Lonza innovation to transform biological development and manufacturing

Company launches Ibex innovation in biological development and manufacturing.

Ibex Solutions is an innovative biological development and manufacturing concept, coupling flexibility in facility-build-out with fully tailored business models and leveraging Lonza's expertise and service network in Visp (CH). Construction began in June with a formal groundbreaking ceremony expected in the second half of 2017. Several hundred new positions are expected to be created.

Ibex biomanufacturing comprises a modular, technology-independent development and manufacturing complex capable of supporting activities across multiple technologies – mammalian, microbial, cellular or bio-conjugate – and from late discovery to manufacture. This flexibility gives customers complete freedom in facility design and implementation, and the ability to respond rapidly as their needs evolve.

Responsiveness is further enhanced by the integration of the Ibex biomanufacturing complex into the Visp site with its experienced workforce and established service networks.

Ibex Solutions include highly flexible models to match and adapt to each customer’s expectations and forecasts. The availability of a modular complex means time-to-market can be reduced by 12 months or more. These advantages contribute to a significant de-risking of major strategic investment decisions.

Lonza’s Pharma&Biotech COO, Marc Funk, commented: “Lonza has been creating innovative manufacturing and production solutions for 120 years, and we are continuing to pioneer clinical and commercial manufacturing in multiple technologies all over the world. We have been working with our partners to understand what we can offer that will really change the game for them, and that’s why we have created Ibex.”

“With Ibex Solutions we are proud to present a truly innovative concept that will transform biological development and manufacturing as we know it today,” said Richard Ridinger, CEO of Lonza. “Together with the completed acquisition of Capsugel, Ibex Solutions will further bolster our ambition to become the leading integrated solutions provider for the healthcare, consumer care and nutrition markets. We foresee continued growth potential for the mid-term, which is defined as the period to 2022 when we will celebrate Lonza’s 125th anniversary.”