Lonza expanding capacity in Switzerland for ADC client

Lonza further extends collaboration with an undisclosed ‘major pharmaceutical partner’ for mass-scale production of antibody-drug conjugate (ADCs). 

The partnership aims to significantly increase bioconjugation capacity for its ‘undisclosed partner’ by adding two suites for the commercial supply of ADCs at Lonza’s Ibex bio park in Visp, Switzerland. 

With an assigned space of 1,500 square meters, the bioconjugation units are expected to be operational by 2026 and will generate over 180 new job opportunities.  

c/o Lonza

Although Lonza remained tightlipped about who its ‘new customer’ is, the spokesperson told BioProcess Insider, “As this project is based in Lonza’s Ibex Biopark in Visp, Lonza funded the pre-investment of the shell for the complex and utilities (and other infrastructure).” 

Moreover, the spokesperson added the “extension will indeed increase the capacity dedicated to this customer.” 

Antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs are a class of biopharmaceutical drugs designed as a targeted therapy for treating cancer and other diseases. Unlike chemotherapy, for example, ADCs target and kill tumor cells while sparing healthy cells. 

Earlier this year, the Swiss contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) defined ADCs as one of the three key areas of investment. Lonza has been dealing in bioconjugation since 2006 and is publicly named as having worked on the majority of approved ADC products.