Lonza, a global manufacturing partner to the pharmaceutical, biotech and nutrition industries, has announced the acquisition of the service unit from Exosomics, a leading extracellular vesicles biotech company.

The agreement includes Exosomics' service team, service assets and laboratories in Siena, Italy. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Lonza has been a minority shareholder of Exosomics since 2017 and will remain a shareholder after the acquisition of the service unit is complete.

Under the terms of the agreement, Lonza will gain access to expertise and capabilities in extracellular vesicle (EV) analytics and characterization. In addition to research and development, Lonza will expand the service offering from the site to a comprehensive suite of development and analytical services for exosomes. The acquisition strengthens Lonza's position as a leading global CDMO in exosomes bioprocessing.

Alberto Santagostino, SVP, Head of Cell and Gene Technologies, Lonza said, "Today's announcement is a part of Lonza's wider strategy to create a comprehensive exosome offering. With this acquisition, we are gaining access to experienced talent, state-of-the-art know-how and the ability to advance this therapeutic area further."

Antonio Chiesi, CEO, Exosomics said, "Lonza's acquisition reaffirms the recognition for Exosomics as a key player in Europe in the field of exosomes sciences. Exosomics will now focus on its original goal of pan-cancer screening and liquid biopsy applications in human diseases, still supported by Lonza as its most important industrial shareholder."

The investment in this emerging area reflects Lonza’s strategy to differentiate through innovation.