Global contract manufacturing leader Lonza has deepened its long-standing partnership with biotechnology company Genetix Biotherapeutics, extending a commercial manufacturing agreement to boost production of the gene therapy ZYNTEGLO.

 

The expanded deal comes as demand climbs for ZYNTEGLO, currently the only FDA-approved gene therapy for pediatric and adult patients with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. Under the renewed agreement, Lonza will expand manufacturing capacity to help Genetix scale supply of the treatment.

 

The two companies have collaborated since 2013, a partnership that ultimately supported the therapy’s commercial approval in 2022. Manufacturing will continue at Lonza’s dedicated cell and gene therapy facility in Houston, which has nearly a decade of combined clinical and commercial experience producing the therapy.

 

Daniel Palmacci, Head of Specialized Modalities at Lonza, said: “Our extended agreement with Genetix underscores the value of our services and expertise in commercial cell and gene therapy manufacturing. We are proud to continue our collaboration by expanding the commercial production of ZYNTEGLO at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Houston.”

 

The agreement also includes provisions to scale production further as Genetix advances additional therapies in its pipeline.

 

Brian Riley, President and Chief Technology Officer at Genetix, added: “Our long-standing partnership with Lonza reflects our shared commitment to commercial excellence and operational discipline to bring curative therapies to patients impacted by rare disease. Their scientific rigor, quality focus and consistent execution have been important in enabling a reliable supply of ZYNTEGLO. 

 

"In the last year, patient demand for Genetix’s therapies has grown consistently and rapidly. Extending the agreement with Lonza and expanding capacity provides a strong foundation as we invest to meet the growing patient demand and broaden our long-term manufacturing strategy.”