Sanofi & Lonza to jointly set up $ 285-mn biologics production facility

“In addition to the investments we are making in building our own internal production capabilities, the joint venture between Sanofi and Lonza emphasises our commitment to provide access for patients to high quality therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. Approximately sixty percent of our pipeline is made up of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, dedicated to key disease areas such as cardiovascular, immunology and inflammation, neurology and oncology. Lonza is a highly experienced partner in this field and the capabilities which this joint venture will create are critical to meeting our patients’ needs for these important therapies,” said Philippe Luscan, executive vice president, Global Industrial Affairs, Sanofi.

Marc Funk, COO Pharma & Biotech, Lonza, added, “By entering into this long-term strategic relationship we have developed a tailor-made business model that best fits both Sanofi’s and Lonza’s requirements. It provides to Sanofi dedicated capacity, which allows for a clear win-win situation for all participants. As part of our strategic roadmap, we will develop further innovative business models based on the requirements of our customers. We intend to address these long-term market needs by establishing a state-of-the-art strategic biologics manufacturing platform. The strategic partnership with Sanofi represents the first module in this undertaking; and we are convinced that with this future-oriented approach, we can serve additional customers.”

With this JV, Sanofi will have additional access to bio-manufacturing capacity to support increasing demands for its portfolio of biologic therapeutic products. Lonza will construct the facility and will support the joint venture in its operations of the facility. 

The strategic partnership enables Sanofi to react quickly to fluctuations in demand in a short timeframe, reinforcing their capability to launch high-quality, next generation biologic medicines and ensure consistent access for patients. It also provides Lonza with needed capacities to respond to growing manufacturing demands for large-scale mammalian cell culture based therapeutic proteins, therefore allowing Lonza to better serve its customers. By adding flexibility in this way, this model will help to optimise biologics production capacity across the whole industry. 

Founded in the Swiss Alps, Lonza is one of the world’s leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, biotech and specialty ingredients markets. Not only is Lonza a custom manufacturer and developer, the company also offers services and products ranging from active pharmaceutical ingredients to drinking water sanitisers, from nutritional and personal care ingredients to agricultural products, and from industrial preservatives to microbial control solutions that combat dangerous viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.