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Organon Pharmaceuticals Chooses Cambridge, MA for First U.S. Research Facility
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September 9, 2004 Contacts: Janet Hookailo, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2018 or jhookailo@massdevelopment.com Vicki Greene, Mass. Biotech Council, 617-557-8198 Fran Desena, Organon Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., 978-325-5353 CAMBRIDGE - Officials from MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MBC) announced today that Organon International, the human pharmaceutical business unit of the Netherlands based Akzo Nobel (AKZOY, NASDAQ), will locate its first stateside research facility in Cambridge, the heart of Massachusetts' world renowned life sciences cluster. "This is another great win for Massachusetts," said Governor Mitt Romney. "It underscores the state's superior reputation worldwide as a center for advanced scientific research and development. The Bay State is not just a great place to conduct research. Companies like Organon know we are also the place where research translates into market applications and economic gains down the line." Team Massachusetts, a consortium of public, non-profit and trade organizations, worked with Organon for more than a year to demonstrate the Commonwealth's competitiveness against other states in the U.S., and other locations worldwide. The team also worked to find Organon a suitable site for its first American research expansion. Cambridge Mayor Michael A. Sullivan played a key role in bringing Organon to Massachusetts by highlighting the advantages of locating in an area that is home to prestigious academic institutions, hospitals and a vibrant commercial community. "Organon is a global player, headquartered in New Jersey with research facilities in Scotland and the Netherlands," said Sullivan. "This firm would have been welcome anywhere in the world. Their decision to locate a new research facility in Massachusetts is a testament to the strength of the Commonwealth's life sciences network, as well as the support we seek to give these companies during critical decision-making periods." Organon's new research facility, located at the Cambridge Science Center, 245 First Street, will house an antibody research division. The lab's opening is expected to initially generate 30 new research positions, with a significant potential for growth in the future. The facility is scheduled to be up and running in the first quarter of 2005. "Cambridge has been chosen to create the new biotechnology research facility due to its scale, significant concentration and extensive number of research institutes and universities, hospitals and an already established industry. We welcomed the assistance received from the local community that allowed for the establishment of our research facility", says Dr. David Nicholson, Senior Vice President Global Research at Organon International. "We are looking forward to a prosperous future in this challenging research heart of the United States", he adds. "I am very pleased that Organon saw the value of doing business in Massachusetts," said Robert L. Culver, MassDevelopment president/CEO. "It is imperative that groups like Team Massachusetts work to support life sciences firms like Organon, because these are the companies that will drive job creation and economic reinvestment in-state today and in the decades ahead." "Organon's new research facility further demonstrates the progress of Massachusetts in becoming the center of the biotechnology industry. We heartily welcome Organon researchers to our community," said Mark Trusheim, interim president, MBC. "Organon's decision validates that continued partnership between state government and the biotech industry can further propel Massachusetts to the forefront of medicine production and commercialization in addition to research leadership." Team Massachusetts formed in response to a call to action summarized in a recent Massachusetts Biotechnology Council study, MassBiotech 2010: Achieving Global Leadership in the Life-Sciences Economy. Team Massachusetts consists of MassDevelopment, the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, the Massachusetts Alliance for Economic Development and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development. Equity Office Properties is the owner and developer of Cambridge Science Center. Spaulding Slye Colliers served as broker for Organon.
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