Lonza expands its Advanced Synthesis capabilities at Oss, integrating ADC and bioconjugate technologies to support discovery, development, and manufacturing from early-phase research through clinical supply.

Lonza has strengthened its Advanced Synthesis offering, boosting early-phase bioconjugate development and payload-linker technologies to better support antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and other novel bioconjugates. The expansion at the Oss (NL) site adds laboratory capacity and R&D capabilities, allowing the site to provide phase-appropriate support from first-in-human studies through to commercial supply.

The company’s ADC technology platform, obtained through the 2023 acquisition of Synaffix, is now fully integrated into Advanced Synthesis. It includes GlycoConnect antibody conjugation technology, HydraSpace polar spacer technology, and a growing portfolio of toxSYN linker payloads. These clinically validated, site-specific technologies aim to improve efficacy and tolerability of ADCs, and have recently been expanded to include dual-payload ADC technology. This enables precise attachment of two complementary cytotoxic agents to a single antibody, with controllable payload ratios.

Combined with Lonza’s end-to-end development and manufacturing expertise, the dual-payload approach provides drug developers with access to next-generation ADC design within a fully integrated CDMO framework. It supports both small-scale prototyping and larger-scale production of pilot toxicology material, with on-site process and analytical development capabilities.

The Oss site has also invested in laboratory infrastructure and new scientific roles, expanding R&D activities across ADCs and emerging bioconjugate modalities, including antibody-oligonucleotide conjugates, targeted lipid nanoparticles, and protein-protein conjugates. These enhancements allow the site to move rapidly from laboratory testing through scale-up, improving flexibility and responsiveness for developers.

Jan Vertommen, vice president, commercial development, Advanced Synthesis, Lonza, said: “Our recent advancements across Advanced Synthesis strengthen the support we provide to drug developers active in the field of ADCs and other bioconjugates. The expansion of the Oss site further reinforces Lonza’s global bioconjugate development and manufacturing network and underscores our dedication to continuously improving our offering and expertise in line with evolving customer and market needs.”

The strengthened capabilities position Lonza to meet the growing demand for novel bioconjugates, addressing tumor heterogeneity and drug-induced resistance challenges. By integrating platform technologies with expanded R&D and scale-up capacities, the company provides developers with flexible, phase-appropriate solutions, reducing technical risk while accelerating development timelines.

While this reads like a carefully tuned press release, the underlying story is clear: Lonza isn’t just tinkering with ADCs—they’re doubling down on technology, talent, and infrastructure to give developers a faster, more predictable path from concept to clinic. The Oss site expansion may just make it a hub to watch for anyone serious about bioconjugates.