The upgrade includes the installation of advanced bottling and labeling equipment, aimed at enhancing early-phase clinical manufacturing services. This development is expected to accelerate the delivery of drug products to clinical trial centers, offering a substantial benefit to Lonza's clients in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
The new equipment is designed to handle solid dosage forms, specifically tablets and powder-filled capsules. The machinery is equipped with advanced capabilities to detect defects in the dosage forms, ensuring that only the highest quality products are packaged and labeled. The bottling process is comprehensive, including cleaning, filling, capping, sealing, and labeling of bottles, all critical steps in preparing products for early-phase clinical trials.
This expansion is part of Lonza's broader strategy to support the pharmaceutical industry's needs from early-stage development through to commercialization. With the new capabilities, Lonza can more efficiently serve its customers, particularly those looking to accelerate their drug candidates through phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials.
Matthew Ferguson, senior director of product development for small molecules at Lonza, highlighted the significance of this upgrade, he said: “Lonza’s Drug Product Formulation and Development Services, offered from our site in Bend (US), support clinical and commercial development and manufacturing. The new bottling equipment for filling tablets and powder-filled capsules further enhances our ability to support customers looking to accelerate their candidate pathway through phase 1 and 2 clinical trials and beyond.”
Acceleration of the bottling and labeling of solid dosage forms
The Bend site is a critical hub in Lonza's global network, serving as the company's Center of Excellence for bioavailability enhancement and inhaled delivery systems. For more than 45 years, the Bend team has been at the forefront of addressing solubility challenges and modulating pharmacokinetics to meet the specific needs of target product profiles. Currently, the facility supports over 80 active programs, making it a cornerstone of Lonza’s small molecules development and manufacturing operations.
The addition of bottling and labeling capabilities aligns with Lonza's ongoing commitment to expanding its service offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients. As drug development timelines become increasingly compressed, the ability to quickly and efficiently package and deliver clinical trial materials is more critical than ever. The new equipment at the Bend site positions Lonza to better meet these demands, offering a more streamlined and integrated service to its clients.
This upgrade is particularly beneficial for early-stage companies that require rapid and reliable clinical manufacturing services to advance their drug candidates through initial trial phases. By reducing the time needed to prepare and deliver trial materials, Lonza helps its clients achieve critical milestones faster, which can be a decisive factor in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
Lonza’s enhanced capabilities at the Bend site are expected to attract a broader range of clients, including emerging biotech firms and established pharmaceutical companies seeking to expedite their clinical programs. The investment in new bottling and labeling equipment not only strengthens Lonza's service portfolio but also reinforces its position as a trusted partner in the global drug development process.
