In 2002, IBSA inaugurated the Lamone facility, entirely dedicated to protein purification. This sophisticated plant, the beating heart of the company’s industrial strategy, required significant investment and precise planning. Here, rigorous scientific methods and cutting-edge technology are employed to produce gonadotropins such as FSH, hMG, and hCG, extracted from the urine of menopausal or pregnant donors.
The production process begins in China, in Qingdao, with urine collection and raw material preparation. But it is in Lamone where the real transformation occurs: purification takes place under absolute aseptic conditions, to ensure the complete absence of contaminants and preserve the glycoprotein structure of the hormones.
The purified hormones are then lyophilised and packaged in a fully controlled environment. Each stage is subject to stringent microbiological checks. IBSA’s analytical laboratory is one of the few in the world recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for conducting precision analyses on fertility hormones.
It is also here that a unique formulation of water-soluble progesterone was developed, administered subcutaneously and used in Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) protocols. This innovation significantly improves patient tolerance and treatment adherence.
Investment in Lamone is ongoing. IBSA has progressively enhanced production lines, improving efficiency and output. With an average of 25 million vials per year, Lamone is today a symbol of IBSA’s ability to combine research, quality, and industrial excellence.