Axplora’s Mourenx site in France specializes in process development and large scale manufacturing The company operates eight other API manufacturing sites across Europe and India Germany-based Axplora announced the investment of  €50 million ($51.8 million) in its Mourenx site in Southwest France Axplora specializes in large-scale API industrial chemistry and chromatography with a focus on cardiovascular and metabolic diseases By upgrading Mourenx’s infrastructure and capabilities Axplora expects to strengthen its position in peptide purification in a biologics environment and support the development of next-generation therapies including GLP-1 drugs that target diabetes and obesity which represent some of society’s most urgent health challenges “GLP-1 therapies represent a paradigm shift in medicine offering targeted therapies for complex diseases with unprecedented efficacy and tolerability,” continued Ramadurai Construction and infrastructure development will begin immediately with first supplies of GLP-1 therapies expected in 2026 Axplora operates nine API manufacturing sites across Europe and India with the goal of providing multi-site capacity to partners worldwide Copyright © 2025 Sage Publications or its affiliates including those for text and data mining and training of large language models With over €50 million ($52 million) investment contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) Axplora is bolstering its facility in Mourenx The facility will manufacture glucagon peptide (GLP-1) therapies and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) for an undisclosed client and is expected to be operational by 2026 The upgrades at Mourenx prioritize high-purity peptide production and scalability “GLP-1 therapies represent a paradigm shift in medicine, offering targeted therapies for complex diseases with unprecedented efficacy and tolerability,” said Arul Ramadurai reinforces Axplora’s role as a trusted partner in manufacturing life-changing “The investment in the Mourenx site is primarily focused on GLP-1 manufacturing but it reflects our broader commitment to complex molecule production including ADCs,” a spokesperson for Axplora told BioProcess Insider “While the primary aim is to enhance our Biologics License Application (BLA) and peptide production capabilities this investment strengthens Axplora’s overall infrastructure and reputation for handling high-complexity drug manufacturing.”  The German CDMO recognizes that the increasing demand for ADCs requires scalability for which the company has “employed strategic planning and advanced manufacturing technologies to scale production while upholding the highest standards of quality and efficiency.”  “Sustainability is at the core of our operations we’ve implemented measures like reducing solvent use and optimizing energy efficiency to minimize our environmental footprint These initiatives extend to all aspects of drug manufacturing across our network including in ADCs,” the spokesperson added This boom was fueled by advancements in conjugation technology Journalist covering the manufacturing and processing sectors for biopharmaceuticals globally Feel free to reach out to me at: [email protected] CSL Seqirus signs pandemic preparedness plan with European Commission Ins & Outs: Biopharma players shuffle c-suite ranks American made: Companies continue to emphasize US manufacturing Transforming Protein Production: Lonza’s Comprehensive Solutions for Therapeutic Innovation Registered in England & Wales with number 01835199 German API and antibody drug conjugate (ADC) CDMO Axplora Group GmbH has announced an investment of €50m in its Mourenx site in Southwest France securing its position as a key player in the fight against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases Axplora Group has announced an investment made by customers to expand its production capacities for GLP1 agonists at a production site of its subsidiary Novasep SA The expansion in France will position Mourenx as a centre of excellence in the Axplora network for contract manufacturing of APIs and drug substances for FDA-approved biologics “We target having the facility BLA-ready in 15 months,” stated Dr construction and infrastructure development will begin immediately Sign up for our newsletter This issue offers insights into Europe's fight for green solutions for a bioeconomy antimicrobial resistance and how Europe is preparing for the next pandemic Since the first antibody drug was approved back in 1986 monoclonal antibodies have emerged as the dominant class in the global US$417bn market for biologics and experts are divided on whether the financing nadir has been reached or even passed There are very different figures for different types of treatments under … more ➔ Reduction and Refinement) principles developed over 60 years ago provide a framework for more humane lab animal testing and Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) have been transformative in oncology offering targeted cancer treatments that enhance efficacy while sparing healthy cells Explore the evolving world of GLP-1 receptor agonists in Issue 42 of The Altascientist featuring insights on their expanding applications TriLink Biotechnologies has made its catalogue of industry-leading nucleic acid technologies more available in Europe By improving the ordering process and reducing … more ➔ Be one of the first to try our new activity feed The Mourenx 69 is neither the lightest nor the cheapest bike out there—you definitely pay more for the name and the European mystique but it’s still quick enough to outpace the competition Thick-gauge tubes and robust shaping make the Mourenx stand out It’s geometric and