Announces State-of-the-Art Teaching Facility
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., and SAN DIEGO, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Biogen
Idec (Nasdaq: BIIB) officially opened the new San Diego Research and Corporate
Campus today, where scientists and researchers will continue to build on the
company's established expertise in oncology and immunology. The campus
consists of five interconnected buildings including 125,000 square-feet of
biotechnology laboratories outfitted with the latest equipment and technology.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20031112/LAW121LOGO )
The 43-acre campus also features the 1,600 square-foot Community
Laboratory, a state-of-the-art teaching facility, staffed by Biogen Idec
researchers serving middle and high school science teachers and students from
the San Diego area. The Community Lab offers students hands-on laboratory
experiences in biotechnology using the same equipment that Biogen Idec
scientists use every day. In collaboration with San Diego County educational
leaders, Community Lab classes are being developed for late Summer 2005.
"The world-class San Diego Research and Corporate Campus embodies our
commitment to developing innovative therapies and reinforces our dedication to
the San Diego community," said William H. Rastetter, Biogen Idec's Executive
Chairman. "Our unified campus creates an environment that is conducive to
communication, collaboration, and igniting creativity. The Community Lab
shares that spirit with local science teachers who can bring their students to
participate in experiments, interact with biotechnology professionals, and
learn about different careers in science."
Nancy Taylor, San Diego County Office of Education Science Coordinator
said, "The Biogen Idec Community Lab propels a new generation of students into
the best kind of learning -- one that has a relevant context in today's world.
This is a model program that connects immediately with students who are
curious about what their future will look like as college students,
technicians, or scientists working on exciting new therapies."
Designed by Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum, Inc. (HOK), the campus
consolidates employees previously based at several San Diego area sites.
Construction began in 2003 and was managed by development partner Cisterra
Partners and general contractor Turner Construction.
The San Diego campus opening follows the establishment of Biogen Idec's
international headquarters in Zug, Switzerland and the restart of construction
of a large-scale manufacturing plant in Hillerod, Denmark, both announced in
July 2004. Biogen Idec is also building a large-scale manufacturing facility
in Oceanside, CA scheduled for completion in 2005 and expected to be available
for commercial manufacturing in 2006.
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.
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
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Related links:
http://www.biogenidec.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, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Media: Jose Juves, Associate Director, Public
Affairs, +1-617-914-6524, or Investment Community: Christina
Dillon, Senior Manager, Investor Relations, +1-617-679-2812, both
of Biogen Idec
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