PolyPeptide Laboratories has acquired the peptides business and operations of Lonza in Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium. Lonza’s Braine facility, with approximately 280 employees, is the center for peptide chemical development and manufacturing within Lonza.

Polypeptide said the acquisition will enhance its manufacturing capacity and capabilities and will enable seamless support for its broad portfolio as many products progress toward regulatory approval and commercial supply. Lonza Braine will provide 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.

“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,” said Jane Salik, chief executive officer, PolyPeptide Group. “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.”

Marc Funk, chief operating officer of Lonza’s Pharma and Biotech segment, said, “This agreement is the result of our strategy of continuously reviewing our business portfolio and streamlining and optimizing our site and production platforms. The peptides chemical business is a niche business for Lonza, with only limited synergies with other small molecule technologies. PolyPeptide is focused and dedicated to the production, operations and sales of peptides; so we believe that we have found the optimal partner for the business to give new perspectives to the Braine site and its employees. This move will also allow us to fully focus on our many other technologies, which we will continue to develop further.”

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.