By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : August 03, 2026 3:50 pm
The collaboration will initially focus on client programs involving complex biologics, including bispecific and multispecific antibodies, fusion proteins and high-concentration formulations
Celonic AG, a Swiss-based biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), and Leukocare AG, a provider of drug product development services, have announced a strategic collaboration to support biopharmaceutical companies developing increasingly complex biologics.
The partnership combines Celonic's expertise in cell line development, drug substance process development, intensified bioprocessing and GMP manufacturing with Leukocare's data science-driven capabilities in formulation and drug product development.
The collaboration will initially focus on client programs involving complex biologics, including bispecific and multispecific antibodies, fusion proteins and high-concentration formulations.
By integrating formulation strategy, molecular characterization, manufacturability and process development from the early stages, the companies aim to help biopharmaceutical developers establish robust development pathways from pre-clinical research through commercial manufacturing.
The joint approach is expected to improve product stability, manufacturability, scalability and patient-friendly administration while reducing development risks.
Celonic will contribute its CHOvolution GS CHO-K1 platform, advanced transposase-enabled cell line technology, and expertise in intensified and perfusion bioprocessing to enhance productivity and manufacturing efficiency for complex biologics.
Leukocare will provide formulation development supported by molecular modelling, predictive analytics, Design of Experiments (DoE), analytical characterization, stability studies, technology transfer and CMC support.
Samanta Cimitan, CEO of Celonic AG, said, “Our collaboration highlights the decisive role of formulation in enabling complex biologics to reach the clinic. By combining Celonic’s CHO-based development, intensified and perfusion bioprocessing, and GMP manufacturing capabilities with Leukocare’s unique development expertise, we create measurable value for clients developing complex molecules, bispecifics, and high-concentration drug products.”
Michael Scholl, CEO of Leukocare AG, added, “As biologics become increasingly sophisticated, formulation development must become more predictive, data-driven, and closely connected with process development. Our collaboration with Celonic brings together complementary expertise that enables clients to make well-informed development decisions earlier, mitigate technical risk, and accelerate the path toward robust and manufacturable drug products.”