowed, refunds, returns and
recalls, sales taxes, freight, storage and delivery costs, sales taxes,
discounts or rebates accrued, incurred or paid to Federal Medicaid or State
Medicare or other payors and amounts exactly repaid or credited by reason of
rejections or the return of LICENSED PRODUCTS (due to recalls, dating or other
reasons). In the event that Company or AFFILIATED COMPANIES sell a LICENSED
PRODUCT(S) in combination with other ingredients or substances or as part of a
kit, the NET SALES for purposes of royalty payments shall be based on that
portion of the sales revenues and fees derived from that component of the kit
which could independently be sold as a LICENSED PRODUCT.

         1.5      "NET SERVICE REVENUES", subject to Paragraph 4.12, below,
shall mean actual gross revenues received by Company or AFFILIATED COMPANIES for
the performance by them of LICENSED SERVICE less sales and/or use taxes less
sales and/or use taxes imposed upon and with specific reference to the LICENSED
SERVICE, and discounts or rebates accrued, incurred or paid to Federal Medicaid
or State Medicare or other payors and amounts exactly repaid or credited by
reason of rejection of services (due to recalls, dating or other reasons).

         1.6      "LICENSED FIELD" shall mean all diagnostic, scientific,
forensic and therapeutic applications and all equipment, materials, devices
and/or services that provide

                                       3
<PAGE>   4

or perform such functions.

         1.7      "AFFILIATED COMPANY" OR "AFFILIATED COMPANIES" shall mean any
corporation, company, partnership, joint venture or other entity which controls,
is controlled by or is under common control with the Company. For purposes of
this Paragraph 1.7, control shall mean the direct or indirect ownership of at
least fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of the controlled entity.

         1.8      "EXCLUSIVE LICENSE" shall mean a grant by JHU to Company of
its entire right and interest in the PATENT RIGHTS, subject to rights retained
by the United States government in accordance with P.L. 96-517, as amended by
P.L. 98-620, and subject to the retained right of JHU and HHMI to make, have
made, provide and use for their and The Johns Hopkins Health Systems' non-profit
purposes PATENT RIGHTS, LICENSED PRODUCT(S) and LICENSED SERVICES (but not for
commercial sale or use).

         1.9      "SUBLICENSE REVENUES", shall mean consideration of any kind
received by the Company or Affiliated Companies from a sublicensee for sales of
LICENSED PRODUCTS, for providing LICENSED SERVICES, or for fees received, such
as upfront fees or milestone fees and including any premium paid by the
sublicensee over Fair Market Value for stock of the Company or an Affiliated
Company in consideration for such sublicense. However, not included in
SUBLICENSE REVENUES are amounts paid to the Company or an Affiliated Company by
the sublicensee for product development, research work, clinical studies and
regulatory approvals performed by or for the Company or Affiliated Companies, or
third parties on their behalf pursuant to a specific agreement including a
performance plan and commensurate budget. The term "Fair Market Value" as used
in this Paragraph 1.9 shall mean the average price that the stock in question is
publicly trading at for twenty (20) days prior to the announcement of its
purchase by the sublicensee or if the stock is not publicly traded, the value of
such stock as determined by the most recent private financing of the Company or
Affiliated Company that issued the shares.

                                       4
<PAGE>   5

                               ARTICLE 2 - GRANTS

         2.1      Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, JHU
hereby grants to the Company an EXCLUSIVE LICENSE to make, have made, use,
import, offer to sell and sell the LICENSED PRODUCT(S) and to provide the
LICENSED SERVICE(S) in the United States and worldwide under the PATENT RIGHTS
in the LICENSED FIELD.

         2.2      Company may sublicense to others under this Agreement and
shall provide a copy of each such sublicense agreement to JHU promptly after it
is executed. Each sublicense shall be consistent with the terms of this
Agreement. In the event the Company desires to grant a sublicense, it shall have
the right to submit the form of the proposed sublicense agreement to JHU and
within 10 business days of the receipt of that form JHU shall issue a letter to
the Company stating that the proposed agreement is in compliance with this
paragraph or, if not, stating the changes required to make it compliant.

                         ARTICLE 3 - PATENT INFRINGEMENT

         3.1      Each party will notify the other promptly in writing when any
infringement by another is uncovered or suspected.

         3.2      Company shall have the first right to enforce any patent
within PATENT RIGHTS against any infringement or alleged infringement thereof,
and shall at all times keep JHU informed as to the status thereof. Company may,
in its sole judgment and at its own expense, institute suit against any such
infringer or alleged infringer and control, settle, and defend such suit in a
manner consistent with the terms and provisions hereof and recover, for its
account, any damages, awards or settlements resulting therefrom, subject to
Paragraph 3.4. This right to sue for infringement shall not be used in an
arbitrary or capricious manner. JHU shall reasonably cooperate in any such
litigation at its own expense.

                                       5
<PAGE>   6
*** CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES
    AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. ASTERISKS DENOTE SUCH OMISSIONS.

         3.3      If Company elects not to enforce any patent within the PATENT
RIGHTS, then it shall so notify JHU in writing within six (6) months of
receiving notice that an infringement exists, and JHU may, in its sole judgment
and at its own expense, take steps to enforce any patent and control, settle,
and defend such suit in a manner consistent with the terms and provisions
hereof, and recover, for its own account, any damages, awards or settlements
resulting therefrom. The Company shall reasonably cooperate in any such
litigation at its own expense.

         3.4      Any recovery by Company under Paragraph 3.2 shall be deemed to
reflect loss of commercial sales, and Company shall pay to JHU the same percent
of the recovery net of all reasonable costs and expenses associated with each
suit or settlement as if such net constituted NET SALES. If the cost and
expenses exceed the recovery, then one-half (1/2) of the excess shall be
credited against royalties payable by Company to JHU hereunder in connection
with sales or services in the country of such legal proceedings, provided,
however, that any such credit under this Paragraph 3.4 shall not exceed fifty
percent (50%) of the royalties otherwise payable to JHU with regard to sales or
services in the country of such action in any one calendar year, with any excess
credit being carried forward to future calendar years.

                    ARTICLE 4 - PAYMENTS, ROYALTY AND EQUITY

         4.1      Company will reimburse JHU for the reasonable costs of
preparing, filing, maintaining and prosecuting PATENT RIGHTS. Through the date
of this License Agreement the aggregate of all such costs shall not exceed
$40,000. Company shall reimburse JHU within thirty (30) days of receipt of
invoice from JHU.

         4.2      The Company shall pay to JHU a nonrefundable initial licensing
fee of [***]. This fee shall be paid according to the following schedule:

                                       6
<PAGE>   7
*** CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES
    AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. ASTERISKS DENOTE SUCH OMISSIONS.

         [***] shall be paid within thirty (30) days of the EFFECTIVE DATE of
this Agreement (this includes a processing fee of [***] from the JHU portion of
the proceeds).

         On the first anniversary of the EFFECTIVE DATE of this Agreement, [***]
is due.

         On the second anniversary of the EFFECTIVE DATE of this Agreement,
[***] is due.

         These payments are nonrefundable and shall not be credited against
royalties or other fees.

         4.3      The Company shall pay to JHU a [***] annual maintenance fee
due within thirty (30) days of each anniversary of the EFFECTIVE DATE of this
Agreement. Such fees are nonrefundable and shall not be credited against
royalties or other fees.

         4.4      The Company shall issue to JHU within sixty (60) days of the
EFFECTIVE DATE shares of Company common stock in such amounts that after
issuance of those shares JHU shall own [***] of the total outstanding shares of
Company on a fully diluted basis. The [***] equity interest of JHU in Company
evidenced by the JHU shares shall not be subject to dilution until Company is
financed with a minimum of [***].

