Basel, Switzerland, and Tokyo, Japan, 7 May 2015 – Lonza, the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of cells for regenerative medicine therapeutics, and Nikon Corporation announced today an exclusive collaboration in the field of cell and gene therapy manufacturing in Japan. Nikon will have access to Lonza’s quality and operating systems, facility design and ongoing consulting services for the establishment of a wholly owned Nikon cell and gene therapy contract manufacturing business. The Tokyo/Yokohama area of Japan is currently under consideration for the site location of the Nikon’s new facility.
Japan has become an attractive location for the future of regenerative medicine since the induction of the Revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, which became effective in November 2014. The act states conditional product approval may be granted in Japan at the time when clinical safety and an indication of efficacy of a regenerative medicine product are demonstrated. For this reason Japan is expected to be a promising location for the expedited clinical application of cell and gene therapy products.
The use of somatic stem cells (hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells) has already gained traction in the United States and European biotechnology and pharmaceutical markets, with the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) following quickly behind.
In addition, virally modified gene therapy has demonstrated promising clinical results in multiple disease indications, including cancer. Using viral vectors, immune and stem cells can be genetically modified and reintroduced to the patient as a targeted therapy.
The global reach of the regenerative medicine market and the advancement of stem cell manufacturing have driven this collaboration in Japan. With this collaboration Nikon will benefit from Lonza’s extensive track record in global cell manufacturing, while expanding its entry into the contract manufacturing market. Nikon will acquire the technical know-how to differentiate and manufacture cells, including somatic stem cells, as well as Lonza’s quality and safety evaluation standards and operational procedures in the manufacturing process. This collaboration will accelerate Nikon’s efforts to realize future practical applications of iPSCs in the field of regenerative medicine.
“This collaboration will contribute greatly to the growth of the global cell and gene therapy market,” said Andreas Weiler, Head of Emerging Technologies, Lonza Pharma&Biotech. “We are utilizing our expertise built over the last decade to work together with Nikon in bringing high-quality, innovative development and manufacturing to Japan. Because of its work in iPSC technology, we believe Nikon is an ideal partner for this collaboration in regenerative medicine.”
Nikon’s newly formed subsidiary, Nikon CeLL innovation Co., Ltd., will actively contribute to the early realization of Japan’s regenerative medicine market and over time will expand its business domain into adjacent technology areas. Furthermore, Nikon will also develop equipment and disposables needed to optimize the manufacture of high-quality cells, along with hardware and software from Japan to the international market.
About Lonza
Lonza is one of the world’s leading and most-trusted suppliers to the pharmaceutical, biotech and specialty ingredients markets. We harness science and technology to create products that support safer and healthier living and that enhance the overall quality of life.
Not only are we a custom manufacturer and developer, Lonza also offers services and products ranging from active pharmaceutical ingredients and stem-cell therapies to drinking water sanitizers, from the vitamin B compounds and organic personal care ingredients to agricultural products, and from industrial preservatives to microbial control solutions that combat dangerous viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.
Founded in 1897 in the Swiss Alps, Lonza today is a well-respected global company with more than 40 major manufacturing and R&D facilities and approximately 9,800 full-time employees worldwide. The company generated sales of about CHF 3.64 billion in 2014 and is organized into two market-focused segments: Pharma&Biotech and Specialty Ingredients. Further information can be found at www.lonza.com.
About Nikon
Nikon has been a pioneer in optical technology markets worldwide since its inception in 1917. Today, Nikon offers a wide range of products utilizing advanced technologies, from consumer optics such as digital cameras, camera-related products and binoculars, to industrial precision equipment including semiconductor lithography systems and FPD lithography systems, microscopes and measuring instruments. Further information can be found at www.nikon.com
Lonza Contact Information
Lonza Group Ltd
Head Investor Relations
Dirk Oehlers
Tel +41 61 316 8540
Fax +41 61 316 9540
dirk.oehlers@lonza.com
Lonza Group Ltd
Head Corporate Communications
Dominik Werner
Tel +41 61 316 8798
Fax +41 61 316 9540
dominik.werner@lonza.com
Lonza Group Ltd
Head External Communications
Constance Ward
Tel +41 61 316 8840
Fax +41 61 316 9840
constance.ward@lonza.com
Help employers find you! Check out all the jobs and post your resume.
