Swiss fine chemicals and biologics producer Lonza has acquired Micro-Macinazione, a contract manufacturer providing micronization of active ingredients for the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries based in Monteggio, Switzerland. Micro-Macinazione had sales of around 20 million Swiss francs in 2016 and has 120 employees, Lonza stated, without disclosing financial details of the deal.

The acquisition of Micro-Macinazione expands Lonza/Capsugel’s existing micronization clinical and commercial manufacturing capabilities that are based in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, USA.

A key focus for the new combined business will be highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs).

Lonza’s Pharma&Biotech COO, Marc Funk, commented: “With the acquisition of Micro-Macinazione, Lonza becomes the largest and most diversified provider of micronization services to the pharmaceutical industry. Micronization is an attractive technology for Lonza given its applications across many of the high growth areas of the pharma market.”

Markus Arigoni, CEO of Micro-Macinazione, added: “Micro-Macinazione was founded in 1970 and has been a pioneer in the development of jet mill equipment and contract micronization services. We operate in a niche market with high growth expectations. Micronization is often seen as key to improving the bioavailability of the growing number of highly potent and complex APIs, which an increasing number of pharma and biotech companies are looking to develop.”