CSL Behring Expands Operations to Russia
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CSL Behring has announced its latest geographic expansion to provide more patients with greater access to treatment by opening operations in Russia. This is particularly significant in Russia where the healthcare system has some unmet needs for biotherapies and blood plasma products.
The annual usage of certain classes of these medicines in Russia is much lower than it should be. For example, consumption of immunoglobulins in Russia per capita is 10 to 20 times lower than in the USA and some European countries.
With operations in over 30 countries, CSL Behring focuses on developing novel, protein-based therapies for the treatment of bleeding disorders, immune deficiencies, inherited respiratory disease and hereditary angioedema, and for neurological disorders in certain markets. CSL Behring is a subsidiary of CSL Limited.
CSL CEO and Managing Director Paul Perreault, who joined Russian healthcare leaders and patient advocates at the office opening, said the new office enables CSL Behring to partner more closely with the Russian Federation, healthcare providers, patient groups and the scientific community. He noted CSL Behring will be closer to patients, listen to them more carefully, and better understand their medical needs. The company currently has seven products registered in Russia.
“It is this process of listening and engaging that enhances our ability to deliver new and innovative medicines that make such a huge difference in people’s lives,” Perreault said. He added that it will now be easier to launch products in Russia and offer new therapy options to doctors and their patients.
In addition, CSL Behring is investigating opportunities to contribute to the development of the Russian pharmaceutical industry, and identify the best ways to partner with the Russian government. As an example, because the amount of human plasma that is currently collected in Russia is insufficient to meet the growing demand for protein-based medicines, Perreault said it may be possible to transfer CSL Behring’s plasma collection technology to Russia, and initiate toll manufacturing in that country.
Over the last five years, CSL has invested more than $2 billion in R&D, employing more than 1,100 R&D experts.
“We are fortunate to have a robust R&D pipeline, with many projects within each stage of development,” Perreault said at the opening. “Our world-class commercial operation, combined with our large and focused R&D team and operational excellence, enable us to quickly identify, develop and deliver innovations that patients and healthcare providers want. We are excited to expand the availability of our lifesaving therapies in Russia.”
According to Perreault, CSL has made significant advancements in its recombinant factor development program for the treatment of hemophilia. “Once approved, our recombinant factor IX fusion protein for hemophilia B and our recombinant single-chain factor VIII for hemophilia A will provide patients with novel treatment options that have the potential to give patients extended dosing intervals,” Perreault said.
