In its quarterly qualitative update, Lonza reported a softer Q1, with performance across H1 expected to align with the Full-Year 2024 trajectory.

Lonza confirms its Outlook 2024 at flat sales growth in CER and Core EBITDA margin of high 20s. H2 2024 sales are expected to be solid, reflecting the timing of batch releases.

In Biologics, there was good momentum across the division with sustained commercial demand, while clinical demand remained softer, despite early signs of biotech funding recovery. The Small Molecules division also saw strong commercial demand, and made continued progress on strategic investments. Cell & Gene delivered improved commercial and operational performance in Cell & Gene Technology, while market headwinds impacted Bioscience primarily in its media business. Finally, the performance of the Capsules & Health Ingredients division was softer than expected due to a combination of weaker demand for pharma hard capsules in western markets, and lower margins in its nutraceutical business despite improved demand.

Lonza’s key growth projects are progressing in line with plan. Operations are expected to commence at the large-scale Mammalian drug substance and highly potent API facilities in Visp (CH) in Q4 2024. Construction is on track at the large-scale commercial drug product facility in Stein (CH).

In Q1 2024, Lonza announced it had signed an agreement to acquire the Genentech manufacturing facility in Vacaville (US) from Roche for USD 1.2 billion in cash. Lonza plans to invest around CHF 500 million to upgrade the facility and enhance capabilities at the site to accommodate the next generation of mammalian biologics therapies. In this context, Mid-Term Guidance 2024 – 2028 sales growth range was updated from 11 – 13% CAGR in CER1 to 12 – 15%. All other Mid-Term Guidance metrics are unchanged.

On 2 April 2024, the Board of Directors was pleased to appoint Wolfgang Wienand as the new Chief Executive Officer of Lonza. He will join the company during the summer of 2024.

Albert M. Baehny, CEO ad interim, Lonza, commented: “We made good progress in Q1 2024 with the strategic acquisition of the large-scale biologics site in Vacaville and the appointment of Lonza’s new CEO, Wolfgang Wienand. Looking at our industry fundamentals, we remain well-positioned to capture value by maintaining our focus on growing our commercial offering, while managing our costs and maintaining our focus on operational excellence.”