angular without being obnoxious The top tube is vaguely triangular and flat on top with a set screw for height adjustments built straight into the top tube with tapers halfway down the seatstays and down tube that add compliance with internal cable routings throughout and an understated paint job the frame has a slightly longer top tube and a slightly taller headtube relative to the more race-oriented bikes in the Merckx line The bottom bracket is also a touch lower and the wheelbase longer for high-speed stability Because the Mourenx isn’t aimed at the highest-performance racer, it doesn’t get the full-bling build. But the spec is smart and hardworking and more than most riders will ever want. Our Ultegra Di2-equipped model is the top of the range and we were once again reminded just how good these parts are despite being third in Shimano’s hierarchy Shifting is as fast and accurate as Dura-Ace Di2 and durability and reliability on par with Dura-Ace mechanical We also love how the E-tube wiring feeds neatly into the frame ports and can easily be plugged and unplugged for maintenance The Ultegra rim brakes were also excellent The finesse and stopping performance of discs are so much better that it’s hard to justify not including them on a bike that’s mostly aimed at the sportive rider Hopefully a 2016 model will make discs standard blocky seatpost probably contributes to the bikes overall solid feel—and is a departure from many manufacturers’ move to skinnier diameters for added give but we’re never huge fans of proprietary seatpost shapes because if something goes wrong—we’ve broken the clamp on more than one—your bike is inoperable until you can get a replacement post We liked the shape and shallow drop of the Deda M35 bars but several testers wished for a carbon version to improve the ride and feel Ditto that on the wheels: The alloy Fulcrum Racing 5s (with 25mm tires) were average wind-cheating rim profile would have also made more sense The Mourenx rode as straight and true as a locomotive it easily held a line even when I took my hands off the bars to change clothes or grab food and on descents it charged downward as if drawn by a magnet This is probably the most confident descending bike I’ve tried all year; it allowed me to brake late and plunge into corners was that the Merckx lacked the flick and snap of a lightweight climbing bike but I felt like I was hanging on when pitches hit 12 percent and up the ride quality is so smooth and silky that I was happy take on the extra pounds of climbing weight for the comfort the bike afforded my first ride aboard the Merckx was over five hours and I never felt a twinge in my neck or pull in my lower back as I often do on more aggressive frames and builds (Full disclosure: Based on my discomfort on the ProLogo from that first ride we would rather it was spec’d with at least a midcompact gearing up front as the 50-34 ratio felt underpowered in the flats and rollers And our pitted New Mexico pavement definitely exploited the 25mm tires and aluminum bars—long rides had a way of making my hands buzz slightly The latter would probably win on that front but we like that the Mourenx 69 is a bit more rare and exotic Heads up: Because of Merckx’s relatively small size as a company there are fewer levels and spec options than with the bigger brands If component choice and price point are critical for you it might pay to look for a more mainstream option Endurance roadies are a staple in the market these days and we feel that the majority of riders would be happier on these easier-going frames than on a stiffer race bike with steeper angles For those who are wary of full-fledged comfort performance rides the Mourenx 69 cuts a fine balance between endurance geometry and race readiness It would make a great primary bike for anyone who logs big mileage but might also dip into some regional racing Eddy Merckx himself has said that rather than build something cheap or feathery and tech with access to unlimited digital content from Outside Network's iconic brands Eddy Merckx Bicycles continues its homage to the Cannibal’s expansive list of victories named after the location of the Stage 17 finish in the 1969 Tour De France where Eddy took a massive victory after launching a solo 214.5 kilometer attack from Luchon to Mourenx – a victory he considers the highlight of his career He went on to win the 1969 Tour de France by a margin of 17 minutes and 54 seconds over second place Much like the endurance required for Eddy’s huge effort on Stage 17 this new bike is all about long distance… The Mourenx 69 features carbon monocoque frame construction which extends to the carbon monocoque fork The frameset is available in disc brake and non-disc rim brake varieties the Mourenx 69 is designed for endurance riding – meaning a slightly taller head tube and shorter top tube which keeps the rider in a more upright and comfortable position for the long haul The Mourenx 69 is an ideal endurance racing bike with a nice balance of stiffness and compliance Disc brake frames tip the scales at approximately 1,050 grams with the monocoque and tapered composite fork comes in at 380 grams Seatstays have a flattened section at the top to offer a bit of compliance Chainstays are asymetric in design and also designed to be vertically compliant In the case of the Mourenx 69 disc brake frameset with internal disc brake cable routing and flat disc brake mounts Standard to both frame types is internal cable routing for mechanical and electronic shifting   The seatpost is an aero affair with 20mm of seatback which matches the Mourenx’s sharp looks even down to the integrated seatpost clamp Adding to this goodness is clearance for 30mm