Lonza expands ADC manufacturing capacity at its Visp site in Switzerland
Lonza also plans to introduce 500-litre single-use manufacturing capacity across its existing mid-scale bioconjugation facilities from 2027.
SWITZERLAND – Lonza is expanding its bioconjugation manufacturing capacity at its Visp site in Switzerland, adding three multi-product suites and 500-litre single-use capabilities to support growing demand for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other bioconjugates.
The contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) announced expanded plans, building on a November 2024 commitment to add two manufacturing suites to the site.
The revised project will include three multi-product suites, with commercial manufacturing capacity expected to become available in 2028.
Lonza also plans to introduce 500-litre single-use manufacturing capacity across its existing mid-scale bioconjugation facilities from 2027.
The additional equipment will allow the company to handle multiple products and development programmes while improving manufacturing flexibility.
Expanded capacity supports ADC development
The investment will extend Lonza’s ability to support customers across different stages of bioconjugate development, from early clinical manufacturing to commercial production.
The mid-scale facilities will feature additional chromatography equipment and parallel manufacturing capabilities, enabling faster production changeovers and more flexible scheduling.
These capabilities are particularly relevant as more ADC candidates progress through clinical development towards commercialisation.
ADCs combine monoclonal antibodies with potent drug compounds to target specific cells, making specialised manufacturing processes essential for controlling product quality and consistency.
The large-scale expansion, which is already under construction, will incorporate stainless-steel and single-use technologies, with manufacturing capacity reaching up to 1,200 litres.
The facilities will also include drug product filling capabilities to support customers seeking integrated manufacturing services.
Christian Seufert, Lonza’s Head of Advanced Synthesis, said the investment would help the company accommodate customers’ changing manufacturing requirements as ADC and other bioconjugate programmes advance towards commercialisation.
He added that the Visp expansion reinforces Lonza’s ambition to provide integrated bioconjugation development and manufacturing services.
Additional investments strengthen manufacturing network
The latest announcement builds on other investments in Lonza’s bioconjugation operations.
In June 2026, the company announced plans to upgrade payload-linker manufacturing capacity at Visp, targeting both highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs) and commercial-scale ADC production.
Payload-linker manufacturing is a critical part of ADC production because it involves preparing the potent drug compounds and chemical linkers used to attach them to antibodies.
Expanding this capability could strengthen Lonza’s ability to offer customers a more integrated manufacturing supply chain.
Beyond Switzerland, Lonza is also expanding its US manufacturing footprint.
In October 2026, the company announced plans to build a commercial spray-drying facility in Bend, Oregon, with completion targeted for around 2029.
The Bend project will add specialised manufacturing capacity to Lonza’s US operations, complementing its investments in bioconjugation and other advanced manufacturing technologies in Europe.
Lonza has not disclosed the investment amounts for either the Visp expansion or the new Oregon facility.
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