Lonza Group continue realization of long-term strategic initiatives

08 May '06

2 min read

Lonza Group announces that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY), which includes the licensing of Lonza Biologics Inc. as their third-party manufacturing partner for the active pharmaceutical ingredient (abatacept) for ORENCIA.

This manufacturing initiative was designed to support increased production capacity for rheumatoid arthritis indicated ORENCIA® (abatacept), which will enable Bristol-Myers Squibb to meet the anticipated long-term demand.

“Lonza is pleased to participate in this significant manufacturing alliance with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company,” said Stefan Borgas, Chief Executive Officer, Lonza Group. “Having been selected by a pharmaceutical world leader as their contract manufacturing partner for one of their first internally discovered biologic agents, represents a further milestone for us.

We're thrilled to have hosted another commercial pre-approval inspection in our Portsmouth, NH (USA) facility thus further building up our flawless regulatory track record. The Lonza team will continue to support our partners at Bristol-Myers Squibb so that ORENCIA® will be available to a maximum number of patients.”

Lonza, a chemical and biotechnology company driven by the life sciences, generated sales of CHF 2.52 billion in 2005. Headquartered in Switzerland, Lonza operates 22 production and R&D sites around the world. Its 6300 employees are passionately committed to delivering sustainable value to their customers. Lonza is one of the leading custom manufacturers of chemical intermediates, active ingredients and biopharmaceuticals for the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries.

Lonza Group

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