This week, CSL Limited CEO & Managing Director Paul Perreault joined health care leaders along with Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Cathy Foley, to discuss medical innovation in response to COVID-19.
As part of the “G’Day USA” program sponsored by the American-Australian Assocation, the virtual event brought together thought leaders from business, academia and government to showcase how Australian companies are partnering with the U.S. during the pandemic. Joining Perreault was former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, ResMed CEO Mick Farrell and leading biosecurity expert Professor Raina MacIntyre of the Kirby Institute.
During the panel discussion, Perreault shared highlights on CSL’s response to COVID-19, including many of the external partnerships CSL is leading to help find a possible treatment and vaccine.
“When the pandemic started, CSL needed to be agile and adapt to the evolving environment that quickly became all things COVID a year ago – both operationally as well as deliberately applying our science and capabilities in response to the pandemic,” Perreault said. “Monoclonal antibodies, hyperimmunes and vaccines – they are all in our wheelhouse. In fact, if you created an organization with the inherent capabilities to respond to COVID-19, the organization would look a lot like CSL.”
Perreault also acknowledged the exceptional efforts of CSL employees during the pandemic.
“I’m heartened by the continued collaboration our employees and our industry have demonstrated and fighting COVID-19 is personal for all of us,” he said. “Most of us have had friends, family members and colleagues impacted by COVID. The sense of urgency is lost on no one.”
Established by Sir Keith Murdoch in New York City in 1948, the American-Australian Association is the leading privately funded nonprofit organization dedicated to deepening and strengthening cooperation and understanding between the institutions and people of the U.S. and Australia.
