In its annual R&D briefing to investors today, CSL Limited (ASX: CSL; USOTC: CSLLY) demonstrated how the company is advancing a novel research portfolio across four strategic scientific platforms (Plasma Fractionation, Recombinant Technology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Adjuvanted Cell and Egg-based Vaccines) across six therapeutic areas (Immunology, Hematology, Respiratory, Cardiovascular and Metabolic, Transplant, Influenza Vaccines) and two businesses (CSL Behring and Seqirus) to help patients lead full lives, protect public health and drive future business growth.

It's this scientific capability and diverse portfolio that positioned the company to quickly respond to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

'CSL's acumen in vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, recombinant technologies, manufacturing capabilities and external partnerships, along with a therapeutic area focus and insight that includes Immunology and Respiratory, has supported the growth and progress of our pipeline and has also enabled us to respond quickly to the need for potential solutions in the world's fight against COVID-19,' said Bill Mezzanotte, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President, Head of Research and Development and Chief Medical Officer. 'Right across the spectrum of infection and disease, CSL has taken on projects we think make sense both scientifically and that fit our capabilities.'

The company's efforts in the fight against COVID-19 include: Accelerating the development, manufacture and distribution of a vaccine candidate pioneered by researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia in collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness. If the vaccine development is successful, CSL anticipates producing the vaccine for Australia and distribution to global markets via the COVAX facility toward the end of 2021. And CSL is also working with AstraZeneca to manufacture, if successful, approximately 30 million doses of its vaccine candidate under development with the University of Oxford (AZ1222) for supply to Australia.

Co-founding the CoVIg-19 Plasma Alliance, an unprecedented industry partnership of more than 12 plasma industry companies, to develop a hyperimmune for treating COVID-19. The phase 3 study in which the CoVIg-19 Plasma Alliance is participating. enrolled its first clinical trial participant in early-October. The study will take several months to complete, but if successful, will be the basis for regulatory submissions.

Developing an investigational, anti-SARS-CoV-2 plasma hyperimmune product for the Australian market to treat people with serious complications of COVID-19. The company is currently manufacturing its therapy for the clinical trial.

Conducting a Phase 2 study to assess the safety and efficacy of garadacimab (Factor XIIa antagonist monoclonal antibody) to treat patients suffering from severe respiratory distress, a leading cause of death in patients with COVID-19 related pneumonia. The first patient was enrolled in July.

Additionally, the company is partnering with SAb Biotherapeutics to manufacture clinical and early commercial supplies of SAB-185, a potential novel immunotherapy targeting COVID-19, produced without the need for blood plasma donations from recovered COVID-19 patients. SAB-185 is currently in early phase development.

'The same collaborative mindset with which CSL has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic is also reflected in how we are advancing our pipeline,' said Andrew Nash, PhD, Senior Vice President, Head of Research and Chief Scientific Officer. 'Across therapeutic areas, strategic platforms and geographies we continue to grow our footprint and capabilities so that we can deliver a significant benefit to patients around the world.'

About CSL

CSL (ASX:CSL) is a leading global biotechnology company with a dynamic portfolio of life-saving medicines, including those that treat hemophilia and immune deficiencies, as well as vaccines to prevent influenza. Since our start in 1916, we have been driven by our promise to save lives using the latest technologies. Today, CSL - including our two businesses, CSL Behring and Seqirus - provides life-saving products to more than 70 countries and employs 27,000 people. Our unique combination of commercial strength, R&D focus and operational excellence enables us to identify, develop and deliver innovations so our patients can live life to the fullest.

Contact:

Greg Healy

Tel: 610 906 4564

Email: Greg.Healy@cslbehring.com

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