Japan has become an attractive location for the future of regenerative medicine since the induction of the Revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, which became effective in November 2014. The act states conditional product approval may be granted in Japan at the time when clinical safety and an indication of efficacy of a regenerative medicine product are demonstrated. For this reason Japan is expected to be a promising location for the expedited clinical application of cell and gene therapy products.
The use of somatic stem cells (hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells) has already gained traction in the United States and European biotechnology and pharmaceutical markets, with the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) following quickly behind.
In addition, virally modified gene therapy has demonstrated promising clinical results in multiple disease indications, including cancer. Using viral vectors, immune and stem cells can be genetically modified and reintroduced to the patient as a targeted therapy.
The global reach of the regenerative medicine market and the advancement of stem cell manufacturing have driven this collaboration in Japan. With this collaboration Nikon will benefit from Lonza’s extensive track record in global cell manufacturing, while expanding its entry into the contract manufacturing market. Nikon will acquire the technical know-how to differentiate and manufacture cells, including somatic stem cells, as well as Lonza’s quality and safety evaluation standards and operational procedures in the manufacturing process. This collaboration will accelerate Nikon’s efforts to realize future practical applications of iPSCs in the field of regenerative medicine.
“This collaboration will contribute greatly to the growth of the global cell and gene therapy market,” said Andreas Weiler, Head of Emerging Technologies, Lonza Pharma&Biotech. “We are utilizing our expertise built over the last decade to work together with Nikon in bringing high-quality, innovative development and manufacturing to Japan. Because of its work in iPSC technology, we believe Nikon is an ideal partner for this collaboration in regenerative medicine.”
Nikon’s newly formed subsidiary, Nikon CeLL innovation Co., Ltd., will actively contribute to the early realization of Japan’s regenerative medicine market and over time will expand its business domain into adjacent technology areas. Furthermore, Nikon will also develop equipment and disposables needed to optimize the manufacture of high-quality cells, along with hardware and software from Japan to the international market.
About Lonza
Lonza is one of the world’s leading and most-trusted suppliers to the pharmaceutical, biotech and specialty ingredients markets. We harness science and technology to create products that support safer and healthier living and that enhance the overall quality of life.
Not only are we a custom manufacturer and developer, Lonza also offers services and products ranging from active pharmaceutical ingredients and stem-cell therapies to drinking water sanitizers, from the vitamin B compounds and organic personal care ingredients to agricultural products, and from industrial preservatives to microbial control solutions that combat dangerous viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.
Founded in 1897 in the Swiss Alps, Lonza today is a well-respected global company with more than 40 major manufacturing and R&D facilities and approximately 9,800 full-time employees worldwide. The company generated sales of about CHF 3.64 billion in 2014 and is organized into two market-focused segments: Pharma&Biotech and Specialty Ingredients. Further information can be found at www.lonza.com.
About Nikon
Nikon has been a pioneer in optical technology markets worldwide since its inception in 1917. Today, Nikon offers a wide range of products utilizing advanced technologies, from consumer optics such as digital cameras, camera-related products and binoculars, to industrial precision equipment including semiconductor lithography systems and FPD lithography systems, microscopes and measuring instruments. Further information can be found at www.nikon.com
Lonza Contact Information
Lonza Group Ltd
Head Investor Relations
Dirk Oehlers
Tel +41 61 316 8540
Fax +41 61 316 9540
dirk.oehlers@lonza.com
Lonza Group Ltd
Head Corporate Communications
Dominik Werner
Tel +41 61 316 8798
Fax +41 61 316 9540
dominik.werner@lonza.com
Lonza Group Ltd
Head External Communications
Constance Ward
Tel +41 61 316 8840
Fax +41 61 316 9840
constance.ward@lonza.com
Help employers find you! Check out all the jobs and post your resume.
