Helix Project Will Provide New Center for Scientists to Create the Future
Of Medicine
SEATTLE, Jan. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Immunex Corporation (Nasdaq: IMNX) breaks
new ground today -- literally. More than 1,000 employees of the pioneering
biopharmaceutical company along with invited guests are taking the ceremonial
"first dig" as Immunex announces construction of its new research and
technology center in Seattle. The $750 million Helix Project -- the first
phase of the new center -- totals 1.1 million gross square feet and is
expected to be complete in fall/winter 2003.
"The values of the company are grounded in discovering major breakthroughs
for patients -- products that impact the quality of life," said Ed Fritzky,
Immunex chairman, CEO and president. "Everyday our employees are breaking new
ground and they do that by collaborating -- questioning, challenging one
another's ideas and adding their knowledge to our understanding of immune
system science and of potential new therapies. This new center is designed to
expand that unique spirit of collaboration."
Groundbreaking ceremonies will be keynoted by Dr. James Watson,
Nobel Laureate for his role in the discovery of the double helix structure of
DNA, and president of Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory. The program will also
feature local leaders and Immunex executives.
"Immunex has made important contributions to the health and welfare of the
people of Washington and beyond," said Washington Governor Gary Locke. "This
new center demonstrates the vitality of the biotechnology industry in
Washington and with Immunex's growth and globalization, Washington will be on
the global map in this important field of technology and medicine."
Seattle Mayor Paul Schell heralded Immunex as "an important asset in a
region that leads the technological revolution, scientific and medical
research. They make it their business to help people with life devastating
and life-threatening diseases. And, they make our community their business
too." Immunex is working with the City and the Office of PortJobs to maximize
job opportunities for disadvantaged communities through construction
apprenticeships and entry and semi-skilled jobs at Immunex.
About Immunex
Immunex Corporation is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to
improving lives through immune system science innovation. Its products
include ENBREL(R) (etanercept) for rheumatoid arthritis, NOVANTRONE(R)
(mitoxantrone for injection concentrate) for multiple sclerosis and cancer,
and LEUKINE(R) (sargramostim) for patients with cancer. Yesterday, the
company reported earnings for the year 2000, with record product sales of
$828 million and profits of $154 million. As it marks its 20th anniversary,
Immunex remains focused on its scientific expertise in the human immune system
and cytokine biology to discover and develop new medical therapies for people
with asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular and inflammatory
diseases. The company's research endeavors involve more than
1,600 collaborations around the world with academic research organizations and
other pharmaceutical enterprises. In its next 20 years, Immunex anticipates
entering global markets with multiple products. The company has set the stage
for worldwide markets by securing patents for its scientific breakthroughs in
27 countries and with patents pending in another 16, and with trademarks for
brand name products and the corporation pending or registered in 38 countries.
About the Helix Project
Situated on a 29-acre parcel of undeveloped industrial land in Seattle,
the Helix Project includes the design and construction of the first phase of
the company's new research and technology center. It will support the
consolidation and expansion of the company's 1,000 Seattle-based employees
currently working in multiple leased facilities throughout the downtown
corridor -- providing a new center for the work of approximately
1,700 employees. Immunex currently employs more than 1,400 people nationwide.
The Helix Project design and construction team includes the following
firms:
-- Affiliated Engineers, Inc. Mechanical, electrical, piping
and IT engineer
-- Flad & Associates Executive and laboratory
architect
-- Johnson Architecture & Planning Permitting, agency coordination,
pedestrian bridge design
-- Koetter, Kim & Associates, Inc. Design architect
-- KPFF Consulting Engineers Civil and structural engineer
-- Murase Associates, Inc. Landscape architect
-- NBBJ Interior architect
-- Sordoni Skanska Construction Co Construction manager
NOTE: This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with clinical development,
regulatory approvals, our reliance on third-party manufacturers, product
commercialization and other risks described from time to time in the SEC
reports filed by Immunex, including the most recently filed Form 10-Q. An
electronic version of this news release -- as well as additional information
about Immunex of interest to investors, customers, future employees and
patients -- is available on the Immunex home page at http://www.immunex.com.
SOURCE Immunex Corporation
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.immunex.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/434644.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 434644
CONTACT:
media, Cathy Keck Anderson, 206-389-4039, or
Kris Greco, 206-470-4871, or investors, Mark Leahy, 206-389-4363,
all of Immunex Corporation
|
