On the occasion of World Rare Disease Day, CSL in Marburg drew attention to the 400 million people worldwide who live with a rare disease. In Germany alone, around four million people are affected by a rare disease.
CSL, a leading global biotechnology company, develops and produces innovative medicines for people with rare and serious diseases; a large proportion of the medicines are made from human blood plasma.
In June 2025, CSL will open a new plasma donation center in Marburg, thereby covering the entire value chain from plasma donation to production, logistics and research and development in one place.
“Plasma donors are lifesavers,” said Dr. Simone Ries, Managing Director of CSL Plasma GmbH, at a press conference on the occasion of Rare Disease Day on February 28. ”We are taking Rare Disease Day as an opportunity to raise awareness of the issue and are pleased to explain the role that CSL plays in Marburg and worldwide.”
The complex production process requires a great deal of expertise, investment and continuity – from donation to the finished product takes almost a year. “We are proud of our employees, many of whom work to produce these vital medicines,” said Dr. Niklas Schier, Managing Director of CSL Behring GmbH.
To ensure that it is always up to date, CSL has invested over 700 million euros in the site in recent years. Among other things, in research and development: “Research and development are our innovation drivers,” said Dr. Martin Vey, Managing Director of CSL Innovation GmbH, explaining the importance of research and development. “Our primary goal is to enable patients to live as symptom-free a life as possible.”
On the occasion of Rare Disease Day, Marburg Castle was illuminated in the official colors of Rare Disease Day on the evening of February 28 – a tradition observed worldwide to raise awareness of the many people with rare diseases.
