Early Protein Expression Services | Protein Expression CDMO

15+ years’ experience

In assessing, optimizing and expressing biotherapeutic drug candidates.

2000+ molecules

More than 2000 biotherapeutic drug candidates' developability profiles assessed; final leads de-risked and optimized.

1500+ Biotherapeutic Candidates

Over 1500 biotherapeutic candidate product variants expressed.

Harness fast, high‑quality early protein expression

Our early protein expression platforms use the commercially proven GS Gene Expression System® to rapidly generate non-GMP protein material that supports the earliest stages of biologics development. Using robust mammalian host systems, we deliver 100mg up to 10g quantities suited for candidate comparison, in vivo evaluation, and method development.

This early supply of high-quality material enables critical, data-driven decisions, from selecting the most promising candidates to assessing manufacturability, safety, stability and overall molecule behavior, before committing to full development. By starting with a proven, scalable expression system, early data and material remain relevant as programs progress into cell line development and IND-enabling activities, reducing the need for rework. This helps teams avoid surprises down the line, maintain comparability and move forward with greater confidence.

Start development with confidence and clarity

Early protein expression is the starting point of a coordinated development pathway. Generating material early allows you to begin assessing molecule behavior, testing feasibility, establishing baseline analytics and aligning technical requirements before cell line development begins.

These early data points guide vector and host selection, highlight potential optimization opportunities and clarify molecule- specific considerations. This integrated approach improves project planning, reduces risk, and supports a more efficient transition from late discovery into structured development.

Accelerate your IND path with consistent data and materials

By aligning early expression with EDS workflows, programs benefit from consistent data, well- characterized materials, and a clearer understanding of molecule- specific needs. This continuity reduces program risk and supports more predictable and efficient progression toward IND readiness.

Improve expression and stability with protein engineering

Protein engineering complements early expression by refining sequence design to support smoother downstream development. Through targeted adjustments informed by structural and sequence analysis, engineering can improve expression levels, folding, and overall molecular behavior.

Making these refinements early reduces technical challenges later in development and helps ensure that molecules advancing toward cell line development and IND-enabling work are more consistent, stable, and scalable.

Utilize powerful proprietary technologies

Our early protein expression services leverage the GS Gene Expression System® technology platform to generate high‑quality, non‑GMP protein material quickly and predictably.

For programs requiring broader integration and expression diversity, GS PiggyBac® transposon technology supports robust transposon‑mediated gene delivery. Applying the GS® technology platform early ensures continuity from early protein expression into cell line development and IND‑enabling activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lonza mean by “early protein expression”?

Our Early Development Service helps you to express high‑quality, non‑GMP protein material for early development. This supports candidate screening, ranking, and early functional assessments. The goal is to generate fast, reliable data that guides candidate selection and supports progression toward cell line development and IND‑enabling activities.

What can Lonza’s Early Development Service provide for preclinical testing?

Early Development Service helps you express high‑quality, non‑GMP protein material to support candidate screening, ranking, and early functional assessments for preclinical needs. This early supply of high‑quality material helps teams shortlist the most promising molecules before full development investment.

How does Lonza help teams make early development decisions before cell line development?

Early protein expression is the starting point of a coordinated development pathway. Generating material early allows assessment of molecule behavior, feasibility, baseline analytics, and alignment of technical requirements before cell line development begins. These early data points guide vector and host selection, highlight optimization opportunities, and clarify molecule‑specific considerations.

How does Lonza describe the path from early expression to IND‑enabling activities (DNA to IND focus)?

Early protein expression provides the non-GMP material needed to begin analytical method development, preliminary functional studies, and early evaluations of molecule behavior under real experimental conditions. These insights guide the transition into cell line development, where stable pools and cloned cell lines are established using the preferred host and vector approach. By aligning early expression with EDS workflows, programs benefit from consistent data and well- characterized materials, supporting progression toward IND readiness.

What are the benefits of using a commercially proven expression system for early protein expression?

Our early protein expression services leverage the commercially proven GS Gene Expression System® technology platform to generate high‑quality, non‑GMP protein material quickly and predictably. Applying the GS® technology platform early supports continuity from early protein expression into cell line development and IND‑enabling activities.

Our locations

Locations where this service is provided

Explore all locations