Lonza Says Big Pharma Might Delay Outsourcing Decisions Amid U.S. Investments

By Adria Calatayud

Swiss contract drug manufacturer Lonza Group said big pharmaceutical companies might take longer to make outsourcing decisions amid plans for big investments in the U.S., as it reiterated its full-year outlook.

The company said Friday that it delivered a strong first-quarter performance in line with its expectations for the full year of stronger sales growth and profitability in the first half than in the second. It doesn't anticipate material impact from the conflict in the Middle East or from U.S. trade and tariff policies.

Lonza said it continues to observe sustained demand for manufacturing outsourcing from both big pharma and biotech companies. Recent plans for large investments in the U.S. are more likely to represent a shift in spending toward the U.S. than a fundamental change in sourcing strategies, it said.

In the first quarter, Lonza's integrated biologics operations benefited from sustained momentum, while growth projects added in 2025 boosted its advanced synthesis activities. The group's specialized modalities segment returned to healthy growth, it said.

Lonza didn't disclose specific quarterly figures. It confirmed its full-year guidance of sales growth of between 11% and 12% at constant currency rates and an expansion in its core earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization margin to above 32%.

Write to Adria Calatayud at adria.calatayud@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 08, 2026 01:08 ET (05:08 GMT)