The following are statements from the leadership of Choose New Jersey, Inc., and BioNJ regarding today’s announcement that Celgene Corporation has entered into an agreement to purchase the Merck & Co., Inc. research and office facility located at 556 Morris Avenue in Summit, New Jersey.
“This announcement represents an exciting time for Celgene, which is about to embark upon the next stage of its innovative growth in New Jersey,” said Michele Brown, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey, Inc. “Not only does Celgene’s decision to continue to grow their operations in New Jersey demonstrate their commitment to our State and, specifically, the community of Summit, but it is also a testament to what New Jersey has to offer companies: a strategic location and a highly educated workforce.”
“This is incredibly important and exciting news for the State of New Jersey,” said Debbie Hart, President and CEO of BioNJ. “The continued expansion of Celgene’s footprint in and continued commitment to the Garden State will translate into fresh, innovative research, new job opportunities, a positive economic impact on the State and ultimately new therapies and cures for Patients – who, as we say at BioNJ, just can’t wait.”
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About BioNJ:
BioNJ, The Gateway to Health, is a powerful network of 400 members representing research-based life sciences companies and stakeholders dedicated to propelling a vibrant ecosystem where Science is Supported, Companies are Created, Drugs are Developed and Patients are Paramount. Because Patients Can’t Wait, BioNJ is committed to the growth and prosperity of New Jersey’s life sciences ecosystem to help accelerate the discovery, development and commercialization of therapies and cures that save and improve lives and lessen the burden of illness and disease to society. As the industry’s voice in New Jersey, we fulfill our mission to help companies help patients by driving capital formation and fostering entrepreneurship, advocating for public policies that advance medical innovation, providing access to talent and education and offering a cost-saving array of critical commercial resources. For more information about BioNJ, please visit www.BioNJ.org.
About Choose New Jersey, Inc:
Choose New Jersey, Inc. is a privately funded 501(c)(3) corporation charged with encouraging and nurturing economic growth throughout New Jersey with a focus on making the state’s most distressed cities engines for growth and opportunity. Through marketing, business attraction and lead generation activities, Choose New Jersey markets New Jersey as a premiere business location to both domestic and international businesses. Choose New Jersey is one of four elements of the Partnership for Action, which is led by Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and also includes the New Jersey Business Action Center, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. For more information, visit www.choosenj.com.