Lonza, one of the world’s largest contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs), has signed an agreement to acquire Redberry SAS (Redberry), an innovative company specialising in rapid microbiology testing solutions using solid-phase cytometry (SPC) technology.

Redberry is a leader in SPC, providing rapid and highly precise microbial detection solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. Its Red One System enables both rapid sterility and bioburden testing, meeting the growing need for speed, sensitivity and ease of use in pharmaceutical quality control (QC) and regulatory compliance.

In April 2025, Redberry announced the successful validation of its Red One rapid sterility testing method that delivers results in just four days. This breakthrough solution offers a robust, GMP-compliant alternative to traditional sterility testing, which typically requires a minimum incubation time of 14 days. This improved speed will help to meet the pharmaceutical industry's growing demand for faster product release without compromising safety or regulatory standards.

A global leader in QC testing solutions, Lonza offers a comprehensive portfolio that incudes industry-leading endotoxin detection services to ensure the safety, efficacy and compliance of biopharmaceutical products. The acquisition of Redberry will strengthen Lonza’s testing capabilities, integrating the Red One Platform to deliver faster, more sensitive and automated microbial detection for pharmaceutical QC labs. This addition will particularly benefit CDMO customers producing short shelf-life products, helping reduce time-to-patient while maintaining compliance and quality assurance.

Mike Goetter, Head of Bioscience, Specialised Modalities, Lonza, said, "Our agreement to acquire Redberry marks a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing QC microbiology solutions in line with growing industry demand for rapid testing platforms. 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. It is a strategic step forward in reducing risk, ensuring right first time delivery, and enhancing efficiency across the industry."

Jonathan Macron, CEO, Redberry, commented, “Joining Lonza is a natural next step in Redberry’s journey. Since its creation, Redberry has been dedicated to delivering faster, simpler, and reliable microbiological control. By combining Red One with Lonza’s global reach and expertise, we will scale our innovation to meet the growing needs of pharmaceutical and industrial manufacturers, accelerate product release and benefit patients worldwide, while together setting a new standard in pharmaceutical quality control."

The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2025, subject to closing conditions.