Biogen Idec Established New International Headquarters

Switzerland Office Will Strengthen Global Operations - Construction Restarted on Large-Scale Manufacturing Facility in Denmark

13-Jul-2004

Zug, Switzerland. Biogen Idec officially opened its new international headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. With its global commercial and administrative operations headquartered in Switzerland, Biogen Idec will have access to a highly skilled and well-educated workforce in a renowned cluster of biotechnology excellence.

Biogen Idec's Chief Executive Officer James C. Mullen stated, "Switzerland's skilled workforce and pro-business climate will strengthen our position as one of the few biotechnology companies with global operations. As we partner with other companies and continue to develop our pipeline, the Zug headquarters will be key in coordinating our international commercial operations for maximum efficiency."

The new Zug offices, which are scheduled to be fully staffed by the end of 2004, are expected to have approximately 50 employees and support Biogen Idec's international operations, which include:

-- operations in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom

-- a European regulatory and clinical center of excellence in Maidenhead, UK

-- a European packaging and logistics center of excellence in Hoofddorp, NL and

-- a worldwide distribution network covering 79 markets in Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia (including India and the Middle East).

In total, close to 500 Biogen Idec employees are based in Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand. Biogen Idec has had a sales and marketing force throughout Europe since 1997 when it became one of the first U.S. biotechnology companies to field an international commercial organization.

Hans Peter Hasler, Biogen Idec's Senior Vice President, Head of International said, "The Zug offices will play a central role in the ongoing efforts to grow and expand Biogen Idec's global operations, including the ongoing development of ANTEGREN(R) (natalizumab)."

Expanding its international presence, Biogen Idec also officially announced today that it is restarting construction of its large-scale biologic manufacturing facility in Hillerod, Denmark. The 90,000-litre facility will be used to manufacture products in the pipeline and will bring Biogen Idec's global large-scale manufacturing capacity to 270,000 litres. Biogen Idec expects to invest USD$340 million to build the facility, which will generate approximately 200 jobs. The facility is expected to be available for commercial production in 2008.

https://www.bionity.com/en/news/38481/biogen-idec-established-new-international-headquarters.html