Lonza, a global name in development and manufacturing for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and nutraceutical markets, announced an ambitious expansion of its bioconjugation capabilities in Visp, Switzerland.
The company plans to add two multipurpose 1,200-liter manufacturing suites along with manufacturing-related infrastructure. This will significantly increase capacity for bioconjugates used in drug launches and commercial supply.
The Visp site is anticipated to be fully operational by 2028.
Enhanced Facility
The new suites, covering an area of about 2,000 square meters, will double Lonza’s multipurpose production space for bioconjugates, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
Designed with flexibility in mind, these multi-customer suites can handle the increasingly complex and varied processes required for advanced bioconjugate manufacturing.
This setup will enable Lonza to support clients with bioconjugates at all stages—from early clinical development through large-scale commercial supply.
Integrated Services
With this expansion, Lonza strengthens its position as a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) in the bioconjugate space.
Christian Morello, Vice President and Head of Bioconjugates at Lonza, stated, “We continue to see strong growth in the bioconjugates space. ADCs and other bioconjugated drugs are increasingly progressing towards commercialization.” This investment in our multipurpose commercial bioconjugation capacity addresses the growing market demand. It enables us to support the growth of our customers and offers a flexible, integrated service for manufacturing bioconjugates.”.
Sustainability and Advanced Waste Management
Aligned with Lonza’s sustainability goals, the new suites will incorporate energy-efficient water heating systems, optimized air supply, and lighting solutions. These features will significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to traditional design models.
The facility will also feature innovative technology to improve the handling of cytotoxic liquid waste, reducing waste by up to 90%.
Track Record in Bioconjugates
Since 2006, Lonza has produced over 1,000 current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) batches across more than 70 programs.
The company offers fully integrated solutions that cover design and lead molecule generation. This includes Synaffix conjugation technology, development, and scalable manufacturing.
As per the press release, the new investment in Visp reinforces Lonza’s commitment to advancing bioconjugate manufacturing capabilities. It also helps meet the evolving needs of its clients.
