Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services (Aji Bio-Pharma), a global leader in biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing, has entered into a strategic partnership with Olon S.p.A. to provide innovative, large-scale drug substance manufacturing solutions for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.

The collaboration brings together Aji Bio-Pharma’s microbial Corynex peptide and protein manufacturing platform with Olon’s large-scale microbial fermentation expertise. Together, they aim to accelerate the sustainable production of high-demand proteins and peptides, including GLP-1 analogues used in the treatment of obesity and type II diabetes.

By combining Aji Bio-Pharma’s capabilities in microbial strain and process development with Olon’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facilities housing fermenters exceeding 100,000 litres, the partnership offers an integrated pathway from development through to commercial-scale manufacturing.

“By joining forces, we can accelerate the development and supply of advanced peptides and proteins, supporting our customers and improving patient outcomes sustainably,” said Yasuyuki Otake, Corporate Executive and General Manager, Bio-Pharma Services Department, Ajinomoto Co., Inc. Andrea Conforto, Vice President CDMO Biotech, Olon S.p.A., added, “Together, we provide a seamless route from development to large-scale manufacturing, setting new standards for quality and sustainability.”

Sustainability remains central to the collaboration. The partners emphasised their shared commitment to environmentally responsible production, aiming to reduce the ecological footprint of biologics manufacturing through efficient and scalable fermentation technologies.

Corynex, based on the gram-positive bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum, offers significant process advantages by secreting soluble and biologically active targets directly into the media with high purity and yield. It is scalable, fast-growing, non-pathogenic, non-endotoxic, and does not require expression inducers such as IPTG or methanol.

Olon brings extensive experience in microbial fermentation for both contract manufacturing and proprietary products, including high-potency or toxic compounds produced under high-containment conditions. With fermenters ranging from 1 to 255 m³ and a total capacity of 5,000 m³, Olon is among Europe’s largest third-party microbial fermentation manufacturers.

Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services operates as a fully integrated contract development and manufacturing organisation with facilities in Belgium, the United States, Japan, and India, providing end-to-end support across gene therapy, APIs, and both large and small molecule manufacturing.

Olon, headquartered in Italy, specialises in the development and production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), combining advanced expertise in chemical synthesis and biological manufacturing processes.