The expansion of mid-scale capacity will enable the company to offer a smooth transition between early-phase and large-scale commercial production

Lonza is investing CHF 20 million ($21.7 million) to expand its API development and manufacturing site in Nansha, China, the CDMO said on Monday.

The investments include six 1,000-L small molecule reactors, four 1,500-L vessels, and isolation equipment providing mid-scale capacity to bridge between early-phase and late-phase production.

New development and GMP laboratories with capabilities to manufacture small-scale batches of highly potent APIs (HPAPIs) also form part of the investment.

The expanded laboratories and manufacturing will create approximately 70 new jobs once it comes online between Q1 and Q3 next year.

Commenting on the announcement, Gordon Bates, President, Division Small Molecules, Lonza, said the planned expanded capabilities will support the increasing number of global pharma and biopharma looking to develop and manufacture products in China.

Jan Vertommen, Senior Director, Commercial Development, Lonza said the expanded facilities will provide customers with a "cost-effective" and "seamless" way to transition small molecule compounds from early to commercial phase.