Bristol-Myers Squibb expands biologics manufacturing agreement with Lonza

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) has expanded its existing biologics manufacturing agreement with Switzerland-based Lonza.

The contract is expanded for the production of commercial quantities of a second BMS biologic medicine at Lonza’s mammalian manufacturing facility in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Bristol-Myers Squibb global manufacturing and supply president Lou Schmukler said: “Our expanded relationship with Lonza is an important example of our global manufacturing strategy to meet anticipated demand for our commercial biologics portfolio, and prepare to bring our late-stage clinical assets to patients by supplementing our in-house manufacturing capabilities.”

Both companies partnered in 2003 to produce commercial supplies of a biologics medicine marketed by BMS across the globe.

According to BMS, the biologic medicines that treat serious diseases are an integral part of its specialty care portfolio and R&D pipeline. Lonza also manufactures clinical supplies of an investigational biologics medicine for BMS.

Lonza pharma and biotech segment chief operating officer (COO) Marc Funk said: “We are pleased to extend our relationship with Bristol-Myers Squibb for the commercial production of their innovative drug substance.

“This reinforces Lonza’s mission to support life-saving medicines by being a reliable supplier of drug substances for our customers with high-quality commercial GMP manufacturing services delivered to the market.”

Lonza’s additional clinical-to-commercial mammalian production facilities are in Tuas in Singapore, Porrino in Spain and Slough in the UK, as well as its Portsmouth facility.