Lonza AG (Basel, Switzerland) announced additional investments in its global particle engineering network for expanded capacity and specialized capabilities. Jet milling and spray-dry processing for development have been significantly expanded at U.S. and European sites to meet increased demand. Specialized processing capabilities have also been enhanced.
Development capacity (non-GMP assets) has been doubled at the Monteggio, Switzerland micronization site with investments inclusive of a new glove-box for isolation, upgraded process controls and expanded operator teams. A new micronization development wing has also been brought online at the Quakertown, Pa. site. Additionally, a new pharmaceutical spray dryer dedicated to development projects has been added at the Bend, Oregon site.
Particle engineering, inclusive of spray dry processing and size reduction through micronization, is a core capability of Lonza. Micronization and spray drying are employed to improve solubility, dissolution rate, bioavailability, processing and flow, as well as controlling particle size distribution for dry powder inhaler (DPI) applications. The trend towards more highly potent molecules, driven primarily by oncology applications, has resulted in the need for expanded contained particle engineering processing.
Lonza has also expanded its specialized processing capability within its particle engineering platform. During the last 12 months, the Monteggio site has revamped its processing assets to allow for 100% segregation of steroids and hormone compounds. Two new cGMP rooms have been designed to reach a proper containment level to meet quality and safety requirements maintaining a high throughput of the micronization processes.
As part of Lonza’s focus on expanded particle engineering services, the external sale of jet milling equipment and containment systems will be curtailed. Going forward, the Monteggio-based engineering and technical team will be entirely focused on supporting the delivery of micronization services.