Vaxcyte, Lonza expand collaboration for PCV manufacturing

Vaxcyte and Lonza announced the companies have entered into a new commercial manufacturing agreement. Expanding on their existing collaboration, this agreement supports the potential global commercialization of Vaxcyte’s PCV candidates, VAX-24 and VAX-31, in both the adult and pediatric populations. This agreement complements Vaxcyte’s plans to utilize existing Lonza infrastructure to advance clinical development and the anticipated initial U.S. launch of VAX-24 for the adult population. Under the terms of the agreement, Lonza will provide Vaxcyte with a custom-built manufacturing suite as part of Lonza’s Ibex Dedicate Biopark at its Visp site to manufacture key components, including drug substances, for Vaxcyte’s PCV franchise. Beginning with VAX-24, which is moving into late-stage clinical development, Vaxcyte’s dedicated manufacturing suite is expected to meet the potential long-term market demand for both the adult and pediatric populations globally. The design of the dedicated manufacturing suite is nearly complete, with equipment installation expected to begin in 2024. Lonza is anticipated to create up to 300 new jobs upon reaching peak capacity.