Netherlands biotech to open major biopharmaceutical facility in Australia 24 May 2010 The Netherlands-based life sciences and materials company, Royal DSM NV, has entered into an agreement with the Australian Government and the Queensland State Government to open a major biopharmaceutical facility in Brisbane. DSM Biologics will build and operate Australia’s first major contract manufacturing plant for biologic drugs and therapeutics, developing drugs for arthritis, hepatitis and cancer. The announcement was made in Chicago at the 2010 BIO International Convention by the Australian Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, and the Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh. DSM has received funding from both the federal government and the state government for this plant, which will be built in partnership with Queensland state-owned BioPharmaceuticals Australia. The over 70,000 square foot facility is expected to be operational by 2013. It will offer mammalian process development and cGMP clinical and commercial manufacturing services, and enable local companies to make the biopharmaceuticals needed for early-stage clinical trials. Senator Carr said that creating this capability will make Australia an even more attractive destination for investment in biopharmaceutical research, development, and production. “It will give home-grown companies the tools they need to compete internationally – enabling us to deliver more revolutionary drugs like Gardasil, which is protecting women around the world from cervical cancer,” Senator Carr said. DSM products and services are used globally in a wide range of products and services. The Euronext Amsterdam-listed company has locations on five continents and annual sales of EUR 7.7 billion. More information |