CSL Behring signs an agreement with Biocat to join the Advanced Therapies Hub of Catalonia
- CSL Behring will offer a perspective from the standpoint of innovation and research in rare diseases, as well as its experience in developing medical milestones such as gene therapy for hemophilia B.
- Catalonia is establishing itself as a global leader and reference in the biomedical field, thanks to its innovative ecosystem and the top-level scientific and clinical talent that the Advanced Therapies Hub aims to promote.
- Catalonia accounts for 87% of active clinical trials conducted in Spain, ranking fifth in Europe and eighth worldwide.
Barcelona, Spain – July 9, 2025 – CSL Behring, a company specialized in the development and supply of therapies for rare and serious diseases, has signed an agreement with Biocat to join the Advanced Therapies Hub of Catalonia (ATMP CATALONIA), with the aim of contributing its knowledge and value in this field. Through this partnership, the company becomes part of a collaborative and exchange environment where it can share its expertise and support the development and research of new therapeutic options for patients with rare diseases.
The Advanced Therapies Hub of Catalonia (ATMP CATALONIA), coordinated by Biocat, aims to promote research, manufacturing, and development of these therapies to make them accessible to the public in an agile, efficient, and sustainable way. Furthermore, it seeks to position the BioRegion of Catalonia internationally as one of the leading European hubs in this field. In this context, the Hub is structured as a collaborative workspace where institutions, companies, and scientific organizations share knowledge, experiences, and strategic priorities to accelerate the arrival of advanced therapies to patients. CSL Behring's participation in this network represents an opportunity to generate synergies in the research of advanced therapies and to join a shared future vision that aims to strengthen the leadership of Catalonia’s biomedical ecosystem.
Advanced therapies (ATMPs) are human-use medicines based on gene therapy, cell therapy, tissue engineering, and combinations with other medical and biological products. These personalized therapies have the potential to offer new alternatives for patients with a wide range of conditions. However, they currently involve very high costs and risks during development, which poses challenges for their funding through healthcare systems.
With the goal of improving innovation and access to advanced therapies in the region, CSL Behring will offer insights from its research in rare diseases, sharing its innovations along with its experience in the development and advancement of medical milestones such as gene therapy for hemophilia B.
"CSL Behring's incorporation into the Advanced Therapies Hub of Catalonia represents a boost to consolidating Catalonia and Spain as international leaders in biomedical innovation. This agreement reflects CSL Behring's strong commitment to the development of advanced therapies and to strengthening a collaborative ecosystem that promotes research, manufacturing, and accessibility of cutting-edge therapeutic solutions. In this field, CSL Behring has not only developed innovative treatments that have marked a paradigm shift in diseases such as hemophilia, but also actively works to ensure that these therapies reach those who need them most. This strategic alliance not only expands the capabilities of healthcare professionals in research and clinical application, but also accelerates equitable access for patients to innovative treatments that transform their quality of life," said María José Sánchez Losada, General Manager of CSL Behring Spain.
Barcelona and Catalonia lead research and development of advanced therapies in Europe
Catalonia has one of the most dynamic biomedical ecosystems in Europe, driven by a solid network of research centers, leading hospitals, universities, startups, global companies, and an institutional framework that fosters innovation and knowledge transfer. This strength positions the region as a strategic hub for the international development of advanced therapies. Therefore, this initiative not only aims to boost research, development, and access to advanced therapies but also seeks to position the BioRegion of Catalonia on the map as one of the main reference hubs in Europe in this field.
In fact, for years Catalonia has ranked first in Spain in terms of the number of biotech companies (with over 24%), revenue (close to 44%), and the sector’s contribution to the region’s Gross Value Added (GVA) (at 0.53%). Overall, the BioRegion of Catalonia comprises more than 1,500 companies and 93 research institutions which—together with health services—generate 7.6% of Catalonia’s GDP and employ more than 7.3% of the working population, according to the latest sector report published annually by Biocat. Regarding clinical trials, Catalonia is involved in over 87% of active studies conducted in Spain, ranking fifth in Europe and eighth worldwide. As for the advanced therapies pipeline, in 2024, 21 therapies were identified in clinical development (mainly in oncology), which are part of the 63 active clinical trials in Catalonia—representing around 70% of all advanced therapy trials in Spain.
“Catalonia is consolidating its position as a global leader and reference in the biomedical field, thanks to its innovative ecosystem, top-tier scientific and clinical talent, and strong collaboration among public institutions, research centers, hospitals, and companies. The incorporation of companies like CSL Behring strengthens this collaborative network and enables us to continue advancing in the development and equitable access to new therapies,” says Robert Fabregat, General Director of Biocat.
About Biocat
Biocat is the driving force behind the health innovation ecosystem in Catalonia. It works to scale and consolidate the sector, generating economic and social impact, and positioning the BioRegion of Catalonia as an international benchmark. It was founded in 2006 as a public-private foundation at the initiative of the Government of Catalonia and the Barcelona City Council. Its governing bodies include representatives from all agents in the sector, both public and private. With this neutral position within the ecosystem and as a strategic instrument of the Government, Biocat focuses its efforts on developing programs that accelerate the growth and competitiveness of the sector, facilitate access to and adoption of innovation in the Catalan Health System, foster the training and development of specialized talent, and enhance the international visibility and positioning of the BioRegion of Catalonia as one of Europe’s leading health innovation hubs.
About CSL
CSL (ASX: CSL; USOTC: CSLLY) is a global biotechnology company with a dynamic portfolio of life-saving medicines, including treatments for hemophilia and immunodeficiencies, vaccines to prevent influenza, and therapies for iron deficiency and nephrology. Since our founding in 1916, we have been driven by the promise to save lives using the most advanced technologies. Today, CSL—which includes our three businesses: CSL Behring, CSL Seqirus, and CSL Vifor—delivers a broad range of products, some considered essential, to patients in over 100 countries and employs 32,000 people. Our unique combination of commercial strength, R&D focus, and operational excellence enables us to identify, develop, and deliver innovations so many patients can live full lives. To discover inspiring stories about the potential of biotechnology, visit CSL.com/Vita. For more information about CSL, visit this link www.cslbehring.es.
