Lonza’s Swiss site adds HPAPI manufacturing capacity after AZ deal
The contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) invested in its highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredient (HPAPI) manufacturing capacity with two additional four cubic meter scale multi-purpose production lines added to its Visp, Switzerland facility to be online by 2020.
The added space will support Lonza after it entered into a long-term manufacturing agreement with AstraZeneca. The expanded facility will support the delivery of products across its portfolio to AZ, while the remaining capacity will enable Lonza to expand its offerings to other clients.
This facility expansion also represents a continuing investment in HPAPI manufacturing.
Lonza’s large-scale manufacturing site in Visp will see greater flexibility in production lines to enable the CDMO to support shorter time-to-market and efficient approval timelines with the additional space.
Lee Newton, VP and head of the API business unit at Lonza Pharma & Biotech, told us that demand for HPAPI manufacturing is on the rise.
He explained, “We are witnessing a rise in the importance of drugs that include one or more HPAPI component. These molecules are useful in treating cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and other indications, and pharma and biotech companies are taking notice and incorporating these powerful molecules into innovative medicines.”
Lonza will also provide particle engineering and finished drug products for oral and parenteral delivery applications to industry members as well.
According to Newton, many of its clients are working to develop HPAPI products for small or emerging biotech companies. He said that many of its clients have ‘developed a great product’ but do not have in-house production capabilities.
“What they value is access to flexible and scalable manufacturing assets that can serve their specific needs – and hopefully grow with them as there is increased demand for their product,” said in regard to its clientele.
