Lonza, the world’s leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), is moving to significantly expand its capabilities in the fast-growing antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) sector.

 

The company has announced plans to enhance its drug-linker center of excellence and boost payload-linker manufacturing capacity at its Visp site.

 

The expansion will create new commercial-scale production capacity for highly complex and highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPI) and ADC payload-linkers, further strengthening Lonza’s position as a fully integrated CDMO partner in the ADC space.

 

Demand for ADCs continues to surge across the pharmaceutical industry, driven by the increasing complexity of payload-linkers that require advanced synthesis and high-end purification technologies. These molecules are becoming more structurally sophisticated, intensifying the need for specialized highly potent manufacturing infrastructure.

 

Lonza’s investment will add new capacity within an existing GMP facility, incorporating additional payload-linker production and purification lines alongside dedicated analytical and process development laboratories. The site is designed for flexible, multipurpose use and scalable expansion, with the option to add further suites as customer demand increases.

 

The new facility will be closely integrated into Lonza’s broader ADC network in Visp, which includes monoclonal antibody production, conjugation, and drug product manufacturing capabilities across Visp and Stein (CH), supported by additional quality control capacity for highly potent payload-linker materials. 

 

Operations are expected to begin in 2028, supporting both clinical and commercial programs and helping accelerate time to market for next-generation ADC therapies.

 

Christian Seufert, Head of Advanced Synthesis, Lonza, said: "The rapid growth of the ADC market is driving increasing demand for highly complex payload-linkers that require advanced manufacturing capabilities. Lonza remains committed to investing and further developing its integrated ADC offering. 

 

"This investment reflects that commitment by expanding our capacity to support this next generation of therapies and enabling our customers to progress efficiently from development to commercial supply, ultimately helping bring targeted, potentially life-changing treatments to patients."