         4.5      The Company shall pay to JHU, as a flat running royalty, for
each LICENSED PRODUCT sold, and for each LICENSED SERVICE provided by the
Company or AFFILIATED COMPANIES [***] of NET SALES and NET SERVICES for the term
of this Agreement. An additional flat [***] royalty on Company's and AFFILIATED
COMPANIES NET SALES and NET SERVICES shall be due JHU during

                                       7
<PAGE>   8
*** CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES
    AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. ASTERISKS DENOTE SUCH OMISSIONS.

such periods that the JHU equity shares received pursuant to paragraph 4.4 have
a value of less than [***] at the time the revenues are received by Company. The
Company shall pay to JHU, as a flat running royalty, [***] percent of the
SUBLICENSE REVENUES received by the Company or AFFILIATED COMPANIES for the term
of this Agreement. An additional flat [***] royalty on the SUBLICENSE REVENUES
received by the Company or AFFILIATED COMPANIES shall be due JHU during such
periods that the JHU equity shares received pursuant to paragraph 4.4 have a
value of less than [***] at the time the revenues are received by Company. For
purposes of this paragraph, the value of the Company shares owned by JHU shall
be based upon the price paid per share in the last round of private financing of
a similar type security or the then-current market share price, if publicly
traded, multiplied by the number of shares received by JHU, adjusted for any
stock splits or stock dividends. Such payments shall be made quarterly as
provided in Paragraph 4.7.

         4.6      The following minimum annual royalties shall be due within
thirty (30) days of the anniversary of the EFFECTIVE DATE (said minimum annual
royalties shall be credited against running royalties due in the same period):

<TABLE>
         <S>                              <C>
         3rd though 5th year              [***]
         6th and each subsequent year     [***]
</TABLE>

         4.7      The Company shall pay to JHU the following milestone payments
(not creditable against earned royalty) within thirty (30) days of the events
indicated below:

         Milestone payments shall be made on the occurrence of the following
events:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 EVENT                                            PAYMENT
                 -----                                            -------

<S>                                                              <C>
Filing of the first IDE with the FDA of a
LICENSED PRODUCT or LICENSED
SERVICE                                                             [***]

The first FDA commercial approval of
a LICENSED PRODUCT or LICENSED
</TABLE>

                                       8
<PAGE>   9
*** CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION OMITTED AND FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE SECURITIES
    AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. ASTERISKS DENOTE SUCH OMISSIONS.

<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
SERVICE                                   [***]
</TABLE>

In the event that FDA approval is not required, such payments shall be made at
such time as the Company has received in the aggregate [***] in revenues from
the sale of LICENSED PRODUCTS, LICENSED SERVICES or SUBLICENSE REVENUES.

         4.8      The Company shall provide to JHU within forty-five (45) days
of the end of each March, June, September and December after the EFFECTIVE DATE
of this Agreement, a written report to JHU of the amount of LICENSED PRODUCTS
sold, and LICENSED SERVICES provided by the Company and Affiliated Companies,
the total associated NET SALES and NET SERVICE REVENUES, the total SUBLICENSE
REVENUES and the running royalties due to JHU as a result of NET SALES, NET
SERVICE REVENUES, and SUBLICENSE REVENUES for the applicable calendar quarter.
Payment of any such royalties due shall accompany such report. Until the
Company, an AFFILIATED COMPANY or a sublicensee has achieved a first commercial
sale of a LICENSED PRODUCT and received FDA market approval, if applicable, a
report shall be submitted at the end of every June and December after the
EFFECTIVE DATE of this Agreement and will include a full written report
describing the Company's, AFFILIATED COMPANIES or sublicensee's technical
efforts towards meeting the milestones in Article 6.

         In the event that any payment due hereunder is not made when due, the
payment shall accrue interest beginning on the tenth day following the due date
thereof, calculated at the annual rate of the sum of (a) two percent (2%) plus
(b) the prime interest rate quoted by The Wall Street Journal on the date said
payment is due, the interest being compounded on the last day of each calendar
quarter, provided, however, that in no event shall said annual interest rate
exceed the maximum legal interest rate for corporations. Each such royalty
payment when made shall be accompanied by all interest so accrued. Said interest
and the payment and acceptance thereof shall not negate or waive the right of
JHU to seek any other remedy, legal or equitable, to which it may be entitled
under this Agreement because of the delinquency of any payment.

                                       9
<PAGE>   10

         4.9      The Company shall make and retain, for a period of three (3)
years following the period of each report required by Paragraph 4.8, true and
accurate records, files and books of account containing all the data reasonably
required for the full computation and verification of sales and other
information required in Paragraph 4.8. Such books and records shall be in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.
The Company shall permit the inspection and copying of such records, files and
books of account by JHU or its agents during regular business hours upon ten
(10) business days' written notice to the Company. Such inspection shall not be
made more than once each calendar year. All costs of such inspection and copying
shall be paid by JHU, provided that if any such inspection shall reveal that an
error has been made in the amount equal to five percent (5%) or more of such
payment, such costs shall be borne by the Company. The Company shall include in
any agreement with its AFFILIATED COMPANIES or its sublicensees which permits
such party to make, use or sell the LICENSED PRODUCT(S) or provide LICENSED
SERVICES, a provision requiring such party to retain records of sales of
LICENSED PRODUCT(S) and records of LICENSED SERVICES and other information as
required in Paragraph 4.8 and permit JHU to inspect such records as required by
this Paragraph 4.9.

         4.10     No royalties shall be payable on LICENSED PRODUCT sales or
LICENSED SERVICE activities between the Company and any AFFILIATED COMPANIES, in
which event the royalty shall be based upon the NET SALES or NET SERVICE
REVENUES of the AFFILIATED COMPANY.

         4.11     No multiple royalties shall be due and payable because any
LICENSED PRODUCTS or LICENSED SERVICES are covered by more than one patent which
is within the definition of PATENT RIGHTS.

         4.12     In order to insure JHU the full royalty payments contemplated
hereunder, the Company agrees that in the absence of a written consent by JHU to
the terms of any agreement, understanding, or arrangement between the Company or
any AFFILIATED

                                       10
<PAGE>   11

COMPANY and a corporation, firm or association (hereinafter referred to as an
"Inside Customer") under which the Company or an AFFILIATED COMPANY has or will
receive other consideration in connection with LICENSED PRODUCTS (such as, among
other things, an option to purchase stock or actual stock ownership, or an
arrangement involving division of profits or special rebates or allowances) any
royalties on LICENSED PRODUCT sold or LICENSED SERVICE provided by the Company
or an AFFILIATED COMPANY to such Inside Customer from such Inside Customer shall
be based upon the greater of: 1) the net selling price at which the Insider
Customer resells LICENSED PRODUCTS or provides LICENSED SERVICES, 2) the net
service revenues received by the Inside Customer from using the LICENSED PRODUCT
in providing a service, 3) the fair market value of the LICENSED PRODUCT or
LICENSED SERVICES, or 4) the net selling price of LICENSED PRODUCTS paid by the
Inside Customer. In the event JHU is requested to consent to an agreement with
an Inside Customer, JHU agrees to act promptly in the matter. The preceding not
withstanding, any amounts paid to the Company or an AFFILIATED COMPANY by an
Inside Customer in connection with LICENSED PRODUCTS which funds are to be used
for product development, research work, equipment purchases, facilities
development, clinical studies and regulatory approvals performed by or for the
Company or AFFILIATED COMPANIES, or third parties on their behalf shall not be
deemed other consideration that would trigger the alternative royalty payment
calculations described in this Paragraph.

         4.13     JHU agrees that no royalties shall be due for the internal use
of the LICENSED PRODUCTS or LICENSED SERVICES for research and commercial
development purposes by the Company and AFFILIATED COMPANIES or for use by third
parties providing research and development activities on behalf of the Company
or AFFILIATED COMPANIES in seeking governmental and professional approvals,
certifications or endorsements, or for training purposes, except where the
Company or any AFFILIATED COMPANY receives revenues for the sale of the LICENSED
PRODUCT or SERVICES to the organization using the device for such stated
proposes.

                                       11
<PAGE>   12

         4.14     All payments under this Agreement shall be made in U.S.
Dollars.

             ARTICLE 5 - PATENT RIGHTS AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

         5.1      The Company, at its own expense, shall file, prosecute and
maintain all patents and patent applications specified under PATENT RIGHTS and
the Company shall be licensed thereunder. Title to all such patents and patent
applications shall reside in JHU. JHU-owned cases which are filed, prosecuted or
maintained by other than JHU retained counsel shall be filed, prosecuted and
maintained in the best interest of JHU. Such counsel shall acknowledge that they
represent JHU. JHU shall be copied directly on all patent correspondence,
provided copies of all correspondence received from any patent office and
provided drafts of any papers or applications to be filed at least two weeks
prior to patent office submission for JHU comment. JHU comments shall be
considered and reasonably incorporated and JHU agrees to reasonably and promptly
cooperate in the execution and delivery of documentation required in connection
with such matters. Such patent counsel shall not file any cases which
incorporate new matter or new cases in which inventorship has been changed from
that of the originally filed patents within PATENT RIGHTS without written
permission of JHU. Should applications not be prosecuted in JHU's best interest,
JHU may revoke power of attorney granted to the non-JHU retained counsel. In any
country where the Company elects not to have a patent application filed or to
pay expenses associated with filing, prosecuting, or maintaining a patent
application or patent, JHU may file, prosecute, and/or maintain a patent
application or patent at its own expense and for its own exclusive benefit and
the Company thereafter shall not be licensed under such patent or patent
application.

