Swiss firm Lonza Houston Inc, one of the leading global players in viral gene and cell therapy manufacturing, and Bluebird Bio Inc, a clinical-stage company committed to developing potentially transformative gene therapies for severe genetic diseases and T cell-based immunotherapies for cancer, have entered into a strategic manufacturing agreement providing for the future commercial production of Bluebird Bio’s Lenti-D and LentiGlobin drug products.
This agreement follows a successful multi-year clinical manufacturing relationship and provides Bluebird Bio with a path to commercial supply including dedicated production suites within Lonza’s facility. This facility is currently under construction, for the clinical and commercial supply of viral vectors and virally-modified cell therapy products.
Under this multi-year agreement, Lonza will complete the suite design, construction and validation along with process validation prior to anticipated commercial launch.
Also Read
“This new strategic relationship with Bluebird Bio, is an example of Lonza’s ability to be a long-term commercial partner to the cell & viral therapy industry. Our global facilities, regulatory track record and security of supply offer customers like Bluebird Bio a reliable strategic manufacturing partner for the lifetime of their therapeutic drugs,” said Marc Funk, COO, Lonza’s pharma & biotech segment.
Nick Leschly, chief, Bluebird, added, “As we advance our gene therapy programs through clinical trials, we are deliberately building key infrastructure and relationships in preparation for commercial launch. Our partnership with Lonza is one notable example of our progress on the manufacturing front, and we are pleased to benefit from their expertise and experience as we continue working to bring transformative therapies to patients in need.”
Lonza is one of the world’s leading and most-trusted suppliers to the pharmaceutical, biotech and specialty ingredients markets. The company is not only a custom manufacturer and developer, but it also offers services and products ranging from active pharmaceutical ingredients and stem-cell therapies to drinking water sanitisers, from the vitamin B3 compounds and organic personal care ingredients to agricultural products, and from industrial preservatives to microbial control solutions that combat dangerous viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.
