| Introduction | For Patients | For Science | For Society | Looking Ahead AUSTRALIA CUT OFF FROM MEDICINES SUPPLY World War I shows Australia can no longer rely on overseas sources for lifesaving medicines. As a result, the Commonwealth Government announces it will establish a federal serum institute 'for preparations of vaccines, serums and anti-toxins'. 1915 SNAKEBITE BREAKTHROUGH After several years of research collaboration, CSL releases an antivenom against the deadly tiger snake. It goes on to develop antivenoms for Australia's most venomous creatures. 1930 THE CSL JOURNEY BEGINS Dr William Penfold, a renowned bacteriologist in Britain, is appointed as the founding Director of the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories. On 25 April, his first day of work, he lets people know that his new organisation would 'live or die by the quality of its products'. 1916 TREATING SHOCK ON THE BATTLEFIELD Close collaboration with Harvard's Dr. Edwin Cohn sees Chicago-based Armour Laboratories become the largest supplier of human albumin to the U.S. military during WWII, providing a vital treatment for blood loss and shock. 1940 FIRST BIG TEST The Spanish flu pandemic, which killed at least 50 million people globally, strikes Australia. CSL rapidly produces 3 million doses of a mixed bacterial vaccine that combats the complications of the disease. 1919 FIGHTING THE FLU VIRUS CSL starts production of influenza virus vaccine, supplying 1 million doses to Australian and British troops. The egg-based method used is based on the pioneering work of Australian scientist Macfarlane Burnet. 1944 DIABETES RELIEF Soon after the Canadian discovery of insulin, CSL becomes one of only four laboratories in the world licensed to make it. Within months, CSL is producing enough insulin to meet the needs of all Australians. 1923 PENICILLIN PRODUCTION Acting on international advancements made by Howard Florey, CSL starts large-scale production of penicillin. Production enables Australia to become the first country in the world to provide penicillin to its civilians. 1944 Creating Moments that 4 | CSL IMPACT REPORT 2026
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