Switzerland Office Will Strengthen Global Operations
Construction Restarted on Large-Scale Manufacturing Facility in Denmark
ZUG, Switzerland, July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Biogen Idec
(Nasdaq: BIIB) today 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.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031112/LAW121LOGO )
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.
About Biogen Idec
Biogen Idec creates new standards of care in oncology and immunology. As a
global leader in the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of
novel therapies, Biogen Idec: transforms scientific discoveries into advances
in human healthcare. For press releases and additional information about the
company, please visit http://www.biogenidec.com.
Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the
expected commercial production readiness of the large-scale biologic
manufacturing facility in Hillerod, Denmark. These statements are based on the
company's current beliefs and expectations. A number of risks and
uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially. For example,
completion of construction of the large-scale manufacturing facility may be
affected by problems or delays that arise during construction, changes in the
company's strategic plans, and events related to the company's drug
development and commercialization efforts. For more detailed information on
the risks and uncertainties associated with these forward looking statements
and the company's other activities see the company's Annual Report on Form 10-
K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
Media Contact:
Jose Juves
Associate Director, Public Affairs
Biogen Idec
(617) 914-6524
Investment Community Contact:
Christina Dillon
Senior Manager, Investor Relations
Biogen Idec
(617) 679-2812
SOURCE Biogen Idec
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.biogen.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/101550.html
Photo Notes:http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031112/LAW121LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, 888-776-6555 or 212-782-2840
CONTACT:
Media Contact: Jose Juves, Associate
Director, Public Affairs, +1-617-914-6524, or Investment
Community Contact: Christina Dillon, Senior Manager, Investor
Relations, +1-617-679-2812, Biogen Idec
|
