24/7 BIOPHARMA - issue 1 / October 2024

The expansion comes as ABT solidifies its commitment to supporting the growing needs of biopharmaceutical companies engaged in the development of novel therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies. As these therapies require advanced purification processes, the demand for high quality agarose resins has surged, and ABT’s expanded capabilities aim to provide critical support to manufacturers worldwide. “Our investment in expanding the Burgos facility is a direct response to the increasing global demand for high-quality agarose resins,” said

Carolina Egea, CEO of Agarose Bead Technologies. “This enhanced capacity will enable us to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry, improve supply chain reliability, and reinforce our role as a trusted partner in the development of life-saving therapies.” Egea continued: “In line with ABT’s dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility, the new facility incorporates energy efficient systems and waste reduction strategies. The company continues to prioritise compliance with rigorous industry standards, ensuring that its products meet the highest levels of purity and

performance for biopharmaceutical applications.” The expansion of the new facility was completed in June 2024 and is now fully operational.

Lonza and Vertex sign a long-term commercial supply agreement for CASGEVY ® (exagamglogene autotemcel)

Daniel Palmacci, President, Cell & Gene, Lonza , commented: “It is a privilege to work with Vertex on bringing its innovative and cutting-edge medicines to patients suffering from life threatening diseases. We are also pleased to reach a significant milestone towards supporting the commercial manufacture

Lonza, a global manufacturing partner to the pharmaceutical, biotech and nutraceutical markets, announced the signature of a long-term commercial supply agreement for CASGEVY ® (exagamglogene autotemcel). CASGEVY ® is the first cell therapy based on the CRISPR/ Cas9 technology, discoverers of which were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020. CASGEVY ® offers the potential of a one-time treatment for eligible patients with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia or sickle cell disease. Under the terms of the agreement, Vertex will leverage Lonza’s scientific, regulatory and manufacturing expertise, global manufacturing network, and first-hand experience in the commercial manufacture of cell therapy products. Lonza will manufacture CASGEVY ® at the state-of-the-art cGMP cell therapy manufacturing facilities in Geleen (NL), with plans to expand to its Portsmouth (US) facility. The Geleen (NL) cell manufacturing facility was recently granted a GMP license by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The Portsmouth (US) site is expected to begin GMP operations in 2025.

of CASGEVY ® by receiving the regulatory approval at our state-of-the-art cell therapy manufacturing site in Geleen.” Morrey Atkinson, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Operations Officer, Head of Biopharmaceutical Sciences and Manufacturing Operations, Vertex , added:“Manufacturing a first-of its-kind therapy like CASGEVY ® is complex and requires advanced technology and capabilities. The Lonza team have been excellent partners as we have invested in our global manufacturing network to ensure CASGEVY ® will be available for the patients who need it. We look forward to our continued collaboration.”

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