Swiss pharma supplier Lonza reports softer Q1 but confirms outlook
Adds outlook in paragraph 1, info about Biosecure Act in paragraph 5-6, CFO quote in paragraph 7
By Chiara Holzhaeuser and Tristan Veyet
May 14 (Reuters) -Swiss pharmaceutical supplier Lonza LONN.S reported a "softer Q1" on Tuesday, while confirming its 2024 outlook, saying its lacklustre performance was mainly due to the phasing of commercial batches and a weaker start at its bioscience business.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
Lonza is the world's largest contract manufacturer of monoclonal antibodies, produced from genetically modified mammalian cells.
The technology is behind a new class of Alzheimer's drugs such donanemab by Eli Lilly LLY, and Leqembi by Eisai 4523.T and Biogen BIIB.O.
CONTEXT
In March, the contract drug manufacturer raised its 2024-2028 sales guidance to a range of 12-15% per year and said it would buy one of the world's largest manufacturing sites for biologic drugs in Vacaville, California from drugmaker Roche ROG.S for $1.2 billion.
Asked about the potential impact of the U.S. Biosecure Act, CEO Baehny said Lonza did not factor in any impact on top line guidance as developments were still "highly speculative".
The bill proposes ending U.S. funding for pharmaceutical companies that cooperate with certain Chinese biotech providers and addresses security concerns around genetic data collection.
WHAT'S NEXT
Lonza expects to close the acquisition of the Vacaville site in the second half of the year. In a conference call, CFO Philippe Deecke said Vacaville was not included in the company's full year guidance.
It expects 2024 sales growth to be flat at constant exchange rates, with a core earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation margin in the high twenties.
Reporting by Chiara Holzhaeuser and Tristan Veyet in Gdansk; Editing by Milla Nissi and Christina Fincher
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