Integrated into the Bachem Group since 2001, the Vionnaz site brings over five decades of expertise in small molecule synthesis to Valais’ pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape. Its competencies in amino acid chemistry, electrochemistry and biocatalysis position it as a specialized contributor within Bachem’s global production network.

Established in 1973 in the Chablais region, the Vionnaz facility joined Bachem in 2001, adding small molecule capabilities to a group historically recognized for peptides and oligonucleotides.

Bachem, founded in 1971 and headquartered in Bubendorf, operates five major production sites across Switzerland, the US and the UK. In 2025, the Group employs more than 2,300 people and reports revenues exceeding CHF 600 million (Source: Bachem Annual Report 2025).

Within this structure, Vionnaz contributes targeted expertise in complex organic synthesis and generic APIs, complementing peptide-focused activities at other sites.

Technical strengths beyond standard API production

Amino acid and chiral chemistry
The site has developed advanced know-how in protected and non-protected amino acids, stereoselective synthesis and complex intermediates.
These capabilities are relevant for:

• peptide precursor manufacturing
• chiral small molecule APIs
• multi-step synthetic routes requiring tight stereochemical control

This positioning strengthens supply chain integration between small molecule intermediates and peptide manufacturing platforms.

Electrochemical transformations

Vionnaz has integrated electrochemical processes into selected synthetic routes.

For industrial chemists, electrochemistry enables:

• controlled oxidation–reduction reactions
• reduced reliance on stoichiometric reagents
• alternative pathways for challenging transformations

Such approaches align with increasing industry pressure to improve process efficiency and environmental performance.

Enzymatic catalysis

Biocatalytic steps are used where selectivity or process simplification justifies integration.

Enzyme-mediated reactions can:

• enhance enantiomeric purity
• reduce downstream purification burdens
• support more streamlined process development

For complex molecules, this hybrid chemistry–biotechnology approach can offer tangible advantages at scale.

Part of a long-term industrial expansion strategy

Between 2024 and 2026, Bachem announced multi-year investments exceeding CHF 1 billion to expand global manufacturing capacity, particularly for complex therapeutic modalities (Source).

While much of this expansion targets peptide manufacturing, small molecule and intermediate capabilities remain structurally important for integrated supply models.

Within this strategy, Vionnaz contributes specialized chemistry expertise and European production capacity, supporting long-term pharmaceutical partnerships.