Lonza has unveiled plans to manufacture clinical supply materials for Kodiak Science at multiple sites including Slough, UK, Visp, Switzerland and Nansha, China. Kodiak’s drug candidates have the goals of restoring vision, slowing disease progression while requiring fewer treatments.

Retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cause blindness by damaging the retina, typically in those over 50 years of age. As the world’s population ages, retinal diseases will affect an ever-increasing number of people. To date, there are limited treatments.

“Our manufacturing requirements are technical, demanding tight coordination across multiple global sites and the highest quality people, materials, and capabilities,” said Victor Perlroth, chairman and chief executive officer, Kodiak Sciences. “With Lonza, we have secured the support of one of the largest contract manufacturers of biologics and chemicals in the world. It was critical to choose a reliable, reputable contract manufacturer that understands our technical challenges and has commercial expertise with marketed antibody conjugate medicines.”

“As we partner with Kodiak for the manufacture of their novel class of antibody therapeutics, we are utilizing our expertise in the areas of cell line development, biological and chemical manufacturing, and conjugation,” said Karen Fallen, vice president, business unit head, clinical development and licensing, Lonza. “This unique opportunity crosses many of Lonza’s technologies, and we are looking forward to a long and productive partnership with Kodiak as we manufacture their potentially life-changing products for those with retinal disease.”