With Pennsylvania a leading hub for the biotechnology industry, the strengthening and growing relationship between Penn State University and King of Prussia-based CSL Behring, the fifth largest biotechnology company in the world, represents a critical opportunity for the region and patients living with rare and serious diseases.
That was part of the message delivered by CEO and Managing Director Paul Perreault as he shared his thoughts on the promise, potential and pitfalls of innovation in biotech as part of Penn State’s Forum Speaker Series Tuesday.
The presentation to about 400 students, researchers and university officials at the sold-out event on the leading public research university’s main campus touched on several areas of the biotech leader’s ongoing partnership with Penn State. Last June, Perreault helped cut the ribbon on the $5 million CSL Behring Fermentation Facility located in Penn State’s new Agricultural Engineering building. Check out the video below for an overview of the facility, which represents an investment in the next generation of biotech leaders.
Penn State alumni are also an integral part of CSL Behring’s two-year rotational Quality Business Services program for high-performing MBA graduates. The goal of the program is to develop and retain future leaders for CSL Behring. Additionally, Dr. Ali Demirci, the Professor-in-Charge of the facility, is spending six months at CSL Behring’s leading-edge manufacturing sites in Bern, Switzerland, and Marburg, Germany. During his sabbatical he will learn the company’s manufacturing processes, observe research and development and work with CSL leadership to gain invaluable insight into the world of biotech.
