Lonza expands bioconjugation facility

Biotechnology company Lonza has started expanding its bioconjugation facility in Visp, Switzerland in time for the commercial approval of a third antibody-conjugate (ADC) produced at the site.

The expansion is intended to help Lonza meet the development and manufacturing needs of pharma and biotech companies developing new therapies.

Lonza’s Visp site completed an FDA inspection for the commercial manufacture of a recently approved ADC. The site’s existing capacity is enough to cover the current needs for production of this fast-tracked therapy.

The site’s expansion will span the next two years with additional capacity providing customers with launch and commercial manufacturing, as well as serving the rapidly expanding early phase market for bioconjugates.

Thomas Rohrer, head of Commercial Development Bioconjugates, Lonza Pharma & Biotech, said: “A high proportion of bioconjugates we deal with have accelerated approval and this latest approval was no exception. Meeting the tight deadlines of fast-tracked molecules requires seamless teamwork with the client and close collaboration to deliver the successful validation work required for launch of life-saving medications.”

Karen Fallen, head of Mammalian and Microbial Development and Manufacturing at Lonza Pharma & Biotech said: “With 11 INDs completed, and now three out of five commercially available ADCs supported by our bioconjugation facility, we see the need to expand in readiness for the new wave of therapies our customers are developing. Many bioconjugates are on expedited programs and the existing expertise at the facility, combined with proximity to clinical and commercial manufacturing of antibody, linkers and payload, will reduce risk and increase speed on the path to market.”