Swissmedic grants Lonza in Visp another establishment licence for the production of COVID-19 active substances

New production site approved for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine

Bern, 15 March 2021

Swissmedic, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, has granted the chemicals and pharmaceuticals company Lonza an establishment licence for a new production site for the manufacture of Moderna's COVID-19 active substance. The licence was issued last week following a successful inspection of the production plant in Visp. At this newly approved site Lonza can manufacture, on behalf of Moderna, active substances for COVID-19 vaccines.

Swissmedic had approved the first Swiss plant for the production of the active substance for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine at the start of January 2021. At the new approved production site ("Ibex® Solutions"), one production line is fully operational, and two further lines should be available in the near future.

Following the successful inspection of the second production site in Visp, the preconditions for safe production according to international quality standards are demonstrated and satisfied.

Establishment licences

Companies that manufacture or distribute medicinal or transplant products in Switzerland require an establishment licence. Swissmedic grants these licences on the basis of a successful inspection. An establishment licence proves that the companies possess the resources and processes needed to ensure and constantly monitor the quality of their products.

Address for enquiries

Swissmedic, Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products
Media Unit

+41 58 462 02 76