         5.2      Company agrees that all packaging containing individual
LICENSED PRODUCT(S) sold by Company, AFFILIATED COMPANIES and sublicensees of
Company will be marked with the number of the applicable patent(s) licensed
hereunder in accordance with each country's patent laws.

                                       12
<PAGE>   13

         5.3      If necessary, the parties will exchange information, which
they consider to be confidential. The recipient of such information agrees to
accept the disclosure of said information which is marked as confidential at the
time it is sent to the recipient, and to employ all reasonable efforts to
maintain the information secret and confidential, such efforts to be no less
than the degree of care employed by the recipient to preserve and safeguard its
own confidential information. The information shall not be disclosed or revealed
by the recipient to anyone except employees of the recipient who have a need to
know the information and who have entered into a secrecy agreement with the
recipient under which such employees are required to maintain confidential the
proprietary information of the recipient and such employees shall be advised by
the recipient of the confidential nature of the information and that the
information shall be treated accordingly. The recipient's obligations under this
Paragraph 5.3 shall not extend to any part of the information:

         a. that can be demonstrated to have been in the public domain or
         publicly known and readily available to the trade or the public prior
         to the date of the disclosure; or

         b. that can be demonstrated, from written records to have been in the
         recipient's possession or readily available to the recipient from
         another source not under obligation of secrecy to the disclosing party
         prior to the disclosure; or

         c. that becomes part of the public domain or publicly known by
         publication or otherwise, not due to any unauthorized act by the
         recipient; or

         d. that is demonstrated from written records to have been developed by
         or for the receiving party without reference to confidential
         information disclosed by the disclosing party; or

         e. that is required to be disclosed by law, government regulation or
         court order.

                                       13
<PAGE>   14

The obligations of this Paragraph 5.3 shall also apply to AFFILIATED COMPANIES
and/or sublicensees provided such information by Company. JHU's, the Company's,
AFFILIATED COMPANIES, and sublicensees' obligations under this Paragraph 5.3
shall extend until three (3) years after the termination of this Agreement. Upon
written request of the disclosing party, the other party shall return or destroy
all copies of materials containing confidential information of the disclosing
party.

                  ARTICLE 6 - TERM, MILESTONES AND TERMINATION

         6.1      This Agreement shall expire in each country on the date of
expiration of the last to expire patent included within PATENT RIGHTS in that
country or if no patents issue twenty (20) years from the EFFECTIVE DATE of this
Agreement.

         6.2      Company shall exercise best efforts in a commercially
reasonable manner to develop and commercialize the LICENSED PRODUCT(S) and
LICENSED SERVICE(S) using good scientific judgment. To this end, Company shall,
if FDA approval is required, submit to JHU within three months following the
EFFECTIVE DATE of this Agreement, a development plan for seeking FDA approval.

         6.3      After regulatory approval has been obtained from the FDA, if
applicable, Company shall exercise commercially reasonable efforts to market,
directly or indirectly, a product included in LICENSED PRODUCTS or a service
included in LICENSED SERVICES, in the U.S. and worldwide, conditioned upon
obtaining regulatory approval in each particular foreign nation or region.
Company shall also exercise commercially reasonable efforts to develop other
LICENSED PRODUCTS suitable for different indications, so that the PATENT RIGHTS
can be commercialized as broadly and as speedily as good scientific and business
judgment would deem possible.

         6.4      After clinical or other evidence, provided in writing by JHU
or by another party, to Company, demonstrates the practicality of a particular
diagnostic technique which is not being developed or commercialized by Company
in a country in which a patent

                                       14
<PAGE>   15

application covering the PATENT RIGHTS has been filed by the Company, Company
shall either provide JHU with a reasonable development plan and start
development or attempt to reasonably sublicense the particular technology to a
third party within that country. If within six (6) months of such notification
by JHU, Company has not initiated such development efforts or sublicensed that
particular diagnostic technique within that country, and has failed to initiate
such action within sixty days after receiving written notice from JHU that the
efforts during the six (6) month period were inadequate, JHU may terminate this
license for such particular diagnostic technique within that country as its sole
and exclusive remedy for the Company's failure to meet such requirements. This
Paragraph 6.4 shall not be applicable if Company reasonably demonstrates to JHU
that commercializing such LICENSED PRODUCT(S) or granting such a sublicense
would have a potentially adverse commercial effect upon marketing or sales of
the LICENSED PRODUCTS developed and being sold by Company.

         6.5      Upon breach or default of any of the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, the defaulting party shall be given written notice of such
default in writing and a period of sixty (60) days after receipt of such notice
to correct the default or breach or thirty (30) days in the case of a financial
default or breach. If the default or breach is not corrected within said sixty
(60) or thirty (30) day period, the party not in default shall have the right to
terminate this Agreement. Failure to meet any of the milestones in paragraph 6.2
shall be considered a breach.

         6.6      Company may terminate this Agreement and the license granted
herein, for any reason, upon giving JHU sixty (60) days written notice.

         6.7      Termination shall not affect JHU's right to recover due and
unpaid royalties or fees or reimbursement for patent expenses incurred pursuant
to Paragraph 4.1 prior to termination. Upon termination all rights in and to the
licensed technology shall revert to JHU at no cost to JHU, provided that JHU
shall honor sublicensee agreements in the event the sublicensee cures any
payment defaults and agrees to directly assume the obligations of the Company
under this Agreement and to make all payments directly to

                                       15
<PAGE>   16

JHU. In this connection JHU agrees to promptly issue, from time to time, upon
written request, estoppel certificates in favor of the Company, AFFILIATED
COMPANIES, sublicensees or potential sublicensees setting forth the status of
this Agreement and, if in default, the conditions required to cure the same.

                            ARTICLE 7 - MISCELLANEOUS

         7.1      All notices pertaining to this Agreement shall be in writing
and sent certified mail, return receipt requested, to the parties at the
following addresses or such other address as such party shall have furnished in
writing to the other party in accordance with this Paragraph 7.1:

FOR JHU:                   Assistant Dean and Director
                           Office of Technology Licensing
                           The Johns Hopkins University
                           School of Medicine
                           111 Market Place, Suite 906
                           Baltimore, MD 21202

FOR Company:               Bart Chernow, M.D.
                           President
                           GMP Genetics, Inc.
                           1 East Broward Blvd.
                           Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301

         7.2      All written progress reports, royalty and other payments, and
any other related correspondence shall be in writing and sent to:

FOR JHU:                   Assistant Dean and Director
                           Office of Technology Licensing
                           The Johns Hopkins University
                           School of Medicine
                           111 Market Place, Suite 906
                           Baltimore, MD 21202

Or, such other addressee which JHU may designate in writing from time to time.
Checks are to be made payable to "The Johns Hopkins University". Wire transfers
may

                                       16
<PAGE>   17

be made through:
                           Allfirst Bank
                           PO Box 1596
                           Baltimore, MD 21203 USA
                           JHU Acct. # 9000522
                           ABA # 052000113

Ref. JHU SOM Office of Technology Licensing, Alan Mullenax (also include
invention DM number)

Company shall be responsible for any costs associated with wire transfers.

         7.3      This Agreement is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit
of JHU, its successors and assignees and shall not be assignable to another
party without the written consent of JHU, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, except that the Company shall have the right to assign
this Agreement to another party without the consent of JHU in the case of the
sale or transfer by the Company of all, or substantially all, of its assets
relating to the LICENSED PRODUCT or LICENSED SERVICE, to that party.

