In the US this year, CSL sponsored a series of public discussions with key thought leaders to gain unique perspectives on issues of concern to its patient and professional communities. The dialogues have included leaders of patient groups including the National Hemophilia Foundation, the Alpha 1 Foundation and the UK Primary Immune Network. They met with CSL executives to discuss product innovation, diagnosis and access to care and other issues. The outcomes were published for caregivers, physicians and other members of the patient communities and are available on CSL Behring's web site.
CSL Behring President, Peter Turner (right) with the founders of the Jeffrey Modell Foundation, Fred and Vicki Modell, at the first Key Issues Dialogue. The Foundation is a global non-profit organisation dedicated to early and precise diagnosis, effective treatments and (ultimately) cures for primary immunodeficiency.
Dr Jian Zhou Fellowship
CSL together with the Queensland Government this year announced the establishment of a three year post-doctoral fellowship in memory of the late Dr Jian Zhou, co-inventor of the technology used in GARDASIL*. In honour of Dr Zhou's significant contribution to the development of the world's first cancer vaccine, the fellowship aims to encourage innovative medical research in the fields of immunology and cancer. CSL contributed to this initiative both as a tribute to Dr Zhou's ground-breaking work and to further support Australian research and scientific discovery.
Supporting the Haemophilia Community
All around the world, CSL has long-standing partnerships with non-profit groups that seek to improve health outcomes for people with bleeding disorders. In Australia and New Zealand, CSL provides annual unrestricted grants to the Haemophilia Foundations, supports the biannual Australia & New Zealand Haemophilia Conference, and annually sponsors a Haemophilia Nurses' Travel Grant. CSL has also supported the development of a modified exercise program and DVD for people with haemophilia with bleeding disorders who may have restricted mobility, and is currently funding a trial that is evaluating the program as an interventional therapy to improve mobility and hence quality of life.
Emil von Behring Chair
CSL this year announced funding of a Chair in Neuromuscular and Neurogenerative Disorders at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium. This medical institute is internationally recognised for its cutting edge research in the treatment of neuromuscular diseases and, together with its associated academic hospital, has made significant contributions to the clinical development of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) products. Named in honour of Nobel Prize winner Emil von Behring, the Chair will play an important role in the development of next generation IVIg products for people with neurological disorders.
The inaugural Emil von Behring Chair, Professor Dr W Robberecht (left) with Alan Anderson (Vice President, CSL Behring Western Europe) Professor Vervenne (Rector of Leuven University) and Rik Dehertogh (General Manager, CSL Behring Benelux).
Influenza Vaccine for Disadvantaged Groups
As the only manufacturer of influenza vaccine in the Southern Hemisphere, CSL is committed to ensuring all Australians who want to help protect themselves against influenza can do so. This past winter, the Company partnered with a number of welfare agencies to provide free influenza vaccine to disadvantaged groups who could otherwise not afford it. Homeless people, drought and flood affected communities, indigenous people in remote areas and newly arrived migrants and refugees were beneficiaries of the program.
Councillor Mendy Urie, Mayor of East Gippsland, Victoria, is vaccinated against influenza as part of a campaign to encourage people in rural communities affected by drought and flood to take up free vaccination. Photo supplied by East Gippsland Newspapers, Victoria.
