Sandoz breaks ground on state-of-the-art Biosimilars Development Center in Ljubljana
- Slovenia is emerging as a major hub for biosimilar development in Europe.
- Sandoz strengthens its leadership in biosimilars, enhancing its in-house development capacities to increase accessibility for patients worldwide.
- The Ljubljana facility, a 9,500 m2 center will focus on end-to-end biosimilars development with around 200 experts using advanced technologies to innovate approaches for cellline development, biotechnological platforms, and drug product formulation.
Today, Sandoz celebrated the start of construction of its state-of-the-art Biosimilars Development Center inLjubljana. Dignitaries including Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob, complimented Sandoz's commitment to innovation and enabling access to affordable treatments, as well as strengthening the European pharmaceutical sector.
The new center represents a significant expansion of Sandoz’s complex generics and Biosimilars Technical Development capabilities in Ljubljana, which together employ almost 500 scientists. The investment underscores Sandoz’s commitment to expanding its biosimilar portfolio, particularly in oncology and autoimmune diseases.
Chief Executive Office Sandoz, Richard Saynor, highlighted:
| “The establishment of this state-of-the-art facility in Ljubljana represents a strategic leap forward in Sandoz's mission to pioneer access to high-quality biosimilars and sustain the future of accessible healthcare. This development center will enhance our ability to fulfill this commitment and underscore our role as a leader in the biosimilars market, driving both market growth and competitive advantage.” | Richard Saynor, CEO Sandoz |
Robert Ljoljo, President of the Lek Board of Management and Sandoz Country President Slovenia, stated that the investment leverages the existing knowledge and capabilities in developing technologically demanding complex generic medicines established at the site by the Sandoz Development Centre in Slovenia. He emphasized that the path to the new Biosimilars Development Center was paved by the scientific teams who have already achieved success in Ljubljana in the field of technical development of biosimilars.
| “People are the key factor in development. That is why we are building not only the most technologically advanced development center, but – more importantly– a place to collaborate and bring together diverse knowledge that will deepen insights into biosimilar development and increase its efficiency.” | Robert Ljoljo, President of the Lek Board of Management |
Sandoz will invest USD 90 million to set up the cutting-edge, digitally integrated[1] facility measuring approximately 9,500 square meters. The site will employ 200 experts who will use the latest scientific and technological approaches to improve the efficiency and speed of biosimilar development at every step, from cell line development, bioprocess development, drug product formulation and process analytical science to robust processes for transferring products into biotech manufacturing.
This investment is part of Sandoz’s broader USD 500 million commitment to biosimilar development and production in Slovenia, ensuring access to critical medicines, promoting sustainable practices, and consolidating its global leadership in biosimilars. The integrated network in Slovenia will provide new opportunities for collaboration with academic and research institutions, furthering biotech advancement.
[1] Lek, a Sandoz company, has been applying data science and modeling to medicine development for almost a decade, simplifying and accelerating development processes by digitalizing and automating laboratory work.
About Lek
Lek, a Sandoz company, is the first and oldest pharmaceutical company in Slovenia, developing, manufacturing and marketing effective, safe and high-quality generics and biosimilars for patients around the world. Our work is guided by strong ethical standards, innovative thinking and the breakthrough achievements of our world-class professionals. With more than 3,700 associates, we have been actively shaping the Slovenian, European and global research and development landscape for decades. We are building a culture of open dialog, and we proudly and responsibly hold the title of most reputable employer in Slovenia.
About Sandoz
Sandoz (SIX: SDZ; OTCQX: SDZNY) is the global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, with a growth strategy driven by its Purpose: pioneering access for patients. More than 20,000 people of 100 nationalities work together to ensure 800 million patient treatments are provided by Sandoz, generating substantial global healthcare savings and an even larger social impact. Its leading portfolio of approximately 1500 products addresses diseases from the common cold to cancer. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Sandoz traces its heritage back to 1886. Its history of breakthroughs includes Calcium Sandoz in 1929, the world’s first oral penicillin in 1951, and the first biosimilar in 2006. In 2023, Sandoz recorded sales of USD 9.6 billion.
Disclaimer
This Media Release contains forward-looking statements which offer no guarantee with regard to future performance. These statements are made on the basis of management’s views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance at the time the statements are made. They are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not confined to, future global economic conditions, exchange rates, legal provisions, market conditions, activities by competitors and other factors outside of the control of Sandoz. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those forecasted or expected. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and Sandoz undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Photo for print
Photo for print
Photo for print
Previous press releases
Contact us
Gregor Makuc
T: +386 1 580 22 43
info.lek@sandoz.com