         7.4      In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this
Agreement should for any reason be held by any court or authority having
jurisdiction over this Agreement, or over any of the parties hereto to be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, such provision or provisions shall be
reformed to approximate as nearly as possible the intent of the parties, and if
unreformable, shall be divisible and deleted in such jurisdictions; elsewhere,
this Agreement shall not be affected.

         7.5      The construction, performance, and execution of this Agreement
shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland.

         7.6      The Company shall not use the name of HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL
INSTITUTE, THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY or THE JOHNS HOPKINS HEALTH SYSTEM or
any of its constituent parts, such as the Johns Hopkins Hospital or any

                                       17
<PAGE>   18

contraction thereof or the name of Inventors of PATENT RIGHTS in any
advertising, promotional, sales literature or fundraising documents without
prior written consent from an officer of JHU or an authorized representative of
HHMI, as appropriate. Company shall allow at least seven (7) business days
notice of any proposed public disclosure for JHU's and/or HHMI's review and
comment or to provide written consent. JHU agrees to use its reasonable efforts
to respond in such time and its consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. For
purposes of this paragraph, notice to HHMI should be directed to:

                                             Howard Hughes Medical Institute
                                             4000 Jones Bridge Road
                                             Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815
                                             Attn: Office of the General Counsel

         7.7      JHU warrants that it has good and marketable title to its
interest in the inventions claimed under PATENT RIGHTS and that to the best of
its knowledge as of the EFFECTIVE DATE, its interest as the owner of the PATENT
RIGHTS is free and clear of all licenses, liens or other encumbrances with the
exception of those certain retained rights of JHU and HHMI described in the
definition of "EXCLUSIVE LICENSE". JHU does not warrant the validity of any
patents or that practice under such patents shall be free of infringement.
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS PARAGRAPH 7.7, COMPANY, AFFILIATED
COMPANIES AND SUBLICENSEES AGREE THAT THE PATENT RIGHTS ARE PROVIDED "AS IS",
AND THAT JHU MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO THE PERFORMANCE
OF LICENSED PRODUCT(S) AND LICENSED SERVICES INCLUDING THEIR SAFETY,
EFFECTIVENESS, OR COMMERCIAL VIABILITY. JHU DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH REGARD
TO PRODUCT(S) AND SERVICES LICENSED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS
AGREEMENT, JHU ADDITIONALLY DISCLAIMS ALL OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES ON THE
PART OF JHU AND INVENTORS, FOR DAMAGES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DIRECT,
INDIRECT, SPECIAL, AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, ATTORNEYS' AND EXPERTS' FEES, AND
COURT COSTS (EVEN IF JHU HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE

                                       18
<PAGE>   19

POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, FEES OR COSTS), ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION
WITH THE MANUFACTURE, USE, OR SALE OF THE PRODUCT(S) AND SERVICES LICENSED UNDER
THIS AGREEMENT. COMPANY, AFFILIATED COMPANIES AND SUBLICENSEES ASSUME ALL
RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED BY A PRODUCT AND SERVICE
MANUFACTURED, USED, OR SOLD BY COMPANY, ITS SUBLICENSEES AND AFFILIATED
COMPANIES WHICH IS A LICENSED PRODUCT OR LICENSED SERVICE AS DEFINED IN THIS
AGREEMENT.

         7.8      JHU, HHMI and the Inventors of LICENSED PRODUCT(S) and
LICENSED SERVICES will not, under the provisions of this Agreement or otherwise,
have control over the manner in which Company or its AFFILIATED COMPANIES or its
sublicensees or those operating for its account or third parties who purchase
LICENSED PRODUCT(S) or LICENSED SERVICES from any of the foregoing entities,
practice the inventions of LICENSED PRODUCT(S) and LICENSED SERVICES.

The Company shall indemnify, defend with counsel acceptable to HHMI and hold
HHMI, its present and former trustees, officers, agents, faculty, and employees
harmless from and against any claim, liability, cost, expense, damage,
deficiency, loss or obligation, of any kind or nature (including, without
limitation, reasonable attorney's fees and disbursements), based upon, arising
out of, or in connection with this Agreement, including without limitation any
cause of action relating to product liability, whether or not HHMI or said
Inventors, either jointly or severally, is named as a party defendant in a
lawsuit.

The Company shall indemnify, defend with counsel acceptable to JHU, and hold
JHU, The Johns Hopkins Health Systems, their present and former trustees,
officers, Inventors of PATENT RIGHTS, agents, faculty, employees and students
harmless as against any judgments, fees, expenses, or other costs arising from
or incidental to any product liability or other lawsuit, claim, demand or other
action brought as a consequence of the practice of said inventions by any of the
foregoing entities, whether or not JHU or said Inventors, either jointly or
severally, is named as a party defendant in any such lawsuit.

                                       19
<PAGE>   20

Practice of the inventions covered by LICENSED PRODUCT(S) and LICENSED SERVICES,
by an AFFILIATED COMPANY or an agent or a sublicensee or a third party on behalf
of or for the account of the Company or by a third party who purchases LICENSED
PRODUCT(S) and LICENSED SERVICES from the Company, shall be considered the
Company's practice of said inventions for purposes of this Paragraph 7.8. The
obligation of the Company to defend, hold harmless and indemnify as set out in
this Paragraph 7.8 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

         7.9      Prior to initial human testing or first commercial sale of any
LICENSED PRODUCT or LICENSED SERVICE as the case may be in any particular
country, the Company shall establish and maintain, in each country in which
Company, an AFFILIATED COMPANY or sublicensee shall test or sell LICENSED
PRODUCT(S) and LICENSED SERVICES, product liability or other appropriate
insurance coverage appropriate to the risks involved in marketing LICENSED
PRODUCT(S) and LICENSED SERVICES and will annually present evidence to JHU that
such coverage is being maintained. Upon JHU's request, the Company will furnish
JHU with a Certificate of Insurance of each product liability insurance policy
obtained and agrees to increase or change the kind of insurance pertaining to
the LICENSED PRODUCT(S) and LICENSED SERVICES at the request of JHU. JHU and
HHMI shall each be listed as an additional insured in Company's said insurance
policies.

         7.10     JHU may publish manuscripts, abstracts or the like describing
the PATENT RIGHTS and inventions contained therein provided the necessary
filings for protection of any such rights under applicable patent laws have been
made and confidential information of the Company as defined in Paragraph 5.3, is
not included or without first obtaining approval from the Company to include
such matters for which patents have not been filed or confidential information.
Otherwise, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, JHU and the Inventors
shall be free to publish manuscripts and abstracts or the like directed to the
work done at JHU related to the licensed technology without prior approval,
provided, however, in any such materials the author will note that the Company
has been granted the exclusive license to the PATENT RIGHTS.

                                       20
<PAGE>   21

         7.11     This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between
the parties with respect to the obligations of the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof, and supersedes and replaces all prior agreements,
understandings, writings, and discussions between the parties relating to said
subject matter.

         7.12     This Agreement may be amended and any of its terms or
conditions may be waived only by a written instrument executed by the authorized
officials of the parties or, in the case of a waiver, by the party waiving
compliance. The failure of either party at any time or times to require
performance of any provision hereof shall in no manner affect its right at a
later time to enforce the same. No waiver by either party of any condition or
term in any one or more instances shall be construed as a further or continuing
waiver of such condition or term or of any other condition or term.

         7.13     This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and
permitted assigns.

         7.14     HHMI is not a party to this Agreement and has no liability to
any licensee, sublicensee or user of anything covered by this Agreement, but
HHMI is an intended third-party beneficiary of the Agreement and certain of its
provisions are for the benefit of HHMI and are enforceable by HHMI in its own
name.

         7.15     Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, Paragraphs
5.3, 6.7, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9 and 7.14 shall survive termination of this
Agreement.

         7.16     This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                                       21
<PAGE>   22

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF the respective parties hereto have executed this
Agreement by their duly authorized officers on the date appearing below their
signatures.

THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY                GMP GENETICS, INC.

By                                          By
      ---------------------------------          -------------------------------
      Elias Zerhouni, M.D.                       Bart Chernow, M.D.
      Executive Vice Dean                        President
      School of Medicine

Date:                                       Date
      ---------------------------------          -------------------------------

      I have read and agree to abide by the terms of this Agreement

By:                                         By:
      ---------------------------------          -------------------------------
      Dr. Bert Vogelstein                        Dr. Ken Kinzler

Date:                                       Date:
      ---------------------------------          -------------------------------

                                       22<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.10

                  STRATEGIC AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
                 RELATED TO THE MANAGEMENT OF GMP|GENETICS Inc.

