Lonza has expanded its highly potent API (HPAPI) capacity to support antibody drug conjugate (ADC) payload manufacturing. This HPAPI expansion encompasses two new manufacturing suites capable of handling compounds with occupational exposure levels down to 1ng/m3. The strategic ADC expansion allows the company to develop and produce all components of this growing cancer treatment: cytotoxic payloads, antibodies and the required linkers. The HPAPI and ADC payload expansion is expected to be on-line by the end of 2019. 
 
The first of the two new HPAPI suites specifically supports a global biopharmaceutical partner by securing the long-term supply of highly potent ADC payloads. The second suite will be available to other customers for similar HPAPI and payload development and manufacturing programs. The expansion also increases Lonza’s capabilities to provide fully scalable HPAPI and ADC solutions from lab to commercialization, to help support the accelerated timelines that many drug programs in this category require.

“By ensuring critical supply for the treatment of cancer patients, we are supporting one of our global partners in the oncology field,” said Maurits Janssen, Head of Commercial Development of the API Business Unit at Lonza Pharma & Biotech. “Oncology continues to be the leading indication in biopharma and the main driver for bioconjugates. We continue to increase capabilities and capacity to meet the HPAPI development and manufacturing needs of our partners.”

“Our customers developing highly potent medicines need a partner whom they can trust to handle these toxic substances and to deliver in sync with their needs, whether for clinical or commercial supply,” said Gordon Bates, President Chemical Division at Lonza Pharma & Biotech. “Combined with our expertise in biologics development, manufacturing, bioconjugation and sterile fill/finish, this new capability will offer further solutions for companies developing complex therapies.“