Lek Pharma Starts $400M Biologics Facility Construction in Slovenia

In a momentous development, the inaugural phase of construction has officially commenced for Lek Pharmaceuticals' groundbreaking biologics and biosimilars production center in Lendava, situated in northeastern Slovenia. Marking the largest foreign direct investment in the country, this $400 million facility launch was graced by prominent Slovenian figures, including Prime Minister Robert Golob.

The ambitious initiative was set into motion after Sandoz, the parent company of Lek Pharmaceuticals and a global leader in generic and biosimilar medicines, unveiled plans for this state-of-the-art production center in March 2023.

Upon completion, the expansive 40,000-square-meter facility will serve as the hub for producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for biosimilars within Sandoz's distinguished rheumatology, oncology, and immunology portfolio. Notably, Lek Pharmaceuticals holds the distinction of being the oldest pharmaceutical company in Slovenia, and this venture represents a significant stride forward in its evolution.

The launch event witnessed the presence of key Slovenian dignitaries, emphasizing the national importance of this initiative. Prime Minister Robert Golob's participation underscores the government's support for such strategic investments that contribute to the nation's economic growth and technological advancement.

Beyond its role as a biosimilars production center, Sandoz envisions this site becoming "Europe’s most efficient production of active pharmaceutical ingredients for biologics." This forward-looking ambition aligns with the broader industry trends and the increasing demand for efficient and cutting-edge pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

The strategic significance of Lendava as the chosen location for this production center is underscored by its potential to become a key player in Europe's pharmaceutical landscape. The facility's focus on biosimilars in rheumatology, oncology, and immunology positions it at the forefront of addressing critical healthcare needs.

As construction progresses, the project not only embodies a significant economic investment but also symbolizes a commitment to advancing pharmaceutical research and development. Sandoz's vision for this facility extends beyond national borders, aiming to make it a global cornerstone in biosimilar production.

The Lendava production center signifies a pivotal step in realizing Sandoz's broader goals of driving growth in the global biosimilar market. As biosimilars continue to gain prominence in the pharmaceutical industry, this facility is poised to play a central role in meeting the escalating demand for these innovative and cost-effective treatments.

In conclusion, the initiation of construction for Lek Pharmaceuticals' biologics and biosimilars production center is not just a local milestone but a significant stride in the global pharmaceutical landscape. The ambitious project reflects the collaborative efforts of Sandoz, Lek Pharmaceuticals, and the Slovenian government to foster innovation, economic growth, and healthcare advancements. As this facility takes shape, it heralds a new era of biosimilar production that holds the promise of addressing unmet medical needs on a global scale.