Lonza expands its manufacturing capabilities in Visp and creates 100 new jobs

Lonza expands its collaboration with a major biopharma partner, adding a new bioconjugation suite in Visp to support advanced cancer therapy manufacturing.

Lonza, a global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, has announced the extension of a long-term collaboration with a major biopharmaceutical partner for the commercial production of Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs). The agreement includes the construction of a new, customer-dedicated bioconjugation suite at Lonza’s Ibex® Biopark in Visp, Switzerland. This expansion strengthens Lonza’s role in the manufacturing of ADCs, which are advanced therapies designed to target hard-to-treat cancers by combining a potent drug with an antibody for precise delivery to cancer cells.

The new 800 m² bioconjugation suite is expected to be operational in 2027 and will create approximately 100 new jobs in Visp. It will support the full manufacturing process of ADCs, including the handling of highly potent materials, and will contribute to the growing demand for cancer therapies. The new facility builds on the long-standing relationship between Lonza and its partner, which has seen the production of all key components of ADCs, from the monoclonal antibody (mAb) to the drug-linker to the final product.

In addition to the new facility in Visp, the collaboration extends to Lonza’s site in Porriño, Spain, where the mAbs for the new ADC therapy will be produced. These antibodies will then be conjugated in the new large-scale bioconjugation suites in Visp. This integrated manufacturing approach simplifies the supply chain, streamlines production and ensures quality at every stage.

Advanced bioconjugation and manufacturing expertise

In the company’s press release, Christian Morello, Vice President, Head of Bioconjugates at Lonza, highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating: “Our relationship has evolved over the years, allowing us to meet our partner’s needs with innovative solutions and flexible business models. The extension of this collaboration reflects our operational expertise in the growing bioconjugates market.”

Jean-Christophe Hyvert, President of Biologics at Lonza, concluded: “The expanded agreement highlights the value of our end-to-end manufacturing services in the rapidly growing ADC market. With the construction of this new suite, we are positioning ourselves to meet the rising global demand for bioconjugates that provide more effective treatments for cancer patients.”