Lonza has added a new technology to its portfolio—Ibex Solutions. The new biological development and manufacturing concept couples flexibility in facility-build-out with fully tailored business models and leverages Lonza’s expertise and service network in Visp, Switzerland. Construction began in June with a formal groundbreaking ceremony expected in the second half of 2017. Several hundred new positions are expected to be created.

Ibex biomanufacturing comprises a modular, technology-independent development and manufacturing complex capable of supporting activities across multiple technologies—mammalian, microbial, cellular or bio-conjugate—and from late discovery to manufacture. This flexibility gives customers complete freedom in facility design and implementation, and the ability to respond rapidly as their needs evolve.

Responsiveness is further enhanced by the integration of the Ibex biomanufacturing complex into the Visp site with its experienced workforce and established service networks.

Ibex Solutions include highly flexible models to match and adapt to each customer’s expectations and forecasts. The availability of a modular complex means time-to-market can be reduced by 12 months or more. These advantages contribute to a significant de-risking of major strategic investment decisions.

“Lonza has been creating innovative manufacturing and production solutions for 120 years, and we are continuing to pioneer clinical and commercial manufacturing in multiple technologies all over the world,” said Marc Funk, chief operating officer, Lonza’s Pharma & Biotech. “We have been working with our partners to understand what we can offer that will really change the game for them, and that’s why we have created Ibex.”