Biogen Idec opens new RTP facility

Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) today dedicated a new facility in Research Triangle Park (RTP), consolidating its 300-person Patient Services operation with the existing RTP campus. The new 190,000 square foot building is anticipated to achieve LEED-Gold certified status in the coming months and will accommodate increasing levels of manufacturing activity at the site. The official groundbreaking for the building was in April of 2011.

“With the opening of this beautiful facility Biogen Idec has united on one site more than 1,000 people dedicated to meeting the needs of patients with serious diseases,” said George A. Scangos, Ph.D. and chief executive officer, for Biogen Idec. “The expansion of our footprint in RTP underscores our commitment to providing a secure supply of medicines and to helping patients overcome obstacles to receiving them.”

As the “front door” to the Biogen Idec campus in North Carolina, the five-story Building 26 will initially house 500 employees.

“Our RTP site focuses on patient care – from manufacturing high quality therapies to providing patient support and financial assistance. With this new building, our employees are constantly reminded of our purpose through the patient stories that adorn the main areas and workspaces within the building,” said Machelle Sanders, vice president, Manufacturing and general manager, for Biogen Idec RTP.

“North Carolina is a leader in biotech and Biogen Idec is an important part of that success,” said Gov. Bev Perdue. “This new facility will further strengthen the company’s manufacturing and Patient Services operations, in addition to helping ensure its continued success in North Carolina.”

As the second largest independent biotech company in North Carolina and ninth largest employer in RTP, Biogen employs more than 1,000 people in the state. Onsite, Biogen Idec manufactures commercial products AVONEX® (interferon beta-1a) and TYSABRI® (natalizumab), both indicated for multiple sclerosis (MS), plus a growing number of other clinical products. The Patient Services group, which serves MS patients and their caregivers, has its inbound/outbound call center in Building 26. The group handles approximately 950,000 calls annually and processed more than $300 million in financial assistance for patients last year.