         This General Work Agreement for Professional Services Related to the
Management of GMP|Genetics, Inc. (the "AGREEMENT") is made as of the 21st day of
March 2000, (the "EFFECTIVE DATE"), by and between NOVA Biomedical Corporation,
a Massachusetts corporation with its principal place of business at 200 Prospect
Street, Waltham, MA ("NOVA") and GMP|Genetics, Inc. ("GMP|GENETICS "), a
Delaware corporation and a subsidiary of GMP Companies, Inc. with its usual
place of business at One East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1701, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
33301 ("GMP COMPANIES"). NOVA and GMP|Genetics are referred to collectively
herein as the "PARTIES".

         NOVA will perform the function of strategic collaborator on-site
working in collaboration with the onsite Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and
Director of Operations of GMP|Genetics and will report to GMP COMPANIES. NOVA's
CEO, Frank Manganaro, COO, John Wallace, and Vice President of Business
Development, Dr. Jeffrey DuBois will jointly fill the role of strategic
collaborator on-site working in collaboration with the onsite Chief Scientific
Officer (CSO), Director of Operations, Bart Chernow, MD, and Michael Salem, MD.
Their time will not be directly charged to GMP|Genetics but will be included as
part of NOVA's management fee. All of NOVA's other resources and departments
will be available to GMP|Genetics on an as needed basis and will be charged on a
time and material basis. This will mean that GMP|Genetics will not have to hire
full time staff until there is a fulltime need. The functions available to
GMP|Genetics include the following:

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>
         Finance including cost accounting and payroll
         Human Resources including recruitment and hiring
         Business Development
         Materials and purchasing
         Management Information Systems including computers, networks, and communications
         Engineering including development of laboratory automation and fixtures
         Facilities/Construction including design and construction of offices and laboratory spaces
</TABLE>

Dr. Joseph Chan will be responsible for the technical supervision of the
technology transfer phase of the laboratory development until Dr. Nicholas
Papadopolous is available on a full time basis. Once Dr. Papadopolous is
fulltime Dr. Chan will be the technical backup during Dr. Papadopolous' absence.

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS, NOVA is engaged in the business of designing, developing and
manufacturing medical devices based on customer specifications;

         WHEREAS, GMP|Genetics is engaged in the development of genetic
laboratory services (the "Service") based GMP|Genetics' proprietary Technology;
and

         WHEREAS, GMP|Genetics and NOVA desire to enter into a cooperative
agreement for the management of a genetic laboratory service on-site at NOVA,
where NOVA becomes the managing partner of GMP|Genetics and reports to GMP
COMPANIES;

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the covenants and
premises contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

<PAGE>   2

1.       DEFINITIONS

         1.1      "GMP|GENETICS KNOW-HOW" shall mean any techniques, inventions,
practices, methods, knowledge, skill, experience, test data and cost, sales and
laboratory data of GMP|Genetics.

         1.2      "GMP|GENETICS TECHNOLOGY" shall mean all proprietary Technical
Information of GMP|Genetics, as well as the improvements and modifications to
such technology created by or on behalf of GMP|Genetics, including, without
limitation, the Technical Information that relates to the discovery, design,
synthesis, delivery, development, testing, use, manufacture or sale of the
Product, which are owned by GMP|Genetics or which GMP|Genetics otherwise has the
right to license, the GMP|Genetics Know-How, as well as all Intellectual
Property Rights incorporated in the GMP|Genetics Technology.

         1.3      "INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS" shall mean copyrights, patents,
and trade secrets whether or not registered, filed, applied for or the like, and
all related rights.

         1.4      "NOVA KNOW-HOW" shall mean any techniques, inventions,
practices, methods, knowledge, skill, experience, test data and cost, sales and
manufacturing data of NOVA relating to the Products.

         1.5      "NOVA TECHNOLOGY" shall mean all proprietary Technical
Information of NOVA, as well as improvements and modifications to such
technology created by or on behalf of NOVA, including, without limitation, NOVA
Know-How; provided, however, that NOVA Technology shall not include any
GMP|Genetics Technology.

         1.6      "FIELD OF USE" shall mean the industry and market segment
targeted by GMP|Genetics for the Work Product. For purposes of this Agreement,
the Field of Use of the Work Product is limited to genetic testing and DNA
analyses. All other existing or future applications are considered outside this
Agreement.

         1.7      "PRODUCT" shall mean genetic laboratory services as further
described in the business plan dated December 7, 1999, and all subsequent
updates.

         1.8      "TECHNICAL INFORMATION" shall mean all technology, inventions,
information, data, know-how, compounds and materials (whether or not patented or
patentable) related to the design, development and manufacture of the Product.

2.       GENETIC LABORATORY DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT

         2.1      PHASE I - LABORATORY CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
GMP|Genetics and NOVA each agree, in cooperation with the other, to establish,
construct, and develop an onsite genetics laboratory service on-site at NOVA
according to the specifications defined by GMP|Genetics.

                  (A)      Development Obligations of the Parties.

                           (I)      NOVA will manage the Phase I Laboratory
                                    Development Work;

                           (II)     NOVA will assist GMP|Genetics with defining
                                    and verifying the laboratory specifications;

                     NOVA Biomedical - GMP|Genetics, Page 2

<PAGE>   3

                           (III)    NOVA will conduct both group and individual
                                    brainstorming to develop and refine the
                                    Laboratory Specifications;

                           (IV)     NOVA will assist GMP|Genetics with
                                    developing mutually agreeable plans to
                                    evaluate and verify Deliverables and the
                                    selected Product concept;

                           (V)      NOVA will construct a laboratory facility of
                                    approximately 3,500 square foot at 200
                                    Prospect Street, Waltham, MA 02454;

                  (B)      Deliverables. NOVA will deliver to GMP|Genetics
plans, which will be incorporated into the Laboratory Specifications by
GMP|Genetics. The plans shall define the specification of capital equipment that
have been defined and verified for integration into the overall design and
construction of the genetics laboratory. GMP|Genetics shall review and approve
the plans and such review, approval, and construction shall constitute the
completion of the Phase I Development Work.

                  (C)      Phase I Development Timing. NOVA shall use reasonable
best efforts to complete the Phase I Development Work and the Phase I
Deliverable set forth in subsection (b) above no later than four (4) months from
the execution of this Agreement. The Parties acknowledge and agree that time is
of the essence in completing the Phase I Development Work but also acknowledge
and agree that development work is not susceptible to precise timing.

         2.2      Phase II - MANAGEMENT. Upon successful completion of the Phase
I Development Work, NOVA agrees to manage in collaboration with the onsite Chief
Scientific Officer (CSO) and Director of Operations of GMP|Genetics the overall
operations of GMP|Genetics. NOVA shall perform its obligations either alone or
through a subcontractor.

                  (A)      NOVA Phase II Management.

         NOVA shall perform, but will not be limited to, the following functions
as part of its management responsibilities for GMP|Genetics as defined in a
separate (to be developed) operating plan for GMP|Genetics

                           (I)      Establish a detailed project and action plan
                                    with defined timelines and cost including:

                                    -        facilities construction

                                    -        administrative support

                                    -        personnel

                                    -        capital equipment

                                    -        consumables

                                    -        define the "How TO" of Technology
                                             Transfer to establish pilot lab

                                    -        regulatory issues - CLIA, FDA,
                                             local and state; laboratory for
                                             CLIA license has to be local. Dr.
                                             DuBois will become the Laboratory
                                             Director and maintain licensure by
                                             establishing the procedural,
                                             quality, and operating policies of
                                             the laboratory in

                     NOVA Biomedical - GMP|Genetics, Page 3

<PAGE>   4

                                             compliance with local, state, and
                                             federal regulations
                                    -        logistics of specimen acquisition -
                                             preparation of collection kits,
                                             mailer, test request form, etc
                                    -        information system (start-up and
                                             commercialization) and reporting
                                    -        logistics of shipping final sample
                                             - preparation of shipping kits,
                                             documents, etc

                           (II)     Define roles of the parties - GMP,
                                    GMP|Genetics, and NOVA

                           (III)    NOVA to recruit and hire personnel, handle
                                    finances for initial operation and capital
                                    equipment, and define mechanisms for these
                                    business issues.

