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09/06/2007
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| Lonza completes investment at its Kouřim plant for pharmaceutical enzymes production |
Basel, 06.09.2007 – Today Lonza celebrates the completion of a significant upgrade of its Kouřim plant in the Czech Republic (Lonza Biotec s.r.o.). As of now, the facilities are able to produce pharmaceutical enzymes at the highest global cGMP standards and will host the production of Altus Pharmaceuticals’ ALTU-135 commercial drug substance enzymes: lipase, protease and amylase. At the end of last year, Altus awarded Lonza the production of ALTU-135 commercial drug substances.
To achieve this important milestone, Lonza built up downstream processing capabilities in filtrations, large scale chromatography, lyophilization and spraydrying in its FDA registered facility in Kouřim. In parallel to the investment program Lonza laboratories is conducting a technology transfer program from the US and Japan based technology owners. This logical next step in Lonza’s Kouřim development adds over 25 new highly qualified jobs in manufacturing, quality functions and research and development to the site.
Stefan Borgas, CEO of Lonza Group comments: „Lonza is pleased at having completed the complex and challenging technical transformation seamlessly and within the agreed timeframe. The collaboration with Altus is a very positive experience and we are looking forward to our long-term partnership. We are excited to offer this new high -end capability to our growing number of global biopharmaceutical customers. Lonza Kourim is now the leading technology and manufacturing service provider for biopharmaceuticals in Eastern Europe. “
“We congratulate Lonza on its expanded manufacturing capabilities,” states Sheldon Berkle, President and CEO of Altus. “We look forward to a productive working relationship with Lonza.”
ALTU-135 was developed by Altus and is an orally administered enzyme replacement therapy for patients with pancreatic insufficiency. ALTU-135 is intended to replace missing digestive enzymes to promote and maintain proper digestion and growth in affected patients. In May 2007, Altus initiated the DIGEST trials (Determining the efficacy and safety of an Innovative GastrointESTinal enzyme complex), the Company's pivotal Phase III clinical program for ALTU-135, which consists of an efficacy trial and a long-term safety trial.
About Lonza Biotec sro, Kouřim
Lonza’s plant in Kouřim is part of the Exclusive Synthesis business sector. Lonza Biotec sro, located about 40km east of Prague, is focused on microbial fermentation and manufacturing services for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and nutrition industries. Lonza Biotec sro, Kouřim, an FDA-registered facility, again proved its significant expertise in quality systems in 2006, with all processes being inspected according to ISO 9001:2000 standards. The plant covers an area of 6.7 hectare and employs over 360 people.
About Lonza
Lonza is one of the world's leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life science industries. Its products and services span its customers’ needs from research to final product manufacture. Lonza is the global leader in the production and support of active pharmaceutical ingredients both chemically as well as biotechnologically. Biopharmaceuticals are one of the key growth drivers of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Lonza has strong capabilities in large and small molecules, peptides, amino acids and niche bioproducts which play an important role in the development of novel medicines and healthcare products. Lonza is a leader in cell-based research, endotoxin detection and cell therapy manufacturing. Lonza is also a leading provider of value chemical and biotech ingredients to the nutrition, hygiene, preservation, agro and personal care markets.
Lonza is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange. In 2006, Lonza had sales of CHF 2.91 billion. Further information can be found at www.lonza.com.
For further information:
Media Relations Lonza
Dominik Werner
Tel +41 61 316 8798
Fax +41 61 316 97 98
dominik.werner@lonza.com
Investor Relations Lonza
Alexandre Pasini
Tel +41 61 316 8835
Fax +41 61 316 9835
alexandre.pasini@lonza.com
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