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.