CSL Behring and our parent company, CSL Limited, continue to build on a long legacy of innovation in patient care. CSL Behring traces its beginnings to the 1904 founding of Behringwerke, a company established by Emil von Behring, the first recipient of the Nobel Prize in Medicine. In 1916 our parent company, CSL Limited, was founded to supply vaccines to the people of Australia. During the 20th century, leading companies came together to form CSL Behring. For more than 60 years, we have specialized in providing plasma therapies to improve the quality of life for people with rare and serious diseases worldwide.
| 1901 | Emil von Behring receives first Nobel Prize in Medicine
German doctor Emil von Behring receives the first Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for his work on serum therapies. Von Behring's pioneering work results in the modern methods of immunization that have largely eradicated diphtheria worldwide. |
| 1904 | Emil von Behring creates Behringwerke
Emil von Behring creates Behringwerke (a predecessor company) to produce sera and vaccines to combat infectious diseases. |
| 1913 | Anti-infectious agents
Behringwerke expands to produce a gas gangrene antiserum and a cholera vaccine. |
| 1940 | WWII: Largest supplier of albumin for U.S. military
Armour (a predecessor company) becomes the largest supplier of human albumin for the U.S. military during World War II. |
| 1946 | Europe's first human plasma fractionation
Behringwerke is the first company in Europe to begin fractionating plasma proteins from human plasma on an industrial scale. |
| 1949 |
ZLB established
The Zentrallaboratorium Blutspendedienst (ZLB), a predecessor company, is established in Bern as a department of the Swiss Red Cross and holds its first blood donor sessions in Switzerland. |
| 1951 |
ZLB mandate to supply blood products
ZLB receives a mandate from the Swiss government to supply blood products through the Swiss Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service. |
| 1951 |
Polio Immune Globulin
Armour Pharmaceuticals produced large quantities of polio immune globulin, a forerunner of the Salk polio vaccine, during the 1950s. |
| 1954 | First pasteurized plasma protein solution
ZLB produces the first pasteurized plasma protein solution. |
| 1955 |
Researchers discover Alpha-1
Alpha-1 antitrypsin, a proteinase inhibitor, is discovered, purified and characterized for the first time by researchers of Behringwerke. |
| 1962 |
New fractionation process provides better yield
Kistler and Nitschmann, researchers with ZLB, develop a new plasma fractionation method that provides significantly better yields of the valuable proteins isolated from human plasma. |
| 1970 | Japan's first IVIg
Behringwerke launches Gamma-Venin®, the first intravenous immune globulin (IVIg) product in Japan. |
| 1979 |
Launch of first purified IVIg
ZLB and Sandoz AG, Switzerland, launch Sandoglobulin®, the world’s first purified immunoglobulin product for intravenous infusion. |
| 1981 | Launch of first pasteurized factor VIII therapy
Behringwerke (a predecessor company) introduces Haemate® human plasma coagulation factor VIII/von Willebrand factor complex, first marketed in Europe for the treatment of patients with hemophilia A. It is the first pasteurized factor VIII product in the world. |
| 1984 | First IVIg approved in U.S.
ZLB receives approval for polyvalent immunoglobulin – the first IVIg product to be approved in the United States. |
| 1986 | Humate-P® approved in U.S.
FDA approves Humate-P® human coagulation factor VIII/von Willebrand factor complex for the prevention and control of hemorrhagic episodes in patients with hemophilia A. |
| 1988 |
First fibrin sealant launched in Japan
Behringwerke launches Beriplast® P, the first fibrin sealant in Japan. |
| 1990 |
Monoclate®-P launched
Monoclate®-P, the second generation form of Monoclate Factor VIII using monoclonal antibody technology, adds pasteurization as an additional viral removal step. |
| 1992 |
Mononine® approved in U.S.
FDA approves Mononine®, a monoclonal antibody purified Factor IX product for treatment of hemophilia B. Mononine® was the first highly purified FIX in the U.S. market and is still the gold standard. |
| 1993 | Helixate® approved in U.S.
The FDA approves Helixate® recombinant coagulation factor VIII for the treatment of hemophilia A. |
| 1996 |
Armour and Behringwerke become Centeon
Centeon (a predecessor company) is formed as 50/50 joint venture between Armour Pharmaceuticals and Behringwerke. At the time, Armour was owned by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer and Behringwerke was owned by Hoechst AG. |
| 1996 |
Rhophylac®, world’s first liquid anti-D immunoglobulin,launched
Rhophylac® is launched as the world’s first liquid anti-D immunoglobulin for the prevention of hemolytic disease in newborns due to Rh factor incompatibility.
