Global CDMO Axplora has announced a multi-million-euro investment to expand its lyophilization capabilities at its Le Mans, France site, strengthening its "ability to deliver reliable, efficient and fast ADC manufacturing for biotech and pharmaceutical customers." The company also announced the appointment of François Houbart as Head of Site.
The investment directly responds to customer demand for greater control, speed and predictability in ADC development and supply. By adding on-site commercial lyophilization from early 2027 to the R&D capabilities already in place, Axplora will offer integrated manufacturing solutions for the isolation and handling of complex payload and linker intermediates, particularly where stability and safe handling are critical.
The expansion forms part of Axplora’s continued multi-year €30m investment program at Le Mans, building on recent payload and capacity expansions to support the rapid growth of ADC pipelines globally. The new lyophilization capabilities are expected to come online in 2027.
“ADC programs are racing against the clock, and our customers need partners they can rely on to deliver with speed, efficiency and consistency,” said Martin Meeson, Chief Executive Officer at Axplora. “This investment strengthens our ability to reduce complexity and risk for customers while supporting the rapid progression of complex ADC programs. François’s leadership will be instrumental as Le Mans continues to scale.”
New Head of Site François Houbart brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in CDMO drug substance and drug product manufacturing, including senior roles in ADC operations. He commented: “My focus is on strengthening operational excellence, maintaining uncompromising quality, and ensuring the Le Mans site consistently delivers for both clinical and commercial ADC programs.” Houbart succeeds Rachel De Luca, who will move into the newly created role of Head of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) for Axplora’s CDMO Business Unit.
The investment directly responds to customer demand for greater control, speed and predictability in ADC development and supply. By adding on-site commercial lyophilization from early 2027 to the R&D capabilities already in place, Axplora will offer integrated manufacturing solutions for the isolation and handling of complex payload and linker intermediates, particularly where stability and safe handling are critical.
The expansion forms part of Axplora’s continued multi-year €30m investment program at Le Mans, building on recent payload and capacity expansions to support the rapid growth of ADC pipelines globally. The new lyophilization capabilities are expected to come online in 2027.
“ADC programs are racing against the clock, and our customers need partners they can rely on to deliver with speed, efficiency and consistency,” said Martin Meeson, Chief Executive Officer at Axplora. “This investment strengthens our ability to reduce complexity and risk for customers while supporting the rapid progression of complex ADC programs. François’s leadership will be instrumental as Le Mans continues to scale.”
New Head of Site François Houbart brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in CDMO drug substance and drug product manufacturing, including senior roles in ADC operations. He commented: “My focus is on strengthening operational excellence, maintaining uncompromising quality, and ensuring the Le Mans site consistently delivers for both clinical and commercial ADC programs.” Houbart succeeds Rachel De Luca, who will move into the newly created role of Head of Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) for Axplora’s CDMO Business Unit.
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