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05/09/2007
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| Lonza Initiates Large Scale Production Capacity and Innovative Tech-nology Platform for Emerging Product Class: Antibody Drug Conjugates |
Global life science company Lonza Group Ltd plans to start large scale production of Antibody Drug Conjugates. This emerging class of product is utilized primarily in the treatment of cancer. In contrast to other therapies, this antibody treatment promises more accurately targeted application possibilities, and as a result, increased effectiveness. The manufacture of Antibody Drug Conjugates involves coupling of a highly active chemical substance with a biotechnologically manufactured antibody.
Lonza’s activities in this innovative technology area include investment in a new production unit and in supporting development and analytical laboratories, all to be located in Visp, Switzerland.
Construction of the commercial scale plant in Visp began in the last quarter of 2006. Stage I is expected to be on line in 2008. The plant will initially be capable of producing over 100 kg of antibody drug conjugates per year and future expansion plans are built into the design. Currently Lonza is operating laboratory scale production and will bring small scale pilot facilities on stream in 2007.
Uwe Böhlke, Head of Exclusive Synthesis of Lonza, commented:
“With the investment in this new technology, Lonza will enter an emerging, high-growth business segment, which promises significant opportunities and potential. It is a perfect match with Lonza’s capabilities and technologies in both chemical and mammalian anti-body manufacture. We are delighted to be able to collaborate with the leading companies in this market.”
About Lonza
Lonza is one of the world's leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life science industries. Its products and services span its customers’ needs from research to final product manufacture. Lonza is the global leader in the production and support of pharmaceutical active ingredients both chemically as well as biotechnologically. Biopharmaceuticals are one of the key growth drivers of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Lonza has strong capabilities in large and small molecules, peptides, amino acids and niche bioproducts which play an important role in the development of novel medicines and healthcare products. Lonza is also a leading provider of value added chemical and biotech ingredients to the nutrition, hygiene, preservation, agro and per-sonal care markets.
Lonza is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange. In 2006 Lonza had sales of CHF 2.91 billion. Further information can be found at www.lonza.com.
For further information:
Investor / Media Relations Lonza
Margot Connor
Tel +41 61 316 8253
Fax +41 61 316 9253
margot.connor@lonza.com
Media Relations Lonza German
Dominik Werner
Tel +41 61 316 8798
Fax +41 61 316 9253
dominik.werner@lonza.com
Investor Relations Lonza
Alexandre Pasini
Tel +41 61 316 8835
Fax +41 61 316 9835
alexandre.pasini@lonza.com
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