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| 1998 | €50 million plant modernization
A major, 50 million euro capital project is completed to modernize production facilities in Marburg, Germany. |
| 1999 |
Centeon becomes Aventis Behring
Centeon changes its name to Aventis Behring (a predecessor company) when its parent companies Rhone-Polenc Rorer (RPR) and Hoechst AG merge to become Aventis. |
| 1999 |
First von Willebrand factor in U.S.
FDA approves Humate-P® human coagulation factor VIII/von Willebrand factor complex for treatment of von Willebrand disease, the most common hereditary bleeding disorder. |
| 2000 | New formulation of recombinant Factor VIII
Helixate® FS/ Helixate® NexGen recombinant coagulation factor VIII, formulated with sucrose for the treatment of hemophilia A, is approved by the FDA for use in U.S. and by the EMEA for use in 15 countries. |
| 2000 |
ZLB Bioplasma established
CSL acquires ZLB Blood Transfusion Service (ZLB Zentrallaboratorium) from the Swiss Red Cross to establish ZLB Bioplasma (a predecessor company), headquartered in Bern, Switzerland. |
| 2000 | Gettin' in the Game launched
Gettin' in the Game, a healthy living program that promotes the value of exercise for children with bleeding disorders is launched. Program continues to this day. |
| 2001 |
ZLB Plasma Services established
CSL acquires 47 plasma collection centers and laboratory facilities operated by Nabi Plasma Collection Centers (U.S.) and creates ZLB Plasma Services, now CSL Plasma. |
| 2001 | World's largest plasma collection business
Aventis Behring acquires 42 plasma centers from Serologicals, forming the world's largest plasma collection business. |
| 2002 | Junior National Championships (JNC)
The company launches Junior National Championships in partnership with the National Hemophilia Foundation to promote the value of exercise for children with bleeding disorders. |
| 2003 | Carimune® NF launched in U.S.
The company begins marketing Carimune® NF, the first nanofiltered human normal immunoglobulin for intravenous (IV) administration, in the United States. |
| 2003 | Zemaira® approved in U.S.
FDA approves Zemaira® human Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor for individuals with Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor deficiency and clinical evidence of emphysema. |
| 2003 | Assurance Program launched
The Assurance Program is launched to ensure that people who rely on our recombinant and plasma-derived therapies can continue to receive these vital treatments even if they experience a lapse in third-party, private health insurance. |
| 2004 |
ZLB Behring established
CSL completes the acquisition of Aventis Behring, combining it with ZLB Bioplasma to create ZLB Behring, today known as CSL Behring. |
| 2004 | EMEA approves Mononine®
The EMEA approves Mononine® human coagulation factor IX concentrate as the first product to treat hemophilia B patients undergoing surgery, exposed to trauma, or experiencing severe, spontaneous hemorrhage. |
| 2005 | Mix2Vial™ introduced
Mix2Vial™ is introduced as an alternate transfer device, offering a new way to reconstitute products. |
| 2006 | Groundbreaking: state-of-the-art Ig plant
Construction begins on a new immunoglobulin manufacturing plant at the company's Bern, Switzerland facility. |
| 2006 |
Vivaglobin® approved in U.S. and U.K.
