- Axplora is making a multi-million-euro investment to expand lyophilization capabilities at its Le Mans, France site, with commercial capacity expected online in early 2027.
- The company has appointed François Houbart as Head of Site, Le Mans, effective January 19, 2026.
Axplora, a global CDMO partner for complex small molecules and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has announced a multi-million-euro investment to expand lyophilization (freeze-drying) capabilities at its Le Mans, France site. The expansion is designed to strengthen integrated ADC contract manufacturing services and respond to growing customer demand for greater control and speed in development and supply.
The investment will add on-site commercial lyophilization capacity from early 2027, complementing existing R&D capabilities at the site. The expanded infrastructure will support the isolation and handling of complex payload and linker intermediates, particularly where stability and safe handling are critical. The initiative forms part of Axplora’s multi-year €30 million investment program at Le Mans and aligns with more than €100 million invested across the group in 2025.
Le Mans brings more than 20 years of ADC expertise and supports payload, linker, and drug substance manufacturing. Axplora stated it plays a role in the supply chain for six FDA-approved ADCs and supports programs across the US, Europe, and Japan. The site’s experience spans payload classes including tecans, auristatins, maytansines, and PBDs. With more than 600 ADCs currently in development, the company said the investment is intended to align capacity and operational readiness with accelerating clinical timelines.
Alongside the expansion, Axplora appointed François Houbart as Head of Site, Le Mans, effective January 19, 2026. Houbart brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in CDMO drug substance and drug product manufacturing, including ADC operations. He succeeds Rachel De Luca, who moves into the role of Head of Safety, Health and Environment for Axplora’s CDMO Business Unit.
“ADC programs are racing against the clock, and our customers need partners they can rely on to deliver with speed, efficiency and consistency. This investment strengthens our ability to reduce complexity and risk for customers while supporting the rapid progression of complex ADC programs.”
Martin Meeson, Chief Executive Officer at Axplora