                           (IV)     GMP Companies, Inc. will establish a
                                    corporate structure for GMP|Genetics in
                                    collaboration with Nova Biomedical and
                                    establish business processes, policies and
                                    procedures.

                           (V)      NOVA will provide monthly financial,
                                    operating, and business development reports
                                    to GMP Companies within 25 days of the close
                                    of each month.

                           (VI)     Prepare an implementation plan for
                                    commercialization of this service,
                                    specifically a marketing and sales plan
                                    which quantifies top partners and defines
                                    the cost of the service.

                  (B)      DELIVERABLES. Nova will deliver to GMP|Genetics an
operational laboratory for GMP|Genetics employees. NOVA will support
GMP|Genetics in obtaining required regulatory approvals as requested by
GMP|Genetics at GMP|Genetics' expense.

         2.3      DEVELOPMENT FEES AND EXPENSES.

                  (A)      Time and Materials Basis. NOVA will perform its
construction obligations set forth in Section 2.1 on a time and materials basis
for an estimated amount of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) for the
base laboratory construction. NOVA shall use reasonable best efforts to complete
the specified services and the deliverables for no more than such estimated
amounts. Further, should NOVA determine at any time that it may be necessary to
exceed such estimated amounts, NOVA shall immediately notify GMP|Genetics in
writing. In such notice, NOVA shall set forth NOVA's best estimate of the cost
to complete the pertinent services and/or the deliverables. Following receipt of
such notice, GMP|Genetics shall either instruct NOVA to halt work with respect
to such services and/or deliverables, to continue on a time and material basis,
or to suspend work pending further negotiation. NOVA shall be under no
obligation to perform Phase I Development work or Phase II Management unless it
is being paid by GMP|Genetics on a time and materials basis. GMP|Genetics will
notify NOVA of any disputed amounts within 30 days and NOVA and GMP|Genetics
agree to negotiate in good faith to resolve any differences before proceeding to
the next step.

                  (B)      No Other Compensation. The hourly rates prescribed in
NOVA's Statement of Rates provided to GMP|Genetics (and attached hereto as
Exhibit A) shall include compensation for any

                     NOVA Biomedical - GMP|Genetics, Page 4

<PAGE>   5

costs or burden incurred by NOVA, including (without limitation) occupancy,
utilities, payroll, management and overhead. Capital equipment as noted in
Exhibit B will be billed against advanced payments to GMP|Genetics at a 10%
Material overhead Rate. Materials, supplies, travel costs, and other
out-of-pocket expenses will be billed separately and charges for these items
will not exceed GMP|Genetics' authorized amounts. No royalty or profit-sharing
whatsoever is to be provided to NOVA for the services or deliverables.

                  (C)      Additional Compensation/Expenses. Exhibit C outlines
the Space/Lease obligations of GMP|Genetics, Monthly Management Fee, and Equity
Participation.

                  (D)      Changes to the Statement of Rates; Calculation of
Fees and Expenses. NOVA may increase the hourly rates on the Statement of Rates
during the project upon prior notice to GMP|Genetics but, in any event, not in
excess of five percent (5 %), and not within twelve (12) months of the date of
this Agreement and no more frequently than once annually thereafter.

         2.4      Payment; Manner of Payment.

                  (A)      Invoices. NOVA shall submit invoices to GMP|Genetics
for payment for work and/or Deliverables periodically for fees and costs
incurred during the period. All invoices shall specifically include the hours by
skill levels of employees performing the work. Each invoice shall separately set
forth a summary of reimbursable travel expenses, if any. Supporting
documentation (e.g., receipts for air travel, hotels, and rental cars) called
for by NOVA shall be available for audit by GMP|Genetics during normal business
hours. Terms for all invoices will be "net thirty (30) days" from invoice date.
Late charges on past due invoices may be assessed at a rate of one and one-half
percent per month. NOVA reserves the right to halt the work on the Phase I
Development Work or the Phase II Management in the event GMP|Genetics has not
paid an overdue invoice; provided, however that NOVA shall not be entitled to
halt work if GMP|Genetics' failure to pay an overdue invoice is due to a good
faith dispute between the parties concerning the content or calculation of any
invoice.

                  (B)      Subcontractor Payments. NOVA shall be responsible for
paying all invoices for fees and costs for which it subcontracts.

                  (C)      Deposit. GMP|Genetics shall pay NOVA a deposit of $
Four hundred thousand dollars ($400,000) due at signing and the balance of
$1.288 million dollars or in lesser amounts as needed on or before May 1, 2000
prior to the start of the Phase I Development Work and for Capital equipment
purchases . This deposit will be held until the completion of the Phase I
Development Work and will be credited against the final invoice for the Phase I
Development Work. Any remaining funds will be returned to the payer or credited
against the deposit required for the Phase II Management. NOVA shall remit to
any subcontractor any initial deposit required by such subcontractor out of the
initial deposits made by GMP|Genetics to NOVA pursuant to this subsection (c).
NOVA will not commence the Phase I Development Work or the Phase II Management,
respectively until all required deposits have been received.

         2.5      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES BY NOVA. NOVA makes the
following representations and warranties for the benefit of GMP|Genetics, as a
present and ongoing affirmation of facts in existence at all times when this
Agreement is in effect:

                  (A)      No Conflict. NOVA represents and warrants that it is
under no obligation or restriction, nor will it assume any such obligation or
restriction that does or would in any way interfere

                     NOVA Biomedical - GMP|Genetics, Page 5

<PAGE>   6

or conflict with, or that does or would present a conflict of interest
concerning, the work to be performed by NOVA under this Agreement.

                  (B)      Ownership Rights. NOVA represents and warrants that
(1) except with respect to work to be performed for it by subcontractors for
which NOVA will obtain the right to grant to GMP|Genetics ownership of the
Products and Deliverables as more fully set forth in Section 3 below and except
to the extent the work incorporates GMP|Genetics know-how and/or GMP|Genetics
Technology, it is and will be the sole author or inventor of all works employed
by NOVA in preparing any and all Deliverables; (2) it has and will have full and
sufficient right to assign or grant the rights and/or licenses granted in the
Deliverables pursuant to this Agreement; and (3) all Deliverables will not be
published under circumstances that would cause a loss of copyright therein or
loss of patentability.

                  (C)      Conformity, Performance, and Compliance. NOVA
represents and warrants (1) that all Deliverables shall be prepared in a
workmanlike manner and with professional diligence and skill; (2) that all
Deliverables will conform to the specifications and functions set forth in the
Product Specifications relating thereto; and (3) that NOVA will perform the
Phase I Development Work and the Phase II Product Development in compliance with
applicable law.

         2.6      USE OF SUBCONTRACTORS. NOVA hereby acknowledges and agrees to
ensure that all subcontractors engaged by NOVA to perform the Phase I
Development Work or the Phase II Product Development agree to be bound by the
terms of this Agreement.

         2.7      OWNERSHIP OF PRODUCTS.

                  (A)      Ownership of Products and Deliverables. GMP|Genetics
shall own all rights to the Products and the Deliverables, including all
Intellectual Property Rights. NOVA hereby assigns to GMP|Genetics all right
title and interest in any Intellectual Property Rights which comprise the
Products and the Deliverables.

                  (B)      Patents. When patentable subject matter created by
NOVA or NOVA's agent(s) forms the basis of one or more claims of a patent
application filed by GMP|Genetics, GMP|Genetics is the assignee of all patents
and patent applications and Nova employees shall agree to such assignments, the
names of the individual employee(s) and/or agent(s) of NOVA who created such
patentable subject matter shall be included in such application as an
"inventor".

3.       INDEMNIFICATION.

         3.1      INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INDEMNIFICATION. The parties shall
indemnify each other as follows:

                  (A)      Agreement to Avoid Infringing. In performing services
under this Agreement, NOVA and its agent(s) shall not knowingly design or
develop any items that infringe Intellectual Property Rights of any third party.
If NOVA becomes aware of any such possible infringement in the course of
performing the Phase I Development Work or the Phase II Management, NOVA shall
immediately so notify GMP|Genetics in writing. However, NOVA assumes no
responsibility for ensuring that the Products or the Deliverables do not
infringe Intellectual Property Rights of any third party. Upon acceptance of a
Deliverable, GMP|Genetics shall assume all responsibility for liability related
to the Deliverable and all resulting Products including, but not limited to,
liability relating to infringement of patents or other Intellectual Property
Rights of any third party, provided that NOVA

                     NOVA Biomedical - GMP|Genetics, Page 6
<PAGE>   7

shall remain responsible for Product-related warranties to the extent provided
in the Manufacturing Agreement.