tires though you’ll find 700×25 tires spec’d fitted inside a shell that transitions the wide shapely downtube past the flared seat tube and into those chainstays The Mourenx 69 is available in a variety of builds: Grey / Red / Silver colorway RIM BRAKE with Campagnolo Chorus mechanical groupset FSA headset and Prologo New Nago EVo STN saddle Blue / Black / White colorway RIM BRAKE with Shimano Ultegra mechanical groupset Black / Anthracite / Silver colorway DISC BRAKE with Shimano Ultegra Di2 hydraulic brake groupset Black / Anthracite / Red colorway DISC BRAKE with Shimano Ultegra mechanical hydraulic brake groupset Red colorway DISC BRAKE with Shimano 105 mechanical hydraulic brake groupset Not shown is the Black / Silver colorway RIM BRAKE with Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset Framesets are available in six sizes sizes in both variants While the Mourenx 69 and others in the 2016 Eddy Merckx Bicycles range are a homage to Eddy’s victories of the past in no way are these bikes lacking in modern design features With additional bikes scheduled for release in 2016 expect to see more of what you see here soon EddyMerckx.be Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed I am not sure having a STRICT warranty is something you want to advertise? As much as this is the way bikes are all starting to look I still prefer the aesthetic of round tubes That disc brake version in grey is very nice Love the look of this bike…although I don’t know how those huge anyone know when or if we will see 105 di2 so those 105 hydro/mech levers…….I guess Shimano couldn’t allow SRAM to corner the market on ugly levers I agree that these are great looking bikes For a bike built around having some vertical compliance I have to question the shape of that seatpost though the Strict Lifetime Warranty is supposed to be a good thing… as in it is a Lifetime Warranty The only strict part about it is that you have to register your bike and once a year it needs to be inspected or serviced by an EMX dealer Kind of a bummer for someone who’s worked as a mechanic (ahem) That’s better than lots of other companies it’s just a slightly unfortunate name when people don’t know where it comes from Would love to see these with more tire clearance My 2009 Giant doesn’t have adjustable ones either I just shoced some screw type adjustable stops into the fixed ones on the frame Which wheels are those on the grey disc version pictures but don’t want to deal with solvents Simpyfast claims their Lube Cube is the easiest way Peak Performance expands on their MTB specific clothing with new pants Apparently that’s an option when you’re designing products for the GOAT We spotted Cofidis racing an all-new prototype wireless 13-speed Campagnolo Super Record 13 WRL SC road groupset Canyon Bicycles is now selling select models directly through Amazon.com Want wireless shifting but don’t want to have to buy a whole new drivetrain Be protected from the sun with the new UV Hooded Trail Shirt… OrNot The new Van Nicholas Astraeus is a beautiful titanium road bike that’s limited to just 50 frames The Eddy Merckx brand has revised its endurance bike and named it after Merkcx's first Tour de France stage victory in 1969 Merckx won the stage by a staggering 16 minutes so the choice of name suggests this bike is designed for performance and long escapes Eddy Merkcx himself gave the presentation on the new sportive range and the phrase that he repeated was "power under control" So while the new Mourenx 69 may not be the lightest bike out there it does offer practical features such as asymmetric chain stays for perfect balance to ensure that all your power goes straight to the pedals We found this refreshing; many bike manufacturers become wrapped up in the lightweight arms race and sometimes neglect ride quality and handling The geometry of the Mourenx 69 has been well thought-out Its slightly higher head tube and longer top tube help to create a relaxed The looks of the bike fall somewhere between classic straight lines and contemporary curves There's plenty of carbon around the head tube and bottom bracket to keep things super stiff The Mourenx 69 is kept well up-to-date with neat internal cable routing and electronic gearing compatibility a tapered fork steerer will keep the front end rock solid in corners The Mourenx 69 we tested came specced with deep-section Fast Forward wheels Rotor cranks and a Camagnolo Chorus groupset and the saddle came from Prologo – its grippy CPC inserts were a welcome addition Although we liked the deep-section wheels we didn't feel they were a great match for the Mourenx and thought a more user-friendly shallow-depth rim would be a more suitable choice All the finishing kit components are proven reliable performers and complemented the frame nicely The production Mourenx 69 will be available with a range of Shimano groupsets and Fulcrum wheels which we believe are a far better match for the bike and for performance sportive riders We had a chance to give the Mourenx 69 a serious test during the Grand Fondo Eddy Merckx which covered 141km and more than 3,500m of climbing in the Italian Alps These Grand Fondos start like full-blown road races so the Mourenx 69 was pushed to its limits on climbs the bike's stiffness was immediately obvious It had no problems with short sharp accelerations or trying to hold position at the front during the fight to the first climb the upright position made for a comfortable and forgiving ride when we were grinding our way up the 12 percent gradients Although we were passed by many a fast-looking Italian grimpeur in full fluro kit it was definitely the rider and not the bike at fault Those grippy CPC inserts on the