- Kodiak's novel antibody bioconjugate candidates merge the science of biologics- and chemistry-based therapies
- Lonza to use expertise in biologics and chemistry to develop and manufacture clinical material at multiple sites across Europe and Asia
BASEL, Switzerland and PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lonza, a global leader in biological and chemical manufacturing, and Kodiak Sciences Inc., a biopharmaceutical company designing and developing novel therapies for the treatment of retinal disease, announced today agreements for the clinical supply of Kodiak's therapeutic candidates. Under the agreement, Lonza will manufacture material at multiple sites, including Slough (UK), Visp (CH) and Nansha (CN).
Retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cause blindness by damaging the retina, typically in those over 50 years of age. As the world's population ages, retinal diseases will affect an ever-increasing number of people. To date, there are limited treatments. Kodiak's drug candidates have the goals of restoring vision, slowing disease progression while requiring fewer treatments.
"Our manufacturing requirements are technical, demanding tight coordination across multiple global sites and the highest quality people, materials, and capabilities," said Victor Perlroth, M.D., Chairman and CEO of Kodiak Sciences Inc. "With Lonza, we have secured the support of one of the largest contract manufacturers of biologics and chemicals in the world. It was critical to choose a reliable, reputable contract manufacturer that understands our technical challenges and has commercial expertise with marketed antibody conjugate medicines."
"As we partner with Kodiak for the manufacture of their novel class of antibody therapeutics, we are utilizing our expertise in the areas of cell line development, biological and chemical manufacturing, and conjugation," said Karen Fallen, Vice President, Business Unit Head, Clinical Development and Licensing for Lonza. "This unique opportunity crosses many of Lonza's technologies, and we are looking forward to a long and productive partnership with Kodiak as we manufacture their potentially life-changing products for those with retinal disease."
About Lonza
Lonza is one of the world's leading and most-trusted suppliers to the pharmaceutical, biotech and specialty ingredients markets. We harness science and technology to create products that support safer and healthier living and that enhance the overall quality of life.
Not only are we a custom manufacturer and developer, Lonza also offers services and products ranging from active pharmaceutical ingredients and stem-cell therapies to drinking water sanitizers, from the vitamin B compounds and organic personal care ingredients to agricultural products, and from industrial preservatives to microbial control solutions that combat dangerous viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.
Founded in 1897 in the Swiss Alps, Lonza today is a well-respected global company with more than 40 major manufacturing and R&D facilities and approximately 9,800 full-time employees worldwide. The company generated sales of about CHF 3.8 billion in 2015 and is organized into two market-focused segments: Pharma&Biotech and Specialty Ingredients. Further information can be found at www.lonza.com.
About Kodiak
Kodiak is designing and developing novel therapies for the treatment of retinal disease. For further information about the company, please visit www.kodiak.com.
Additional Information and Disclaimer
Lonza Group Ltd has its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. It has a secondary listing on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited ("SGX-ST"). Lonza Group Ltd is not subject to the SGX-ST's continuing listing requirements but remains subject to Rules 217 and 751 of the SGX-ST Listing Manual.
Certain matters discussed in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and estimates of Lonza Group Ltd, although Lonza Group Ltd can give no assurance that these expectations and estimates will be achieved. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty and are qualified in their entirety. The actual results may differ materially in the future from the forward-looking statements included in this news release due to various factors. Furthermore, except as otherwise required by law, Lonza Group Ltd disclaims any intention or obligation to update the statements contained in this release.
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SOURCE Kodiak Sciences Inc.
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