                  (B)      GMP|Genetics Representation. GMP|Genetics represents
and warrants that, to the best of its knowledge, the use of its technology to
design and develop the Deliverables, Product Specification and the Products does
not infringe any Intellectual Property Rights of a third party.

                  (C)      NOVA Representation. NOVA represents and warrants
that, to the best of its knowledge, the use of its technology to manufacture the
Products does not infringe any Intellectual Property Rights of a third party.

                  (D)      Intellectual Property Indemnification. GMP|Genetics
will defend at its own expense any action against NOVA or its agent(s) that is
based on a claim that the development, sale or other commercialization of the
Products infringes on the Intellectual Property Rights of a third party and pay
those damages or costs finally awarded against NOVA or its agent(s) in such
action, provided that NOVA notifies GMP|Genetics promptly in writing of any such
action and gives GMP|Genetics sole control of the defense and any negotiations
for settlement or compromise of such action. NOVA agrees to provide reasonable
best assistance to GMP|Genetics in connection with any such action.

         3.2      GENERAL INDEMNIFICATION BY NOVA. NOVA agrees to and hereby
does indemnify and hold harmless GMP|Genetics and GMP|Genetics' officers,
directors, employees, and agents, and GMP Companies' officers, directors,
employees, and agents from and against any and all losses, costs, liabilities or
expenses arising out of or in connection with NOVA's performance under or breach
of this Agreement to the extent that such claims arise out of or result from the
negligent act or omission of NOVA.

         3.3      GENERAL INDEMNIFICATION BY GMP|GENETICS. Following acceptance
of design responsibility as described in Section 2.3 (b), GMP|Genetics agrees
to, and hereby does, indemnify and hold harmless NOVA and NOVA's officers,
directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all losses, costs,
liabilities or expenses (including costs and reasonable fees of attorneys and
other professionals) arising out of or in connection with GMP|Genetics', breach
of this Agreement to the extent that such claims arise out of or result from (a)
claims by third parties or (b) claims against NOVA for personal injury or
property damage which arise out of (i) the sale or other distribution of
Products by GMP|Genetics, (ii) any representation made or warranty given by
GMP|Genetics with respect to any Product, (iii) the sale or use of any product
which is not supplied by NOVA and which is sold or combined with a Product by
GMP|Genetics, (iv) repairs or services rendered by GMP|Genetics, or (v) the
negligent act or omission of GMP|Genetics.

         3.4      INDEMNIFICATION PROCEDURE. The party seeking indemnification
(the "INDEMNIFIED PARTY") shall (a) give the other party (the "INDEMNIFYING
PARTY") notice of such claim, (b) cooperate with the Indemnifying Party, at the
Indemnifying Party's expense, in the defense of such claim, and (c) give the
Indemnifying Party the right to control the defense and settlement of any such
claim, except that the Indemnifying Party shall not enter into any settlement
that affects the Indemnified Party's rights or interest without the Indemnified
Party's prior written approval. The Indemnified Party shall have no authority to
settle any claim on behalf of the Indemnifying Party.

4.       TERM AND TERMINATION

                     NOVA Biomedical - GMP|Genetics, Page 7
<PAGE>   8

         4.1      TERM. This Agreement shall remain in force and effect for a
period of five (5) years from the date the laboratory initiates services.

         4.2      TERMINATION BY GMP|GENETICS. GMP|Genetics may terminate this
Agreement in the event that either (a) NOVA fails to perform any of its material
obligations under this Agreement and such failure is not remedied within thirty
(30) days after receipt of written notice from GMP|Genetics, or (b) GMP|Genetics
determines to cease all design and development of the genetics laboratory. Such
termination shall be effected by GMP|Genetics by giving written notice to NOVA
ten (10) days prior to the effective date of termination. GMP|Genetics can exit
the agreement without cause within 90 days of the notification date and pay Nova
a onetime cancellation fee of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

         4.3      TERMINATION BY NOVA. NOVA may terminate this Agreement if
GMP|Genetics fails to perform any of its material obligations under this
Agreement and such failure is not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt
of written notice from NOVA.

         4.4      EFFECT OF TERMINATION. Upon any termination pursuant to
Section 5.2 or Section 5.3, NOVA shall be responsible for terminating the work
of any subcontractors, which NOVA engages. In addition, NOVA shall be
responsible for any costs incurred by any subcontractors after the effective
date of termination by GMP|Genetics except for any additional costs due to
activities requested by GMP|Genetics. In the event of termination, NOVA shall
submit an invoice to GMP|Genetics covering all unpaid fees and costs through the
effective date of termination as well as any additional costs due to activities
requested by GMP|Genetics. GMP|Genetics shall pay the amount of any such invoice
within twenty-five (25) business days of receipt of such invoices. Termination
of this Agreement shall not affect the parties obligations pursuant to Sections
2.5, 3.2, 3.3, 4 and 6 which sections shall survive such termination.

5.       MISCELLANEOUS

         5.1      RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES. The parties are not partners,
employees or legal representatives of the other party for any purpose. Neither
party shall have the authority to enter into any contracts in the name of or on
behalf of the other party.

         5.2      FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each party shall, at the request and
expense of the other party, do such acts or things as the other party may
reasonably require for the purpose of obtaining, registering, maintaining,
enforcing and preserving any of the Intellectual Property Rights of the other
party related to the Products or such party's technology; provided, however,
that the parties agree that each party has the exclusive right to enjoin any
infringement by a third party of any Intellectual Property Rights of the party
related to such party's technology. In the event that any unlawful copying of
the Product, infringement of a party's rights in the Product, or infringement or
registration by a third party of the rights of either party comes to the
attention of either party, such party shall immediately inform the other in
writing, stating the full facts of the infringement or registration known to it,
including the identity of the suspected infringer or registrant, the place of
the asserted infringement or registration and evidence thereof. Each of the
parties agrees to cooperate fully with the other party at the expense of such
other party if such other party sues to enjoin such infringements or to oppose
or invalidate any such registration.

         5.3      NONASSIGNABILITY; BINDING ON SUCCESSORS. Either party may
assign or otherwise transfer this Agreement in connection with a sale of all or
a significant portion of its assets, or of its business, whether via merger or
otherwise. Except as permitted in the preceding sentence, neither party shall
assign

                     NOVA Biomedical - GMP|Genetics, Page 8

<PAGE>   9

any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the express
written consent of the other party. Any attempted assignment under this
Agreement without such consent shall be void. In the case of any permitted
assignment or transfer of or under this Agreement, this Agreement or the
relevant provisions shall be binding upon the executors, heirs, representatives,
administrators and assigns of the parties hereto.

         5.4      SEVERABILITY. In the event any provision of this Agreement is
held to be invalid or unenforceable, the valid or enforceable portion thereof
and the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and
effect.

         5.5      FORCE MAJEURE. Neither party shall be liable to the other for
its failure to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement, except for
payment obligations, during any period in which such performance is delayed
because rendered impracticable or impossible due to circumstances beyond its
reasonable control, including without limitation earthquakes, governmental
regulation, fire, flood, labor difficulties, civil disorder, and acts of God,
provided that the party experiencing the delay promptly notifies the other party
of the delay.

         5.6      WAIVER. Any waiver (express or implied) by either party of any
breach of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall not constitute a waiver
of any other or subsequent breach.

         5.7      ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT. This Agreement, any Exhibits
attached hereto as well as the Confidential Business Plan and the Confidential
Disclosure Agreement between GMP|Genetics and NOVA dated as of December 7,1999
and this even date, respectively, constitute the entire, final, complete and
exclusive agreement between the parties and supersede all previous agreements or
representations, written or oral, with respect to the subject matter of this
Agreement. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except in writing and
signed by a duly authorized representative of each party.

