At Janssen, we never stop creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We aim to transform lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat, and cure disease. Together with external partners, our researchers strive for new medical breakthroughs and develop treatments and vaccines for some of the most devastating disorders and complex medical challenges. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension.
OUR HERITAGE
Our founder, Dr. Paul Janssen (1926-2003), was one of the 20th century’s most innovative and inspiring pharmaceutical researchers. He and his research teams at Janssen Pharmaceutica discovered more than 80 new interesting molecules. Breakthroughs that changed entire medical fields. At the time of his death in 2003, he held more than 100 patents and was a listed author on more than 850 scientific publications.
His successful breakthroughs soon brought Janssen Pharmaceutica to the attention of Johnson & Johnson. Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V. has been part of the Johnson & Johnson group of companies since 1961. Currently, the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson are a global leader in healthcare and employ more than 43,000 people worldwide – with deep investments in dozens of R&D centers and manufacturing sites, allowing us to tap into talented people across the globe.
STRONG BELGIAN FOOTPRINT, GLOBAL IMPACT
Over 5,000 employees (+ 70 nationalities), of which 2,458 researchers, are working at Janssen Belgium. The activities on our seven (7) Belgian sites encompass the entire pharmaceutical life cycle: from early discovery through development, manufacturing, and distribution to patient access. As a Center of Excellence in small molecule discovery and development, our therapeutic areas are fueled by world-class functions including our Discovery, Chemical Development, Clinical Development, and Regulatory engines. Our highly differentiated R&D strategy reinforces our strong position as a partner and accelerator at the center of the biopharmaceutical ecosystem. In 2021, Janssen in Belgium once again received the award for “Most Attractive Private Employer,” according to the Randstad Employer Brand Study.
INNOVATING FOR PATIENTS
Our worldwide investments in R&D range among the highest in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2020, Janssen in Belgium invested €2.2 billion in the research and development of innovations and technologies for urgent, yet unresolved medical needs. We invest in new platforms and modalities, using our expertise in small molecules, cell and gene therapies, RNA therapeutics, and vaccines to develop transformational medical innovations.
We have had a remarkable track record, delivering 20 new medicines since 2011, and have redefined the treatment paradigm for many serious diseases. With JLABS, a worldwide network of incubators, we help promising enterprises and entrepreneurs to get important innovations to the patient faster. JLABS helps young companies to turn their scientific findings into breakthrough therapies by giving them access to the expertise, funding, educational programs, and facilities that they need. The Janssen campus in Belgium houses the first JLABS in Europe.
KEY PLAYER IN WORLDWIDE ECOSYSTEM
In addition to our research and development site in Beerse, our campus includes pharmaceutical plants in Beerse and Geel that play a central role in the worldwide Supply Chain. Our international distribution facilities in Courcelles and La Louvière play a pivotal role in ensuring that our medicines are sent quickly and safely to pharmacies and hospitals around the world. And our Clinical Pharmacology Unit in Merksem contributes significantly to Belgium’s top position in clinical trials. From early research and development, through supply chain to patient access – our people are making an important contribution to the health of many.
SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Innovating for patients is what we do, sustainable entrepreneurship is how we do it. That is why we are committed to making the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals an integral part of our business strategy. This way, we want to ensure that every business decision we make in the future is in line with the objectives of the SDGs. With our investment in geothermal energy, for example, we aim to reduce carbon emissions by 30%.