Nikon and Lonza Form Collaboration for Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing in Japan

Lonza and Nikon Corporation have announced an exclusive collaboration in the field of cell and gene therapy manufacturing in Japan. Nikon will have access to Lonza’s quality and operating systems, facility design and ongoing consulting services for the establishment of a wholly owned Nikon cell and gene therapy contract manufacturing business. The Tokyo/Yokohama area of Japan is currently under consideration for the site location of the Nikon’s new facility.

With this collaboration Nikon will benefit from Lonza’s extensive track record in global cell manufacturing, while expanding its entry into the contract manufacturing market. Nikon will acquire the technical know-how to differentiate and manufacture cells, including somatic stem cells, as well as Lonza’s quality and safety evaluation standards and operational procedures in the manufacturing process. This collaboration will accelerate Nikon’s efforts to realise future practical applications of iPSCs in the field of regenerative medicine.

“This collaboration will contribute greatly to the growth of the global cell and gene therapy market,” said Andreas Weiler, Head of Emerging Technologies, Lonza Pharma&Biotech. “We are utilising our expertise built over the last decade to work together with Nikon in bringing high-quality, innovative development and manufacturing to Japan. Because of its work in iPSC technology, we believe Nikon is an ideal partner for this collaboration in regenerative medicine.”

Nikon’s newly formed subsidiary, Nikon CeLL innovation Co, Ltd, will actively contribute to the early realisation of Japan’s regenerative medicine market and over time will expand its business domain into adjacent technology areas.

Nikon will also develop equipment and disposables needed to optimise the manufacture of high-quality cells, along with hardware and software from Japan to the international market.