         5.8      NOTICES. All notices, communications, requests, demands,
consents and the like ("Notices") required or permitted under this Agreement
will be in writing and will be deemed given and received (i) when delivered
personally, (ii) when sent by confirmed telecopy, (iii) ten (10) days after
having been duly mailed by first class, registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid, or (iv) three (3) business days after deposit with a commercial
overnight carrier, with written verification of receipt. All Notices will be
addressed as follows:

              If to GMP|Genetics:

              GMP|Genetics, Inc.
              One East Broward Boulevard, Suite 1701
              Ft. Lauderdale, Fl 33301
              Attention:  Dr. Michael Salem, MD, Executive Vice President &
                          Medical Director
              Telephone:  (954) 745-3510
              Telecopy: (954) 745-3511

              If to NOVA:

              NOVA Biomedical Corporation
              200 Prospect Street
              Waltham, MA 02254
              Attention: Dr. Jeffrey A. DuBois, Ph.D., Vice President -
                         Business Development
              Telephone: (781) 647-3700
              Telecopy: (781) 899-0417

                     NOVA Biomedical - GMP|Genetics, Page 9
<PAGE>   10

or to such other address as the person to whom Notice is to be given may have
furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that Notices of
change of address will be effective only upon receipt. A Notice given by any
means other than as specified herein will be deemed duly given when actually
received by the addressee.

         5.9      CHOICE OF LAW, ARBITRATION. This Agreement is made in
accordance with and shall be governed and construed under the laws of the State
of Massachusetts and in no event shall this Agreement be governed by the United
Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. Except as
otherwise provided in this Agreement, any dispute, controversy or claim arising
out of or relating to this Agreement shall be finally decided by binding
arbitration conducted in English and in accordance with the then-current rules
of the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"). There shall be one arbitrator
selected in accordance with AAA rules. Any award issued by the arbitrator shall
be final and non-appealable for both parties. The parties shall bear the costs
of such arbitration equally, and the prevailing party (as determined by the
arbitrator) in any such arbitration or any judicial enforcement or review
proceeding shall be entitled to its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs in
addition to any award ordered by the arbitrator.

         5.10     RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CUMULATIVE. The rights and remedies
provided in this Agreement shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other
rights and remedies provided by law or otherwise.

         5.11     CAPTIONS AND SECTION REFERENCES. Captions and section headings
appearing in this Agreement are inserted only as a matter of convenience and in
no way define, limit, construe or describe the scope of extent of such section
or in any way affect such section.

         5.12     AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AND EXECUTE AGREEMENT; PRIOR GRANTS.
Each party represents and warrants to the other that it has the right, full
power and lawful authority to enter into this Agreement for the purposes herein
(including the granting of licenses under this Agreement) and to carry out its
obligations hereunder. Each party further warrants to the other that it has no
other outstanding agreements or obligations inconsistent with the terms and
provisions hereof and that it has not made any prior grants of rights in or to
the Product, the GMP|Genetics Technology or the NOVA Technology to any third
party which are inconsistent or would interfere in the performance of this
Agreement.

         5.13     PUBLICITY. All notices to third parties and all other
publicity concerning this Agreement or its subject matter shall be jointly
planned and coordinated between the parties. Neither party shall act
unilaterally in this regard without the prior written approval of the other
party, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, and which shall be
deemed to be given when disclosure is specifically required by law. All related
communications within each party's organization shall be of a confidential
nature.

         5.14     NON-SOLICITATION. The parties to this agreement agree not to
solicit or hire each other's personnel without the advance written consent of
the other party. This term shall survive the termination of this Agreement for a
period of one year.

         5.15     COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts
with the same force and effect as if each of the signatories had executed the
same instrument.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement by
their duly authorized representatives as of the Effective Date.

                     NOVA Biomedical - GMP|Genetics, Page 10

<PAGE>   11

                               GMP|GENETICS, INC.

                               By:  Bart Chernow, MD
                                    President & CEO

                               On March 22, 2000

                               NOVA BIOMEDICAL CORPORATION

                               By:  Jeffrey A. DuBois, Ph.D.
                                    Vice President - Business Development

                               On March 21, 2000

                     NOVA Biomedical - GMP|Genetics, Page 11

<PAGE>   12

                                    EXHIBIT A

                     STATEMENT OF BILLABLE RATES (PER HOUR*)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 RATE
                            NOVA SUPPORT SERVICE                                ($/HOUR)
                            --------------------                                --------
                            <S>                                    <C>
                            Engineering/Development                               $125
                            Human Resources                               $100 plus agency fee
                            Business Development                                  $150
                            Finance                                               $125
                            Materials/Purchasing                   10% material overhead rate on all
                                                                               purchases
                            Information Systems                                   $125
                            Facilities/Construction                               $60
                            Administrative Support                                $60

                            * Plus expenses and materials
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   13

                                    EXHIBIT B

                         CAPITAL EQUIPMENT EXPENDITURES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     ITEM                           SOURCE & MODEL                      ESTIMATED COST (000'S)
     ----                           --------------                      ----------------------
<S>                                 <C>                                 <C>
Laboratory Info System              SCC, Cerner, or HBOC                           300

Computer Network and
computers plus peripherals          Compaq, IBM, HP                                150

Cell Fusion Systems (2)             BTX ECM 200 or

                                    BTX ECM Optimizor 500                           25

PCR processors (6)                  Hybaid                                          20

37(degree)C CO(2) incubator (6)     Forma Scientific                                60

70 - 80 (degree) C incubator (1)    Yamato Dx 300                                   17

automated pipetting station         Beckman, Tecan, Hamilton                        75

gel separation system               Genomyx/Beckman                                 25

gel reader                          Eagle Eye II                                     5

laminar flow hoods (6)              Forma Scientifica                               30

microscope (4)                      Olympus                                         20

cell counter/flow cytometer         Roche/Sysmex Diagnostics                       100

centrifuges (2)                     Beckman, IEC, Jouan                             15

walk-in refrigerator                Forma Scientifica                               10

walk-in incubator                   Forma Scientifica                               10

refrigerator                        Forma Scientifica                                1

Freezer (-20(degree)C) (2)          Labline                                          5

Freezer (-80(degree)C) (2)          Labline                                         10

De-ionized H(2)O system             US Filter                                       10

Liquid Nitrogen storage                                                              5

Genetic Analyzer                    PE Biosystems model 310                         55

Sequence detector                   PE Biosystems model 7700                        95

DNA Analyzer/sequencer              PE Biosystems model 310                        355
                                                                                 -----

                                          Subtotal                               1,398

                                    Material overhead (10%)                        140
                                                                                 -----

                                    GRAND TOTAL                                  1,538
</TABLE>

                     NOVA Biomedical - GMP|Genetics, Page 2

<PAGE>   14

                                    EXHIBIT C

           SPACE LEASE AGREEMENT, MANAGEMENT FEE, AND EQUITY OWNERSHIP

SPACE LEASE AGREEMENT.  A separate agreement to be executed with the
                        following terms:

                        TERM:  60 months
                        LEASE RATE:  $15 per square foot for 3,200 square feet,
                                     the adjacent laboratory space will
                                     developed in parallel, and as additional
                                     space is required, rates may vary depending
                                     on the type of space required (excludes
                                     telephone, data processing, and
                                     communication utilities)

MANAGEMENT FEE. The management fee will be $20,000 per month payable monthly for
the five year term of this agreement. A separate business fee of $500,000 per
year will be paid at initiation in year 1 and then in equal monthly payments for
each of the calendar months during years 2-5. The rate schedule in Exhibit B
will be in effect for all additional billable hours by Nova for services
rendered to GMP|Genetics.

EQUITY PARTICIPATION.      The equity and incentive compensation is outlined as
                           follows:

         1.       25,000 fully vested stock options of GMP Companies, Inc. at
                  $18 per share.
         2.       200,000 common shares of GMP|Genetics at par value of $0.01
                  per share.
         3.       200,000 fully vested stock options of GMP|Genetics at $14 per
                  share.
         4.       $50,000 cash bonus if the lab is operational by 7/1/2000.
         5.       5,000 fully vested stock options of GMP Companies, Inc. at
                  current share value as 12/31/2000 if the lab is processing 100
                  samples per day.

                     NOVA Biomedical - GMP|Genetics, Page 3

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00016-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00016-of-00352.parquet"}]]