Under the terms of the agreement, Lonza will initially manufacture clinical trial batches of five compounds currently in Phase 1 and 2 for GSK. Lonza will also provide access to flexible capacity to enable GSK to respond to future demand dependent upon progression of molecules through late stage development and commercial launch. All other details of the agreement remain confidential.
“We believe this is a critical step in the ongoing and future success of GSK in biopharmaceuticals”, said Ian Tomlinson, Head of Biopharm Research and Development, GSK. “Our goal is to establish a portfolio of biopharmaceutical products that by 2015 consistently exceeds 20 percent of our R & D pipeline. To make this a reality we need to ensure that we have the right resources in place, which include flexible and expert manufacturing capabilities, to enable us to ultimately create and deliver these future medicines to patients.”
To support the ongoing expansion of GSK biopharmaceuticals portfolio, GSK is continuing to progress plans to expand its own biopharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. As part of the agreement, GSK will work with Lonza to assess options for the design, specification, location and construction of a bespoke biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility within the UK. “We are delighted to enter into this agreement”, said Dr. Stephan Kutzer, COO of Lonza Custom Manufacturing. “To work with one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies on their biopharmaceutical pipeline is a great recognition of our efforts to adopt a collaborative approach with our customers. It allows joint manufacturing asset planning to ensure our customers can bring their pipeline of products to the market in an efficient and timely manner. We see this as a relationship that will bring significant benefits to both parties.”
About GSK
GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.
About Lonza
Lonza is one of the world's leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life science industries. Products and services span its customers’ needs from research to final product manufacture. It is the global leader in the production and support of active pharmaceutical ingredients both chemically as well as biotechnologically. Biopharmaceuticals are one of the key growth drivers of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Lonza has strong capabilities in large and small molecules, peptides, amino acids and niche bioproducts which play an important role in the development of novel medicines and healthcare products. In addition, Lonza is a leader in cell-based research, endotoxin detection and cell therapy manufacturing. Furthermore, the company is a leading provider of value chemical and biotech ingredients to the nutrition, hygiene, preservation, agro and personal care markets.
Lonza is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. In 2009, the company had sales of CHF 2.690 billion. Further information can be found at www.lonza.com.
For further Information
Lonza Group Ltd Lonza Group Ltd Head of Corporate Communications Investor Relations Dominik Werner Dirk Oehlers Tel +41 61 316 8798 Tel +41 61 316 8540 Fax +41 61 316 9798 Fax +41 61 316 9540 dominik.werner@lonza.com dirk.oehlers@lonza.com
GlaxoSmithKline Enquiries:
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