Lonza agrees to buy Indianapolis drug-delivery operation in five-site Merck KGaA deal

An Indianapolis drug-delivery manufacturing operation is included in Lonza’s agreement to acquire five U.S. contract manufacturing sites from Merck KGaA, the companies announced Nov. 3.

The companies expect the deal to close in mid-2027, subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. Until closing, the business remains part of Merck KGaA’s life science division, the seller said.

Lonza said the Indianapolis operation works with lipid nanoparticles, liposomes and PEGylated protein formulations. Its capabilities include sterile filling and finishing, known as aseptic fill-finish.

About 1,100 employees across the five sites would join Lonza under the agreement. The other operations are in St. Louis, Missouri, and Carlsbad, California, as well as Madison and Verona, Wisconsin. The companies did not disclose an Indianapolis employee count.

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SOURCE STATUS: One-source report; independent confirmation pending.