Lonza, a global manufacturing partner to the pharma, biotech and nutrition industries, announced it will invest in additional inhalation capabilities. The investment will fund the build-out of an additional inhalation testing capacity at the Tampa (US) site specialized in the development, clinical, and commercial manufacturing of small molecule-based therapies targeting respiratory diseases and disorders, such as cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Building upon Lonza’s extensive expertise and more than 25 years of experience in supporting particle engineering projects from the Bend (US) site, the expansion will establish additional capacity for dry powder inhaler (DPI) product development services. With a rising global incidence of respiratory illnesses and disorders, the need for improved localized delivery is expected to grow. The extension of the service will provide additional infrastructure to drive efficiency and project delivery for feasibility and early-stage clinical studies.

The increased service capabilities will complement the existing inhalation offering. The new laboratories will be equipped with state-of-the-art analytical equipment and a containment system for highly-potent active pharmaceutical ingredients to provide specialized performance testing, including aerosolized particle analysis. The new laboratories are expected to begin operations in June 2022.

Jeff Williamson, Associate Director Product Development, Small Molecules, Lonza Tampa, commented: “Increasing our capabilities in providing solutions for inhaled products will benefit our existing and future customers. The growth of our Inhalation service network will ensure that our team continues to deliver solutions and support necessary for advancing dry powder inhaler products for pulmonary delivery that often face solubility and bioavailability challenges.”

Matthew Ferguson, Director, Head of Respiratory Delivery, Lonza Bend, added: “The expansion of the inhalation offering, combined with the extensive experience of the Bend team, will serve to support clinical and commercial projects. The addition of these capabilities in Tampa will provide a seamless offering within the Lonza inhalation network. The offering can also benefit from the customizable Capsugel® Zephyr® inhalation capsule offering”.