GlaxoSmithKline and Lonza have entered into a new agreement under which Lonza will support the ongoing development of GSK’s biopharmaceutical pipeline by supplying manufacturing capacity for five early stage monoclonal antibodies.

Terms were not disclosed, but Lonza will initially manufacture clinical trial batches of five compounds currently in Phase I and II for GSK. Lonza will also provide access to flexible capacity to enable GSK to respond to future demand for late-stage development and commercial launch.

“We believe this is a critical step in the ongoing and future success of GSK in biopharmaceuticals,” said Ian Tomlinson, GSK’s head of Biopharm R&D. “Our goal is to establish a portfolio of biopharmaceutical products that by 2015 consistently exceeds 20% of our R&D pipeline. To make this a reality we need to ensure that we have the right resources in place, which include flexible and expert manufacturing capabilities, to enable us to ultimately create and deliver these future medicines to patients.”

To support the ongoing expansion of GSK biopharmaceuticals portfolio, GSK will continue to expand its own biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. As part of the agreement, GSK will work with Lonza to assess options for the design, specification, location and construction of a “bespoke” biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the UK.

“We are delighted to enter into this agreement,” said Dr. Stephan Kutzer, chief operating officer of Lonza Custom Manufacturing. “To work with one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies on their biopharmaceutical pipeline is a great recognition of our efforts to adopt a collaborative approach with our customers. It allows joint manufacturing asset planning to ensure our customers can bring their pipeline of products to the market in an efficient and timely manner. We see this as a relationship that will bring significant benefits to both parties.”