From RTP to the World: How Biogen Is Transforming Health and Community
Biogen, a leading U.S.-headquartered biotech company, has long been at the forefront of addressing some of the world’s most challenging diseases including but not limited to Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, postpartum depression (PPD) and rare diseases such as ALS and SMA. Biogen’s continues to pioneer innovative science to deliver new medicines to transform patients’ lives and to create value for shareholders and our communities.
Biogen’s influence extends well beyond its manufacturing sites. Through collaborations with local organizations like the Lupus Foundation of America and the Alzheimer’s Society, as well as contributions to regional economic growth, the company has become an integral part of the North Carolina community.
For more than 30 years, Biogen has called North Carolina home, helping cement the state’s reputation as a biotechnology and life sciences hub. The company operates two major facilities in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) area—the Bio site and the Pharma site totaling 8 total factories located just a mile apart.
Melissa Porazzo, Biogen’s general manager for the RTP Bio site, highlights the importance of North Carolina’s support for science and research. “The state is really supportive of life sciences,” she explains. “We have quite a lot of support from the local universities that helps with the talent and attracting the talent.”
Melissa notes the company’s partnership with local universities and community colleges, where it leverages co-ops and internship programs to build a robust talent pipeline. Beyond higher education, Biogen reaches middle and high school students through its onsite CoLab, nurturing an early interest in STEM and cultivating the next generation of biotech professionals.
At Biogen, talent is not just recruited, it is cultivated and retained. With approximately 1,600 employees across its two North Carolina facilities, the company emphasizes professional growth and the cultivation of meaningful careers.
James Phillips, head of large-scale manufacturing at the Bio site, has spent 29 years growing with the company “My mission is to be a mentor for the future workforce, leave a legacy, and help others achieve their personal and professional goals,” he says.
Melissa echoes this sentiment, emphasizing Biogen’s focus on community and employee well-being. Each year, employees participate in Care Deeply Day, volunteering in their communities during work hours—a tradition that strengthens ties with the region and instills a sense of fulfillment among employees.
Being an active member of the NC Chamber has amplified Biogen’s ability to address broader challenges in the region. Melissa acknowledges the chamber’s contributions, stating, “The Chamber has been supportive of issues like affordable housing, child care, transportation, and workforce development, which are critical for businesses like Biogen.” These collaborations contribute to a stronger business environment and community, which support Biogen’s broader goals.
At its core, Biogen remains focused on the people it serves. James highlights this, saying, “I focus on the end result, which is our patients and the people that we are able to serve through our processes that we manufacture,” he explains. This patient-centered focus drives the company’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence.
For both James and Melissa, Biogen is more than just a workplace—it is a place where careers flourish, innovations take shape, and lives are transformed. As James puts it, “Why not have a place that you enjoy coming to work every day and know that you are making a difference in someone’s life?”
As Biogen expands its footprint and embraces new technologies, its commitment to North Carolina, its employees, and its patients remain unwavering. The company recently announced a $2 billion investment to expand its manufacturing operations in RTP. This builds on its 30-year legacy and nearly $10 billion invested in the region to date. James reflects on the privilege of witnessing Biogen’s growth over the years: “To watch this site grow from construction trailers to eight different buildings and two different campuses has just been a true honor.”
In Melissa’s words: “Biogen’s been in the area for about 30 years. And almost that entire time, we’ve been making a difference.” With its unwavering mission and dedication to improvement, Biogen is poised to continue making an extraordinary impact on the world.