Lonza is stepping up its US manufacturing footprint with plans to build a large-scale commercial spray-drying facility in Bend, Oregon, in a major investment aimed at meeting growing demand for advanced drug-development technologies.

 

The new facility will establish Lonza as the leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) provider of commercial-scale PSD-4 spray-drying capacity in the US. It will give pharmaceutical customers access to a full range of spray-dried dispersion (SDD) capabilities spanning clinical development through commercial manufacturing.

 

The expansion comes as drug developers increasingly turn to SDD technology to tackle the bioavailability challenges posed by complex and poorly soluble molecules. A significant share of molecules in today’s clinical pipeline requires bioavailability enhancement, driving demand for advanced particle-engineering technologies.

 

Lonza said the Bend project will strengthen its ability to provide integrated, end-to-end development and manufacturing services for SDDs, while supporting small molecules and other modalities, including biologics and mRNA.

 

Wolfgang Wienand, Chief Executive Officer, Lonza, said: “The investment in the Bend site reflects our conviction that the United States will remain a leading source of pharmaceutical innovation and a key market for Lonza. It also delivers on our One Lonza strategy, powered by the Lonza Engine, to invest where we can create the greatest value for our customers and, ultimately, for patients. 

 

"By significantly expanding our commercial-scale spray-drying capabilities, we strengthen a technology that can fundamentally improve the delivery and bioavailability of medicines. With this, our world-class particle engineering team in Bend will be even better able to support our customers in turning their breakthrough innovations into viable products and to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow.”

 

Christian Seufert, Head of Advanced Synthesis, Lonza, added: “The growing number of complex drug molecules is increasing demand for advanced particle engineering technologies. With decades of expertise in spray-drying, our Bend team helps customers address formulation challenges and progress their programs efficiently. This investment expands the capacity and capabilities needed to support customers from development through commercialization.”

 

The facility will feature two state-of-the-art PSD-4 spray-drying units, with the infrastructure designed to allow further capacity expansion as demand grows. The project will also add infrastructure for solvent handling and storage, alongside energy-efficient utility and process systems and enhanced emission-control technologies designed to reduce overall energy demand.

 

The facility is expected to be completed in 2029 following a significant capital investment. Lonza said the project will initially create more than 80 new jobs, while strengthening its US manufacturing network and bringing production capabilities closer to key customers.

 

The expansion is also expected to support more resilient, regionalized supply chains for critical therapies as pharmaceutical companies seek greater manufacturing capacity and flexibility in the US.