UCB Pharmaceuticals sells bioproducts division for 120m euros

UCB Pharmaceuticals is to sell its bioproducts manufacturing division to Swiss firm Lonza for 120 million euros.

The division, based in Braine-l’Alleud near Brussels, has been active in chemical peptide manufacturing for over 20 years.

Lonza claims that the acquisition of the plant makes it “the only contract manufacturer with a historically successful track record of providing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API)” using the three existing peptide technologies.

Lonza chief executive Stefan Borgas said: “We are quite excited to welcome the fully dedicated, highly qualified and entrepreneurial UCB colleagues to join our global business.

“With this acquisition Lonza further strengthens its position as a worldwide leader in custom peptide manufacturing by continuing to develop the Braine-l’Alleud site as a global centre of excellence for the development and manufacture of peptides.”

Roch Doliveux, UCB chief executive, said: “This transaction is another strategic move towards UCB’s quest of becoming a global biopharmaceutical leader focusing on research, development, and commercialisation of therapeutic solutions for severe diseases.

“The reputation and strategic focus of Lonza as a leading contract manufacturer will enable the bioproducts division to further strengthen its leading position and join a group focused on custom manufacturing with whom UCB has several other long term manufacturing relationships.”

© Adfero Ltd