Alvotech (NASDAQ: ALVO), a global biotech company specializing in biosimilar medicines, announced on July 9, 2025, the acquisition of Ivers-Lee Group, a Swiss pharmaceutical packaging specialist, to expand its manufacturing capacity ahead of three new biosimilar launches planned for 2025. The acquisition represents a strategic move to strengthen Alvotech's technical operations as the company prepares for increased global demand for its biosimilar products.
Strategic Partnership Becomes Acquisition
Ivers-Lee has served as Alvotech's preferred partner in assembly and packaging for several years, establishing a foundation of trust and operational familiarity between the companies. "We know and trust each other very well, having worked closely together," said Robert Wessman, founder, chairman and CEO of Alvotech. "As Alvotech prepares for the launch of three new biosimilars in 2025 and sales growth in global markets, the integration of Ivers-Lee into our Technical Operations, provides added flexibility and capacity to meet increased global demand for our biosimilars, maintaining the highest level of quality and service."
The family-owned business, founded in Burgdorf, Switzerland in 1947, will remain a separate legal entity while its operations integrate into Alvotech's Technical Operations division. Managing director Peter Schüpbach, grandson of Ivers-Lee's founder, will continue in his current role and join Alvotech's Technical Operations senior leadership team.
Manufacturing Capabilities and Regulatory Compliance
Ivers-Lee operates from two strategic locations: its headquarters in Burgdorf, Switzerland, and a business unit in Lörrach, Germany. The Burgdorf facility holds GMP licensing and FDA approval, meeting the stringent regulatory requirements necessary for pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.
The acquisition brings specialized capabilities that directly support Alvotech's biosimilar portfolio, including assembly and packaging of autoinjectors, pre-filled syringes, safety devices, and vial packaging. These capabilities are particularly relevant as Alvotech currently markets two approved biosimilars - adalimumab (biosimilar to Humira) and ustekinumab (biosimilar to Stelara) - across multiple global markets.
Continued Contract Manufacturing Services
While integrating with Alvotech's operations, Ivers-Lee will maintain its existing international customer base and continue providing contract manufacturing organization (CMO) services. The Lörrach unit will continue offering blister and stick-pack activities, clinical supplies, and qualified person (QP) services to other pharmaceutical clients.
"Alvotech offers the Ivers-Lee Group financial strength and development opportunities in a growth market, that we as a founding family cannot offer. This change brings stability both for Ivers-Lee and its employees," said Peter Schüpbach.
Alvotech's Biosimilar Pipeline and Global Reach
Alvotech's current development pipeline includes nine disclosed biosimilar candidates targeting autoimmune disorders, eye disorders, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, and cancer. The company has established an extensive network of commercial partnerships spanning the United States, Europe, Japan, China, and other regions across Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.
Key commercial partners include Teva Pharmaceuticals in the US, STADA Arzneimittel AG in the EU, Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd in Japan, and numerous other regional partners. This global partnership network positions Alvotech to leverage the expanded manufacturing capacity from the Ivers-Lee acquisition across multiple markets simultaneously.
