Key Findings
Lonza, a prominent Swiss contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), announced on September 10, 2026, its plans to build a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bend, Oregon, dedicated to spray-drying technology. This strategic investment is poised to significantly expand Lonza’s capabilities in particle engineering and bioavailability enhancement as a leading CDMO. The facility aims to address the pressing industry challenge of improving the oral absorption of poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and is anticipated to commence operations by 2029.
Technical / Clinical Details
Spray-drying is a critical technique in pharmaceutical development, particularly for improving the bioavailability of APIs with low water solubility. The process involves dissolving or suspending the API in a polymer solution, then atomizing it into fine droplets that are sprayed into a heated chamber, where the solvent rapidly evaporates to form amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs). ASDs significantly enhance the dissolution rate and solubility of APIs, thereby improving their oral absorption. Lonza’s new Bend facility will specialize in this advanced spray-drying technology, aiming to support a diverse range of poorly soluble APIs and accelerate clients’ drug development pipelines. The new plant will adhere to stringent Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and will feature flexible manufacturing capabilities to accommodate scales from early-stage R&D through to commercial production.
Background & Context
In modern pharmaceutical discovery, an estimated 70-90% of newly identified APIs suffer from poor water solubility, presenting a substantial barrier to the development of oral dosage forms. Consequently, advanced particle engineering technologies like spray-drying are indispensable for bringing these APIs to market as effective therapeutics. Lonza, known for its comprehensive service offerings in the CDMO market, positions this new U.S. facility as a response to the growing demand for drug delivery system (DDS) solutions, particularly those focused on enhancing oral absorption, and as a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the North American market. This initiative exemplifies the broader trend of technological innovation and capacity expansion within the CDMO industry.
Strategic Significance & Outlook
The new Lonza facility in Bend, Oregon, will play a crucial role in accelerating the commercialization of poorly soluble APIs. This will enable pharmaceutical companies to develop and deliver new drugs to patients more efficiently. Lonza’s leadership in the CDMO market will be further solidified, establishing a competitive advantage in particle engineering and bioavailability optimization. This investment is expected to contribute to reducing the cost and time of pharmaceutical development and increasing the supply of more effective oral drugs, ultimately improving patient access to therapies. For researchers and engineers, it expands opportunities for further optimization of spray-drying technology and the development of new DDS. For investors, it underpins Lonza’s long-term growth strategy within the continuously expanding CDMO market.
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