Cubist Pharmaceuticals, a company focused on novel antibiotics, has announced the official opening of its international headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. Located in a growing biopharmaceutical hub in Switzerland, the company's international operations complement its corporate headquarters in Lexington, Mass.
Cubist expects to invest approximately $400 million in antibiotic R&D this year and is focusing its late-stage pipeline on addressing serious and potentially life-threatening healthcare-acquired bacterial infections. Led by Patrick Vink, M.D., senior vice president and general manager of international business at Cubist, the company's international operations will focus on preparing for the launch of potential new antibiotics in Europe during 2015.
"Dangerous superbugs know no geographic boundaries. Cubist has never been more committed—nor better positioned—to lead the battle against superbugs. We are one of the few companies globally to take on the challenge of antibiotic resistance, and this expansion enables us to continue to address the growing medical need," said Vink. "We selected Zurich for the location of our international headquarters due to its proximity to other markets, access to top talent and stable business climate, as well as its position as a thriving and growing biopharmaceutical hub."
Cubist's international expansion follows strong performance in 2013, generating full-year total net revenues of $1.1 billion. Cubist has increased its global employee base to approximately 960, up 35% from 2012, when the company introduced the Building Blocks of Growth, its five-year strategic goals.
Approximately three out of every four employees at Cubist are focused on the research, development, commercialization and support of antibiotics. The company anticipates a significant employee presence internationally and expects to have about 200 internationally-based employees, of which approximately 50 will be in Zurich. Cubist is focused on creating new jobs in Zurich and throughout Switzerland, including in medical, regulatory and commercial capacities, as well as other support functions.
