Lonza Acquires Algonomics

Lonza has enhanced its protein design technology offering for biopharmaceutical development by acquiring Algonomics. Effective November 2, 2009, Lonza has acquired all shares of Algonomics including the proprietary Epibase, Epibase IV and Tripole technology platforms as well as the existing services business.

The company said that the Epibase and Epibase IV platforms help to provide a solution to the problems of unwanted immunogenicity seen in many biopharmaceuticals. The Tripole technology platform supports Lonza’s aim to incorporate Quality by Design directly at the molecular level in order to improve the product quality, safety, efficacy and manufacturability of protein based drugs.

Janet White, head of development services and biologics R&D at Lonza, said: “The acquisition of this business is in line with our goal to offer a compelling portfolio of services and technologies for the creation, optimization and development of advanced, best in class biopharmaceuticals”, “With the combined technologies of Lonza and Algonomics we can significantly strengthen our offering for our customers”.

Philippe Stas, CEO of Algonomics NV, said: “By combining the Algonomics’ immunogenicity screening platforms with Lonza’s protein technologies such as AggreSolve, a comprehensive solution is offered for the design and optimisation of biologics. The integrated group will assist Lonza’s business partners to generate better and more effective protein therapeutics and vaccines.”