Axplora has announced a multi-million-euro investment to expand lyophilization capabilities at its Le Mans, France, facility, part of a wider program to strengthen antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) manufacturing capacity. The company also appointed François Houbart as Head of Site, effective January 19, 2026.
The expansion will introduce commercial-scale lyophilization operations from early 2027, extending the site’s existing research and development activities. According to Axplora, the investment is intended to support growing demand for integrated ADC manufacturing, particularly in processes that require high levels of stability and safe handling of complex payload and linker intermediates.
The Le Mans site currently provides payload, linker, and drug substance manufacturing and has contributed to the supply chain of six FDA-approved ADCs. Axplora reports more than 20 years of ADC production experience, supporting clients across the United States, Europe, and Japan. The company cited the increasing number of ADCs in development—currently more than 600 globally—as a key driver for expanding production capacity.
The lyophilization project is part of a broader €30 million multi-year investment plan at Le Mans, which includes recent expansions in payload production and overall site capacity. Across its network, Axplora invested more than €100 million in 2025 to expand capabilities ahead of projected customer demand.
Houbart, who succeeds Rachel De Luca, brings over two decades of experience in CDMO operations for drug substances and drug products. De Luca will assume a new role as Head of Safety, Health and Environment for Axplora’s CDMO business unit.