Human Genome Sciences, Inc. and Lonza entered an agreement for the commercial supply of Benlysta (belimumab), which is currently under regulatory review in the U.S. and EU as a potential treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Benlysta is being developed by HGS and GlaxoSmithKline under a co-development and commercialization agreement initiated in 2006.

“Our HGS large-scale manufacturing facility has ample capacity to provide worldwide supply of Benlysta following approval, and for the first two or three years following launch,” said Randy J. Maddux, vice president, manufacturing operations, HGS. “However, we believe that we will eventually require additional capacity. After a careful review of proposals from a number of highly qualified commercial manufacturing organizations, we have selected Lonza, a leader in biologics manufacturing with a global network of large-scale production sites. We are confident that Lonza is the right choice to fill this critically important role.”

“We are enthusiastic about supporting the future production of Benlysta with our cutting-edge capabilities and expertise in biopharmaceutical manufacturing,” said Dr. Stephan Kutzer, chief operating officer, Lonza Custom Manufacturing. “Working on such an important new drug for lupus patients will be very rewarding and the basis for a long-term, collaborative relationship with HGS.”