Lonza Announces Long-Term Collaboration with Global Biopharma Company

Lonza has announced, in a Dec. 2, 2020 press release, that it has formed a long-term, strategic collaboration with a global biopharma company for bioconjugation. The collaboration is expected to generate 200 new jobs in the Visp (Switzerland) biopark and operations will start at the end of 2022.

As per the terms of the agreement, Lonza will build two new customer-dedicated conjugation suites for the commercialization of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The suites will total 1500 m2 of active manufacturing space and will form part of Lonza’s Ibex Dedicate model—a technology-agnostic supply solution.

“Bioconjugates represent an exciting class of molecules that are proving their worth and making a real difference to patients suffering from diseases such as cancer,” said Pierre-Alain Ruffieux, CEO, Lonza, in the press release. “From a manufacturing point of view, antibody-drug conjugates are challenging to produce, and we will be ensuring that our partner can de-risk supply and scale-up rapidly at this crucial moment of commercialization.”

“This collaboration demonstrates the power behind our Ibex Dedicate model, providing rapid and reliable delivery of complex therapeutics and tailored to individual customer needs,” added Jean-Christophe Hyvert, chief commercial officer, Lonza, in the press release. “Our Visp (CH) site now has all the elements required for antibody-drug conjugates at one site and this provides significant supply chain simplification and other logistical benefits to our customers, enabling them to reach patients faster.”

Source: Lonza