Lonza Acquires Rapid Microbial Testing Firm Redberry SAS to Enhance Quality Control Capabilities

Swiss contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) Lonza has announced its acquisition of French rapid microbiology testing firm Redberry SAS, in a move aimed at strengthening and accelerating quality control testing processes. The acquisition, revealed on October 27, 2025, is set to address the pharmaceutical industry's growing demand for faster product releases without compromising safety or regulatory standards.

Strategic Expansion of Quality Control Offerings

Lonza's latest acquisition brings Redberry's specialized solid-phase cytometry (SPC) technology into its portfolio. The centerpiece of this acquisition is Redberry's Red One technology, an automated platform capable of detecting microbial contamination in just four days, significantly reducing the traditional 14-day incubation period required for sterility testing.

Mike Goetter, Lonza's head of bioscience, specialized modalities, emphasized the strategic importance of the deal, stating, "By integrating this cutting-edge technology into our portfolio, we are empowering customers with faster and simpler tools that lower compliance costs. It will also support scale-up, process and product integrity for biologics and cell and gene therapy production."

Implications for Short Shelf-Life Products

The accelerated timeline offered by Redberry's technology is particularly crucial for pharmaceutical companies producing drugs with short shelf lives. This advancement allows for more efficient quality control processes, potentially leading to faster time-to-market for critical medications.

Jonathan Macron, CEO of Redberry, expressed optimism about the acquisition's potential impact: "Lonza's global reach and expertise will help scale the technology to meet the growing needs of pharmaceutical and industrial manufacturers, accelerate product release and benefit patients worldwide."

Financial Details and Closing Timeline

While the financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, Lonza expects the deal to close by the end of the year. This strategic move aligns with the industry's ongoing efforts to streamline production processes and enhance efficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

As the pharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve, this acquisition represents a significant step towards integrating advanced technologies in quality control processes, potentially setting new standards for safety and efficiency in drug production.