CSL Limited has announced a major biotechnology project at CSL’s manufacturing site in Broadmeadows, Australia.

The centrepiece of the project will be the creation of Victoria’s first large scale biotechnology facility for the late stage development of new therapies for cancer, bleeding disorders, inflammation and infection.

“Our world-class R&D portfolio contains promising life-saving therapies for a range of serious human diseases. This new facility will enable CSL to develop innovative products for clinical trials and future patient use,” said CSL’s CEO, Dr Brian McNamee.

CSL’s Broadmeadows site currently houses state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that produce a range of highly specialised medicines. CSL’s investment will include enhancements to the site to support the integration of the new biotech facility and to ensure it has the appropriate infrastructure to cater for expanded activities into the future.

The project will represent a total investment of $235M over 4-5 years and will result in 320 jobs during construction. Following completion, the investment will create over 330 new highly-skilled positions.

“CSL is proud to be investing in a project that will not only generate significant employment opportunities, but will also have enormous spill-over potential for our biotechnology sector and medical research community” said Dr McNamee.

“This significant project enables us to build on our existing capabilities and research collaborations, further develop the nation’s biotechnology skills and work towards our important goal of improving the lives of people with life-threatening disease.”