Lonza, a global leader in pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing, announced on November 12 a significant investment to expand its bioconjugation capabilities in Visp, Switzerland. This expansion will involve the construction of two new 1,200L multipurpose manufacturing suites, along with supporting infrastructure, to accommodate the growing demand for bioconjugates, particularly antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

The new suites, occupying approximately 2,000 square meters, are designed to handle the complex and variable processes required for the manufacturing of ADCs and other bioconjugates, from early-phase clinical development to commercial-scale production. This expansion is expected to generate around 200 new jobs and is slated to become operational by 2028.

Christian Morello, Vice President, Head of Bioconjugates at Lonza, highlighted the increasing demand for bioconjugates as more ADCs and other bioconjugated drugs advance toward commercialization. "This investment in our multipurpose commercial bioconjugation capacity directly addresses this growing market demand, enabling us to support our customers' growth and offer a flexible and integrated service for manufacturing bioconjugates," he said.

In line with Lonza's commitment to sustainability, the new manufacturing suites will adhere to stringent environmental standards. The company will implement energy-efficient systems for water heating, air supply, and lighting, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional designs. Additionally, advanced technology for cytotoxic liquid waste management will reduce waste by up to 90%.

Lonza's expanded bioconjugation capabilities offer a comprehensive solution for customers, covering the entire process from design to manufacturing. Using Synaffix conjugation technology, Lonza supports the generation of lead molecules, enabling efficient development of optimized processes and formulations. The company provides advanced development services to refine these processes and ensure high-quality outcomes. Additionally, Lonza offers flexible manufacturing solutions for both early-phase clinical development and commercial-scale production, including drug product filling, ensuring seamless progression from development to market.

With a proven track record of delivering over 1,000 cGMP batches for more than 70 programs since 2006, Lonza is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the bioconjugation market. This expansion reinforces Lonza's commitment to providing innovative solutions and supporting the development of life-saving therapies.

About Lonza –

Lonza is a global healthcare manufacturing company that partners with pharmaceutical, biotech, and nutrition companies to develop and commercialize innovative treatments. The company provides a broad range of products and services, including custom development and manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), innovative dosage forms, and detection systems for the bioscience sector. Lonza specializes in Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), non-cytotoxic bioconjugates, mammalian and microbial biopharmaceuticals, small molecules, and peptides.