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Lonza has divested peptides business and operations in Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium, to PolyPeptide Group. The Braine facility, with approximately 280 employees, is the centre for peptide chemical development and manufacturing within Lonza.
Peptides, like proteins, are naturally occurring chains of amino acids involved in virtually every life process. They help regulate body functions such as the release of hormones and the regulation of blood-sugar levels. Advances in formulation and delivery platforms have boosted the demand for peptides, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals. Synthetic peptides serve as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in peptide-based drugs that treat diabetes, obesity, various types of cancer, endocrine and nervous system disorders, and other health conditions.
The acquisition will enhance PolyPeptide’s manufacturing capacity and capabilities and will enable seamless support for its broad portfolio as many products progress toward regulatory approval and commercial supply. Lonza’s Braine facility will provide immediate access to additional large-scale capacity in synthesis, purification and isolation of peptides, while PolyPeptide’s existing, complementary portfolio of late-stage products offers opportunities for synergies and continued growth for the company.
“The addition of Lonza’s Braine facility to PolyPeptide is a great fit and will offer customers an even more comprehensive range of services for every stage of development. With this acquisition we will be expanding our capacity to meet the needs of customers who demand the highest quality products with the most robust, scalable and cost-efficient peptide manufacturing processes at every scale,” said Jane Salik, CEO of the PolyPeptide Group.
Marc Funk, chief operating officer of Lonza’s pharma & biotech segment, stated, “This agreement is the result of our strategy of continuously reviewing our business portfolio and streamlining and optimising our site and production platforms. The peptides chemical business is a niche business for Lonza, with only limited synergies with other small molecule technologies. This move will also allow us to fully focus on our many other technologies, which we will continue to develop further.”
Both PolyPeptide and Lonza have long and distinguished histories in peptide manufacturing. Lonza acquired the Braine peptide business in 2006 from UCB, while PolyPeptide’s corporate roots in peptide therapeutics date back to the 1950s. Both companies became successful in peptide manufacturing by building excellent reputations for quality, service and GMP support.
With this acquisition the PolyPeptide Group will employ close to 800 people worldwide with GMP facilities in the US (Torrance and San Diego, California), France (Strasbourg), India (Ambernath, Maharashtra), Belgium (Braine-D’Alleud) and Sweden (Malmo).
