CSL is expanding its research and development (R&D) network in Switzerland. The global biotechnology company, which is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, officially opened a new office in the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area premises on the Novartis Campus in Basel. The contract with the operator includes 18 workstations.

In a statement, CSL describes the move as a “pivotal milestone in strengthening CSL’s R&D network across Switzerland”. It allows for “flexible and activity-based ways of working” and taps into “the region’s great potential” for collaboration along the drug development process.

Access to Basel Area’s talent pool

“This step is not only extending our long-standing strategic partnerships with key players in biotech located in Basel but ensuring access to the region’s talent pool and exploring further opportunities for collaboration”, commented Emmanuelle Lecomte Brisset, CSL’s Head of Global Regulatory Affairs who is leading CSL’s efforts to strengthen its R&D presence in Switzerland.

In May of this year, CSL opened an R&D laboratory on the Biopôle Campus in Lausanne. In August 2022, the company acquired Switzerland’s Vifor Pharma, which has since operated as CSL Vifor. CSL has also established collaborations with academic institutions in Switzerland, such as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital.