Molecular

Lonza, a global development and manufacturing partner to the pharmaceutical and biotech markets, has joined CMAC, a center for medicines manufacturing research, to enhance its service offering for particle technologies and drug product development and manufacture. Lonza will gain access to CMAC’s network, which advances CMC technologies, implements digitalization strategies, and develops innovative continuous processing and crystallization solutions for active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug product technologies. Francois Ricard, Head of R&D, Advanced Synthesis, Lonza, said, “Our participation in CMAC will allow us to work with world-leading industry and academia experts and apply best practice in the fields of API development, continuous processing, drug product development, and overall digital CMC strategy. Our global team will drive the implementation of these processes and technologies across scales in a CDMO setup for the benefit of our customers and partners.”  Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ey3kifyp

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has introduced the 5L DynaDrive Single-Use Bioreactor (S.U.B.), expanding the company’s portfolio of bioreactors. “The introduction of the 5L DynaDrive marks a significant advancement in our commitment to helping customers maximize productivity and accelerate time to market,” said Raymond Mercier, president of Thermo Fisher’s single-use technologies business. The 5L DynaDrive single-use bioreactor is engineered to meet the diverse needs of large biopharma, CDMOs, and small biotech companies. Its user-friendly design and benchtop size enables use with the HyPerforma G3Lab Controller to provide exceptional scalability and scalable proof of concept, affordably. “With 25 years of experience in single-use technology, we are dedicated to meeting our customers’ evolving needs. Our trusted innovations provide seamless scalability and enhanced efficiency, enabling customers to streamline their bioprocessing workflows and successfully develop and commercialize life-saving therapies,” Mercier added. Congratulations to all at Thermo Fisher Scientific! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eWSK2zgn

Novartis, an innovative medicines company, has announced plans to invest $23 billion over 5 years in U.S.-based infrastructure, ensuring all key Novartis medicines for U.S. patients will be made in the United States. Over the next 5 years, Novartis will: - Establish 1 biomedical research innovation hub in San Diego, CA, its second global R&D hub in the U.S. - Build 4 new manufacturing facilities in soon-to-be-determined states, including 3 that will make biologics drug substances, drug products, device assembly and packaging, and 1 facility that will make chemical drug substances, oral solids dosage forms and packaging - Build 2 new radioligand therapy (RLT) manufacturing facilities in Florida and Texas - Expand 3 RLT manufacturing facilities in Indianapolis, IN, Millburn, NJ, and Carlsbad, CA “As a Swiss-based company with a significant presence in the U.S., these investments will enable us to fully bring our supply chain and key technology platforms into the U.S. to support our strong U.S. growth outlook. These investments also reflect the pro-innovation policy and regulatory environment in the U.S. that supports our ability to find the next medical breakthroughs for patients,” said Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis. “We are prepared for shifts in the external environment and fully confident in our 2025 guidance, mid- to long-term sales growth outlook and 2027 core margin guidance of 40%+.” Over the next 5 years, the total investment in Novartis U.S. operations is expected to be nearly $50 billion, marking a clear demonstration of the company’s focus on the U.S. Congratulations to all involved! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gte4dZiU

Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQT), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, has announced that David Topper, Arcutis’ CFO is retiring from the Company. Latha Vairavan, currently VP and controller, will assume the role of CFO and join the executive team as part of a planned succession. “On behalf of the Board of Directors and our entire leadership team, I would like to extend our gratitude to David for his contributions to Arcutis, both during his time as our CFO and prior to that, as a strategic advisor to the Company,” said Frank Watanabe, Arcutis president and CEO. “I am delighted to be able to announce that Latha will succeed David as CFO,” Watanabe continued. “We are confident that with her deep understanding of our business, broad professional experience, and strong relationships across our entire organization and industry, she will be able to build on the strong foundation and lead our financial operations effectively.” “I am excited to take on the role as CFO as we launch and further commercialize ZORYVE in multiple inflammatory skin conditions and build upon our strong financial position,” said Vairavan. “Having been part of the team for several years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible momentum we’re building, and I look forward to helping drive our continued growth and financial strength.” Congratulations David and Latha! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ejHPkEbN

Rivus Pharmaceuticals , announced the expansion of its leadership team and the opening of a South San Francisco office where Rivus will continue to expand and scale in California. Leadership appointments include David Grainger, as Chairman of Development and Meg F., as Chief Legal Officer. The appointments of Grainger and Fitzgerald will accelerate Rivus’s growth as it builds on positive Phase 2a data reinforcing the potential of the new class of medicines the company has pioneered. Congratulations David and Meg! Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/enwzVrHG

SCHOTT Pharma has inaugurated a new manufacturing facility in central Serbia. The company’s investment has been realized with the start of glass ampoule production, which will create around 180 jobs by the end of 2025. With this step, SCHOTT Pharma is increasing its competitiveness in the field of drug containment solutions and is building the largest ampoule manufacturing facility in Europe. “At a time when global tariffs and duties are rising and other European-based glass ampoule manufacturers are closing their doors, we can offer our regional customers a clear long-term perspective on how to secure their local supply chain,” said Andreas Reisse, CEO of SCHOTT Pharma. With the new site in Serbia, SCHOTT Pharma adds another location to its global manufacturing network, which now includes 15 countries. Congratulations to all at SCHOTT Pharma! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e_GSn_rE

AmacaThera, a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in drug delivery, has announced a new pipeline program in collaboration with a leading global pharmaceutical company. Through this partnership, a single-injection, long-acting biologic will be developed using AmacaThera’s advanced hydrogel delivery platform, AmacaGel, in combination with the partner’s therapeutic. Co-funded by both organizations, the initiative will leverage their complementary strengths and resources to accelerate the development of this innovative biologic. “We are thrilled to collaborate on this promising venture,” said Molly Shoichet, Chief Scientific Officer at AmacaThera. “This partnership allows us to utilize AmacaThera’s deep expertise in delivery to achieve success with novel biologics. Our core technology has been rigorously tested at AmacaThera and the University of Toronto with a wide range of therapeutics – including small molecules, biologics and stem cells.” Congratulations to all involved! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eDrt2bNC

Upperton Pharma Solutions, a UK-based CDMO which recently completed a new sterile manufacturing facility, has appointed Michael Mellor-Clark as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). “I am delighted to be joining Upperton at such a pivotal time in their history. Being part of the continued growth and leading the commercial aims is an exciting role, and I’m pleased to be part of a great team that puts clients and patients at the heart of everything they do,” Mellor-Clark remarked. Nikki Whitfield, CEO of Upperton Pharma Solutions, said, “Michael joins us as we finalize our sterile facility operations and continue to expand our CDMO offering into one that puts everything in one place for our customers. His experience and leadership skills will be a strong addition to our team, providing strategic knowledge that will support our aim to be the CDMO partner of choice for many small to medium-sized biotech and pharmaceutical companies.” Congratulations Michael! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eJaeHvhN

General Oncology, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company creating medicines for metastatic cancers, announced the appointment of Abid Ansari as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Abid brings over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology sector, including eight years as a CFO. He has expertise in financial strategy and corporate development for public and private life science companies. Jeff Glazier, CEO of General Oncology, said, “With deep expertise in strategic financial leadership, capital raising, and business development, Abid is exceptionally well-suited to help drive our financial strategy as we advance our pipeline. His leadership will be instrumental in securing a strong foundation to support our next phase of growth, including our upcoming clinical readout and a potentially pivotal trial, and ultimately delivering on our mission to bring innovative therapies to cancer patients in need.” Congratulations Abid! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eE6j-fRG

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (SSI) has appointed Patrick Fromal as its new president. Fromal, who previously served as senior vice president of sales and marketing, will oversee SSI’s continued market expansion, focusing on research, development and delivery of advanced analytical solutions and exceptional service to customers in science, industry and academia. “I am honored to take on this role and continue SSI’s legacy of excellence,” said Fromal. “As we look to the future, I am excited to lead our talented team in delivering cutting-edge analytical solutions, strengthening our partnerships with customers, and expanding product development collaborations with key stakeholders in North America via our new R&D center, ensuring that Shimadzu remains at the forefront of innovation and scientific advancement.” Congratulations Patrick! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/djcAdzgC