The deal adds a solid-phase cytometry platform that delivers sterility test results in four days versus a traditional 14-day incubation period.
Lonza has signed an agreement to acquire Redberry SAS, a company specializing in rapid microbiology testing solutions using solid-phase cytometry technology for pharmaceutical quality control applications.
The acquisition will add Redberry’s Red One platform to Lonza’s testing portfolio, which delivers rapid sterility and bioburden testing results. In April 2025, Redberry announced validation of its Red One rapid sterility testing method that provides results in four days compared to traditional sterility testing that typically requires a minimum 14-day incubation period.
Redberry’s technology uses solid-phase cytometry to accelerate microbiology testing while maintaining GMP compliance and regulatory standards. The platform is designed to meet industry requirements for speed, sensitivity and ease of use in pharmaceutical quality control laboratories.
The deal strengthens Lonza’s position as a contract development and manufacturing organization by expanding its testing capabilities for customers requiring rapid and scalable quality control solutions, particularly for short shelf-life products.
“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,” says Mike Goetter, head of bioscience, specialized modalities at Lonza, in a release. “By integrating this cutting-edge technology into our portfolio, we are empowering customers with faster and simpler tools that lower compliance costs.”
The acquisition will support Lonza’s CDMO customers working with biologics and cell and gene therapy production by reducing time-to-patient delivery through faster quality control testing.
“Joining Lonza is a natural next step in Redberry’s journey,” says Jonathan Macron, CEO of Redberry, in a release. “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.”
Lonza currently offers endotoxin detection services and other quality control testing solutions for biopharmaceutical products. The company said the Red One platform will provide automation capabilities to pharmaceutical QC laboratories while delivering enhanced speed and sensitivity in microbial detection.
The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2025, subject to closing conditions.
Photo caption: Red One Platform for instantaneous microbial detection.
Photo credit: Lonza
