Lonza and Vertex Pharmaceuticals broke ground for a dedicated manufacturing facility in Portsmouth. The facility marks a milestone in the strategic collaboration between the two firms, which aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of Vertex’s cell therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D).
 
Being built adjacent to Lonza’s existing campus, the new facility is a co-investment project between the two companies. The facility, operated by Lonza, will span more than 130,000 sq.ft. and is anticipated to generate up to 300 new jobs at peak capacity, in areas including manufacturing operations, quality assurance and quality control. Initial hiring for roles relating to the facility’s construction, fit out and qualification is underway.
 
The large-scale manufacturing facility will support the commercial production of the Vertex T1D cell therapy portfolio, with a focus on the VX-880 and VX-264 programs currently in clinical trials. Vertex’s first clinical program, VX-880, has demonstrated clinical proof-of-concept, while its second approach, VX-264, is being studied in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial.
 
Reshma Kewalramani, M.D., Chief Executive Officer and President of Vertex, said, “Establishing this strategic partnership with Lonza, a world-class manufacturing organization, is a critical milestone in Vertex’s journey to transform the treatment of type 1 diabetes. Today is an exciting day for both Vertex and Lonza and for patients living with T1D.”
 
Pierre-Alain Ruffieux, Chief Executive Officer of Lonza, added, “Today’s groundbreaking demonstrates Lonza’s continued commitment to helping our customers bring their innovative therapies to life. The facility will play a major role in delivering Vertex’s ambition to shape the future for patients living with T1D. We are proud to support Vertex on this journey with a combination of deep scientific, regulatory and manufacturing expertise, alongside our established track record in supporting the commercialization of cell therapy products.”