Sanofi and Lonza have started constructing a large-scale biologics production facility in Visp, Switzerland.

In February 2017, Sanofi and Lonza first announced a joint venture to build and operate a large-scale mammalian cell-culture facility for monoclonal antibody production in Visp. The partnership combines the biologics development pipeline of Sanofi with the experience of Lonza to design, construct, and operate the facility. The initial investment will be approximately CHF 290 million ($298 million), to be split equally between each company.

Under the deal, each party will share the available capacity in line with their equity shareholding in the joint venture. Sanofi will have additional access to biomanufacturing capacity to support increasing demands for its portfolio of biologic therapeutic products, should the company require it. Lonza will be free to market its share of capacity, if not required by Sanofi, and will also market unused Sanofi capacity, where available. Lonza will construct the facility and will support the joint venture in its operations of the facility.

Source: Lonza