Lonza to build small molecule manufacturing complex at Visp site

Lonza's site in Visp, Switzerland

CHF 200 million investment will include dedicated line for antibody-drug conjugate payload molecules and is scheduled to start operations in Q3 2023

The initial buildout of the 2000 m2 complex will include a customer dedicated manufacturing line for antibody-drug conjugate payload molecules, which is expected to start operations in Q3 2023. Upon completion, the manufacturing complex will employ approximately 200 people.

Lonza said the complex offers potential for future expansions to support small molecules technologies such as drug substance, particle engineering technologies such as spray drying dispersion, and drug product.

The project is supported by a capital contribution and a tailored long-term collaboration with an undisclosed major biopharmaceutical partner “to ensure continuity of supply and flexibility, supporting future demand for their product,” Lonza said.

In a statement, Maurits Janssen, Strategic Business Development Small Molecules, Lonza said oncology continues to be the leading indication in biopharma and a key driver for highly potent ingredients such as antibody-drug conjugates.

“In addition, small molecule oncology therapies require specific technologies. These challenges were specifically taken into account when designing this manufacturing complex,” he added.

“The investment to realize this new manufacturing complex for small molecules creates a substantial footprint for accelerating future growth capacity across the range of our small molecule service offering,” said Gordon Bates, President and Head of Small Molecules, Lonza.