Introduction
Sanofi, French drugmaker and Swiss manufacturer Lonza will invest US$285 million to build a new large-scale biologics facility that will produce monoclonal antibodies by 2020.
Features
The companies will build and operate a large-scale mammalian cell culture facility for monoclonal antibody production in Visp, Switzerland.
The facility will be established through a 50-50 joint venture and will be located in Visp, Switzerland.
By contrast to most drugs that are chemically synthesized, many biologics are produced using living cells. They are seen as a promising answer in areas such as cardiovascular, neurology or cancer treatments.
The facility will provide means to treat a variety of medical illness and conditions that have no other treatments available. They are also more expensive than traditional products.
Approximately sixty percent of Swiss biologics facility’s pipeline is made up of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, dedicated to key disease areas such as cardiovascular, immunology and inflammation, neurology and oncology.
The construction of this facility would create 200 jobs in the process.
Sanofi will be capable to react quickly to fluctuations in demand in a short timeframe, strengthening their competence to launch high-quality, next generation biologic medicines and ensure consistent access for patients.
Specifications:
| Name | Sanofi and Lonza |
| Location | Visp, Switzerland |
| Type | New Construction |
| Estimated Cost | US$285 million |
| Schedule | 2020 |
| Parties Involved | Sanofi and Lonza |