Vivaglobin® licensed for use in adults and children who require antibody replacement due to primary immunodeficiency in U.K. and U.S. Vivaglobin® was the first FDA-approved subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) treatment. |
| 2006 | State-of-the-art plant licensed by FDA
Highly automated facility in Kankakee, Illinois to allow for increased production of Zemaira®. |
| 2006 | Humate-P® 50% volume reduction
Humate-P® human coagulation factor VIII/von Willebrand factor complex is now available featuring a smaller diluent – 50 percent less in all assay sizes, shortening infusion time and requiring less storage space. |
| 2006 |
Cytogam® acquired
Cytogam®, an IVIg enriched with antibodies against cytomegalovirus – the most common cause of life-threatening infection occurring in patients with solid organ transplants – is acquired by company. |
| 2006 |
Two Ig formulations available in Canada
With the approvals of Sandoglobulin® NF Liquid IVIg and Vivaglobin® subcutaneous Ig in Canada, the company now offers two formulations of immunoglobulin for people with primary immune deficiency. |
| 2007 |
ZLB Behring becomes CSL Behring
As part of a global brand alignment, ZLB Behring changes its name to CSL Behring. |
| 2007 |
Privigen® approved by FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration grants marketing approval for Privigen®, the first proline-stabilized intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), for treatment of primary immunodeficiency and chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura. |
| 2007 |
Rhophylac® approved for ITP in U.S.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves Rhophylac® for additional indication – the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). |
| 2008 |
Professor Heimberger research award established
CSL Behring establishes a research award to recognize the next generation of coagulation specialists. Award named in honor of the late Behringwerke employee and pioneering hemophilia specialist, Dr. Norbert Heimberger. While at Behringwerke, Dr. Heimberger discovered a novel method for plasma-protein pasteurization. |
| 2008 |
Mutual Recognition Procedure for Berinert® P completed
Berinert® P approved for use in 20 additional countries in Europe. European countries to help people suffering from hereditary angioedema. |
| 2009 |
Orphan-drug exclusivity granted to RiaSTAP®
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted CSL Behring seven-years of orphan-drug exclusivity for RiaSTAP®, the first FDA-approved treatment of acute bleeding episodes in patients with congenital fibrinogen deficiency. |
| 2009 |
New Ig Lab Plant approved in Bern, Switzerland
FDA, EMEA, Swissmedic and TGA approve new state-of-the-art immunoglobulin manufacturing plant at Bern, Switzerland manufacturing facility. |
| 2009 |
CSL Plasma opens state-of-the-art laboratory
ZLB Plasma changes its name to CSL Plasma to align with its parent company, CSL Behring, and opens one of the world's largest and most advanced plasma testing laboratories in Knoxville, TN. |
| 2009 |
CSL Behring gives $2 million to WFH GAP Program
To advance the diagnosis and treatment of hemophilia in developing countries, CSL Behring donates $2 million USD worth of coagulation factor to the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) Global Alliance for Progress (GAP) program for a three-year period. |
| 2009 |
NORD honors CSL Behring with rare disease award
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) recognizes CSL Behring for developing and marketing RiaSTAP®, the U.S.'s first and only treatment for acute bleeding episodes in patients with congenital fibrinogen deficiency, an extremely rare, potentially life-threatening bleeding disorder. |
| 2009 |
CSL Behring receives Tell Award for Innovation
CSL Behring awarded the Swiss government's Tell Award for the most significant innovative technology investment in 2008. This award recognizes CSL Behring's exceptional innovations in state-of-the-art manufacturing and novel protein therapies. |
| 2009 |
Berinert®, first therapy for acute attacks of HAE in U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted marketing approval for Berinert® C1-esterase inhibitor, the country's first and only therapy for the treatment of acute abdominal or facial attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). |
| 2010 |
Hizentra®, first and only 20 percent SCIg, approved by FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted marketing approval for Hizentra®, the first and only 20 percent subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg). In the US, Hizentra is indicated for the treatment of patients with primary immune deficiency. Hizentra is also in registration in the EU and Switzerland. Stabalized with L-proline, Hizentra is ready to use; it requires no refrigeration throughout its 30-month shelf-life, offering patients and physicians convenience and portability. |
| 2011 |
FDA approves Corifact™, first and only FXIII concentrate approved in U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted marketing approval for Corifact™ for the treatment of congenital factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency. Congenital FXIII deficiency is a rare and potentially life-threatening bleeding disorder that affects an estimated 1 person in 2 million. Corifact is also available in 12 countries under the trade name Fibrogammin®. |
| 2011 |
FDA Approves Expansion of Hizentra® Production Facility in Bern
Capacity to produce Hizentra® more than doubles following FDA approval of expansion of innovative production facility in Bern. |
| 2011 |
European Commission Grants Marketing Authorization for Hizentra®
Hizentra® receives marketing authorization, valid for all 29 European/European Economic Area member states, for treating people diagnosed with primary immunodeficiency as well as secondary immunodeficiencies. |
| 2012 |
CSL Behring receives 2012 EURORDIS Award
The European Organisation for Rare Disorders recognized CSL Behring for its pioneering work in developing and manufacturing therapies used to treat rare and serious medical conditions with the 2012 EURORDIS Award. |
| CSL Behring continues to build on its legacy of innovation and patient care. |