Lonza expands bioconjugation capacity in Visp and creates 300 jobs

Lonza strengthens its bioconjugation capabilities in Visp with two major expansions, adding three new suites and creating 300 jobs to meet growing demand.

Lonza is set to strengthen its position as a global leader in bioconjugation with two major expansion initiatives at its Ibex® Biopark in Visp, in the canton of Valais. The expansions, announced in October and November 2024, are aimed at bolstering Lonza’s production capabilities to meet rising market demand for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other bioconjugates used in cancer therapies.

The first announcement detailed Lonza’s extended partnership with a major biopharmaceutical company for the large-scale manufacture of ADCs. This agreement includes constructing a new customer-dedicated bioconjugation suite, with around 800 square meters of manufacturing space, set to be operational by 2027. This facility will handle highly potent modalities for ADC production, generating approximately 100 new jobs in Visp. The biopharmaceutical partner selected Lonza’s end-to-end solution, which includes monoclonal antibody (mAb) production at Lonza’s Porriño site in Spain, followed by bioconjugation at the Visp facility.

Shortly after, Lonza announced a further expansion of its Visp facilities to add two multipurpose bioconjugation suites. Occupying 2,000 square meters, these suites will provide additional manufacturing capacity for both clinical and commercial bioconjugate supplies. Designed to support complex processes and multiple customers, these suites are anticipated to open in 2028, creating 200 new jobs. This latest investment will double Lonza’s multipurpose production capabilities, addressing the increased demand for bioconjugates as ADCs advance toward commercialization.

Lonza’s expanded capacity aims to support a broader customer base while streamlining production for drugs advancing through various phases of development. Sustainability is integral to the new designs, incorporating energy-efficient systems and innovative waste management technologies to reduce waste by up to 90%. “With these expansions, we address a critical market need and reinforce our ability to deliver flexible, scalable solutions,” commented Christian Morello, Vice President and Head of Bioconjugates at Lonza.