Biotechnology company Lonza innovates its production in the Czech Republic

6 Feb. 2007 | CzechInvest | The Swiss biotechnology company Lonza is investing nearly CZK 1 billion in the innovation and expansion of production at its Kourim site (Central Bohemia).

When the project is finished, Lonza will produce ALTU-135, a special blend of enzymes, for the American company Altus Pharmaceuticals. The newdrug will improve the digestion of patients suffering from pancreatic diseases and cystic fibrosis.

“The main goal is to expand the production of biotechnology products, namely high-value products, such as pharma-grade enzymes, which haven’t yet been produced,” explains Marcela Cechova, the Site Manager of Lonza Biotec. ”Our products are unparalleled and require unique technology.”

Lonza Biotec in Kourim specializes in the production of API intermediates and L-carnitin. The company has already invested more than EUR 140 million (CZK 4 billion) and employs more than 350 people. The company has opened a technology centre engaged in applied research, fermentation, isolation and purification-process development and optimization. Lonza Biotec also cooperates with other research facilities in the Czech Republic and abroad.

”One of our main priorities is the protection of the natural environment. The Kourim plant has its own two-stage sewage works; we are investing in air-quality protection and we’ve built sound-insulation walls around the plant, adds Marcela Cechova.“Also, the current innovation and expansion will involve only safe and environmentally compatible technologies.”

“Biotechnology is among the most advanced fields of business today. It’s representative of the knowledge economy that the Czech Republic is successfully building. It’s very important that these investments prosper in the Czech Republic and that individual companies expand here,“ says Tomas Hruda, CEO of CzechInvest.

More about Lonza

Lonza is one of the world's leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life-science industries. Its products and services cover its customers’ needs from research to final product manufacture. Lonza is the global leader in the production and support of pharmaceutical active ingredients, in terms of both chemicals and 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 bio-products which play an important role in the development of new medicines and healthcare products. Lonza is also a leading provider of chemical and biotech ingredients to the nutrition, hygiene, agriculture and personal care markets.

Lonza is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and is listed on the SWX Swiss Stock Exchange. In 2006, Lonza’s sales totalled of CHF 2.91 billion. More information about the company can be found at www.lonza.com.

Lonza Biotec s.r.o. in Kourim was established in 1992, when the Lonza Group acquired the state-run Spofa plant.