In the first half of 2026, Lonza delivered strong results across all business platforms, while making significant strides in the fast-growing field of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). With sales reaching CHF 3.4 billion and a CORE EBITDA margin of 34.8%, Lonza’s momentum reflects not only operational excellence but also a focused strategy to support next-generation therapeutics through sustained investment and innovation.[1]
A major driver of Lonza’s leadership in ADC development is the company’s longstanding expertise in bioconjugation technology. As one of the world’s largest contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), Lonza has deepened its Advanced Synthesis capabilities to meet rising demand from pharmaceutical and biotech partners. Earlier this year, Lonza announced the full integration of its ADC technology platform into the Advanced Synthesis portfolio, marking a step-change in the support the company provides for the discovery and development of ADCs and other bioconjugates.
The integrated platform features proprietary technologies acquired through Lonza’s 2023 acquisition of Synaffix. Among these are GlycoConnect®, a site-specific antibody conjugation technology that enables stable, homogeneous ADCs through enzymatic remodeling and metal-free click chemistry; HydraSpace®, a polar spacer technology that improves manufacturability, stability, and design, enabling the creation of next-generation ADCs with enhanced therapeutic profiles; and a growing portfolio of toxSYN® linker-payloads. These clinically validated, site-specific tools are designed to enhance both the efficacy and tolerability of ADCs for patients.;2′
In 2026, Lonza’s capabilities expanded further with the addition of dual-payload ADC technology. This innovation enables the precise attachment of two complementary cytotoxic payloads to a single antibody, each with distinct mechanisms of action. By allowing for controlled payload ratios, this approach addresses challenges like tumor heterogeneity and drug-induced resistance, providing drug developers with more powerful tools to achieve deeper and more durable responses.
The company’s end-to-end CDMO framework enables customers to access these advanced ADC design tools alongside seamless process development, manufacturing, and clinical supply. This integrated approach has become a key differentiator for Lonza, as clients seek single partners who can support programs from early-stage discovery through to large-scale commercial production.
Beyond Switzerland, Lonza’s global network continues to expand. The Oss site in the Netherlands, for example, has seen increased laboratory investment and scientific hiring, enabling a broader range of R&D activities across ADCs and emerging bioconjugate modalities. The facility now combines rapid prototyping services, newly established scale-up capabilities for pilot toxicology material, and on-site process and analytical development—all supporting the growing needs of innovators in the ADC field.
“As we expand our ADC capabilities, we are committed to supporting drug developers at every stage of their journey,” said Jan Vertommen, Vice President, Commercial Development, Advanced Synthesis, Lonza, earlier this year. “Our investment in the Oss site and the integration of new platform technologies reinforce Lonza’s dedication to continuous improvement and to delivering the expertise our customers require.”
These advancements are mirrored in ongoing projects at Lonza’s Stein and Visp sites in Switzerland. In Stein, the company is building a second commercial-scale aseptic ADC fill-finish line, with operations expected to begin in 2030. In Visp, the expansion of payload-linker manufacturing capacity is designed to meet the increasing global demand for ADC components. Both sites are central to Lonza’s strategy of offering a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for ADC development and manufacturing.
Lonza’s commitment to continuous investment, technical leadership, and customer-centric service has positioned it at the forefront of ADC innovation. As the market for ADCs and other bioconjugates continues to grow, Lonza’s integrated network and advanced platform technologies enable partners to bring groundbreaking therapies to patients worldwide.
Reference
[1] Lonza Delivered Strong H1 2026 Performance Across All Business Platforms and Upgrades Full-Year 2026 Margin Outlook. News release, July 22, 2026. Online. Last acessesed on July 23, 2026.
[2] Wijdeven MA, van Geel R, Hoogenboom JH, Verkade JMM, Janssen BMG, Hurkmans I, de Bever L, van Berkel SS, van Delft FL. Enzymatic glycan remodeling-metal free click (GlycoConnect™) provides homogenous antibody-drug conjugates with improved stability and therapeutic index without sequence engineering. MAbs. 2022 Jan-Dec;14(1):2078466. doi: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2078466. PMID: 35634725; PMCID: PMC9154768.
Featured Image: Lonza, Visp, Switzerland. Courtesy: © 2010 – 2026 Lonza, Visp, Switzerland. Used with permission.
