BASF Bioresearch

BASF Bioresearch Corporation was the dedicated biotechnology research arm of BASF's pharmaceutical division, Knoll Pharmaceuticals. Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, the center was primarily focused on immunology and oncology research. It is most notable for the discovery and early development of D2E7, the first fully human monoclonal antibody, which was later marketed as Humira (adalimumab). In 2001, BASF sold its entire pharmaceutical business, including the Bioresearch Corporation, to Abbott Laboratories for approximately $6.9 billion. Today, the legacy of the company continues through AbbVie, which was spun off from Abbott and maintains the Worcester site as a major R&D hub.