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Lonza and Bioqube Ventures Sign a Framework Agreement for the Future Development and Manufacture of Biologics and Small Molecules for Bioqube’s Portfolio Companies

  • The five-year services agreement provides for the development and manufacturing of biologics and small molecules for portfolio companies of Bioqube Ventures
  • The offering will accelerate timelines for the development and manufacturing of molecules and disruptive technologies,
  • Lonza to support Bioqube Ventures with investment de-risking and providing development and manufacturing of drug substance and drug product services to their portfolio companies 

Basel, Switzerland, 30 November 2021 Bioqube Ventures, a European venture capital firm with a dual investment model including venture creation, and Lonza, a global development and manufacturing partner to the pharma, biotech and nutrition industries, today announced a framework agreement covering a strategic collaboration for the development and manufacturing of biologics and small molecules.

The agreement was developed to support the unique needs of the venture capital company (VC) and its portfolio companies looking to simplify the development of their molecules. Under the terms of the agreement, Lonza will support Bioqube Ventures during the due diligence of candidate biotechs and provide a tailored offering of advice and services to its portfolio companies.

Debora Dumont, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Bioqube Ventures, commented: “Bioqube is dedicated to advancing exciting science in the vibrant European ecosystems with the aim of developing breakthrough therapies for patients. This collaboration offers our portfolio companies the opportunity to leverage Lonza’s expertise and its global network, supporting our hands-on approach in building new and successful ventures.”

The offering comprises Lonza’s expertise and technology that accelerates timelines while mitigating risks of the development and manufacturing of molecules ranging from monoclonal antibodies, complex proteins, and small molecules to antibody-drug conjugates. The holistic approach to drug substance and drug product development and manufacturing across various platforms significantly simplifies the supply chain, reduces process complexity, and allows for a shortened development timelines.

Pnina Weitz, Global Head of Venture Capital Business Development & Relationship Management, Lonza, added: “This framework agreement provides Bioqube Ventures and its portfolio companies a range of services for its late discovery and early development needs. The cornerstone of our ability to successfully accelerate development programs and commercialize products is our proven track record, comprehensive resources and the global network that we bring to our customer’s portfolio companies. Our customized and scalable solutions demonstrate our commitment to enabling emerging biotechs to take their drug candidates to the clinic.”

About Lonza

Lonza is the preferred global partner to the pharmaceutical, biotech and nutrition markets. We work to enable a healthier world by supporting our customers to deliver new and innovative medicines that help treat a wide range of diseases. We achieve this by combining technological insight with world-class manufacturing, scientific expertise and process excellence. Our unparalleled breadth of offerings enables our customers to commercialize their discoveries and innovations in the healthcare sector.

Founded in 1897 in the Swiss Alps, today, Lonza operates across five continents. With approximately 15,000 employees, we comprise high-performing teams and individual talent that make a meaningful difference to our own business, as well as to the communities in which we operate. The company generated sales of CHF 2.5 billion with a CORE EBITDA of CHF 847 million in H1 2021. Find out more at www.lonza.com

Follow @Lonza on LinkedIn

Follow @LonzaGroup on Twitter

About Bioqube Ventures

Bioqube Ventures a specialist life sciences investment firm founded in 2016. The team consists of investment professionals, sector experts and serial entrepreneurs that have a proven track record in successfully building and leading companies on their growth paths. In 2020, Bioqube Ventures launched the Bioqube Factory Fund I, a 110 MEUR fund with a clear focus on the discovery and development of new therapeutic platforms and assets. With a diversified investment strategy, including a venture creation model and industry guidance through selected strategic partnerships, Bioqube Ventures will exclusively invest in the most promising innovative science in Europe. Find out more at www.bioqubeventures.com

Follow @bioqubeventures on LinkedIn

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Lonza Contact Details

Victoria Morgan

Head of External Communications

Lonza Group Ltd

Tel +41 61 316 2283

victoria.morgan@lonza.com

Dr. Martina Ribar Hestericová

Trade Media Lead

Lonza Group Ltd

Tel +41 61 316 8982

martina.ribarhestericova@lonza.com

Dirk Oehlers

Investor Relations

Lonza Group Ltd

Tel +41 61 316 8540

dirk.oehlers@lonza.com

Bioqube Contact Details

Supriya Mathur, Charlotte Hepburn-Scott

Optimum Communications

Tel: 44 (0) 20 8611 5902

bioqube@optimumcomms.com

Additional Information and Disclaimer

Lonza Group Ltd has its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. It has a secondary listing on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST”). Lonza Group Ltd is not subject to the SGX-ST’s continuing listing requirements but remains subject to Rules 217 and 751 of the SGX-ST Listing Manual.

Certain matters discussed in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and estimates of Lonza Group Ltd, although Lonza Group Ltd can give no assurance that these expectations and estimates will be achieved. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty and are qualified in their entirety. The actual results may differ materially in the future from the forward-looking statements included in this news release due to various factors. Furthermore, except as otherwise required by law, Lonza Group Ltd disclaims any intention or obligation to update the statements contained in this news release.