Prologo Saddle that we mentioned prevented us from slipping in the saddle when putting down some watts We had a few scary moments with the deep section Fast Forward wheels during a cross-wind section; they caught the wind and caused some instability The supple Vittoria Evo Corsa CX tyres made sure we stayed rubber-side down though There were some extremely fast descents during the Grand Fondo and it was on these that Mourenx 69 really stood out Even with brakes on the opposite way to what we are used to the bike's stiff head tube and forgiving angles enabled us to push the bike as far as we dared Even when taking an incorrect line or braking too late into a corner and should encourage a confident attacking style in any rider When looking back at the Strava profile of our ride the icing on the cake was a new top speed of around 60mph (100kph) This may not be the fastest speed ever recorded on a bike but the ease and control with which we achieved it was exceptional After five hours of riding in the baking sun and although ride comfort can be hard to quantify without long-term testing You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed By: Kristin Brooks Axplora a global CDMO for API small molecule and ADC manufacturing announces the investment of €50 million in its Mourenx site in Southwest France Specializing in large-scale API industrial chemistry and chromatography this project will enhance Mourenx’s capabilities positioning it as a center of excellence in the Axplora network for contract manufacturing of APIs and drug substances for FDA-approved biologics Upgrading infrastructure and capabilities at Mourenx enhances its peptide purification in a biologics environment to support the development of next-gen therapies offering targeted therapies for complex diseases with unprecedented efficacy and tolerability,” said Arul Ramadurai “This project is testament to our pioneering expertise in industrial chromatography we target having the facility BLA-ready in 15 months To achieve this our internal teams are working closely with partners in a strong cross-functional project team We are looking forward to a bright future at Mourenx,” stated Dr with first supplies of GLP-1 therapies expected in 2026.  Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker An endurance racer worthy of the master who created it This bike is named after Eddy Merckx’s victory on Stage 17 of the 1969 Tour de France the Belgian had already won four stages in the race and held what looked like an insurmountable lead of over eight minutes The Cannibal attacked on the Col du Tourmalet I hate marketing like this because too often the story bears little resemblance to the reality. But like last year’s excellent EMX-525 which proved true to its heritage and claims angular carbon fiber that recalls both the EMX-525 as well as the Cannibal himself The position is forgiving for long days in the saddle but not so upright as to neglect its speed and agility And the massive head tube and oversize bottom bracket area ensure maximum steering stiffness and power transfer in spite of the more easygoing geometry winding descents at warp speeds and never managed to scare ourselves no matter how hard we pushed through corners Of all the bikes we rode that year that claimed to be both fast and comfort oriented Even after bashing around on it for five and six hours at a time testers found their backs feeling fresher and their energy higher than on any other similar ride Yet the steering was still quick and deft enough to be plenty comfortable in big groups At $5,095, our tester was the top range built with a complete Shimano Ultegra Di2 package and carbon fiber seat post and bars The Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels aren’t especially light or sexy but they rolled smooth and were stiff enough for all but our biggest (190-plus pound) riders the Mourenx is somewhat portly for the cost at 17.1 pounds (size 48) though given how smooth and confident the bike rode not a single tester ever complained that it was too heavy And the bike is available in several less expensive options which are basically requisite for your average fondo rider (We’d also prefer bigger tires than the 25cc spec though at least the frame is equipped for it.) If the Mourenx came with discs it might well have garnered our Gear of the Year—that’s how well it rides It’s tempting to conclude that the Mourenx will make you fast and aggressive on long rides like Eddy himself make you more comfortable while preserving your speed Eddy Merckx won his first Tour de France by a staggering 16 minute margin We think it’s  a gravel grinder fat bike but you can leave your more reasonable ideas in the comments Urban Cottage Industries is launching a limited edition collection of five prints of Tour legends Drop past the break to see them and learn more… Louison Bobet and Gino Bartali are available Each print was created using the “half-tone process on Original Heidelberg presses” or black sapele frame costs another £40.80 You can order one here a leading supplier of services and technologies for the life sciences industry announced a €6.1 million (USD $7.3M) investment on its Mourenx site (Pyrénées-Atlantiques – France) This investment will modernize its API manufacturing facility and reinforce its competitiveness in its markets The modernization of this cGMP workshop includes the installation of new equipment and the revamping of clean rooms for API isolation This project will enhance Novasep’s flexibility and develop a high-performance capacity for the custom manufacturing of innovative therapeutic molecules in accordance with the highest quality and safety requirements and with improved environmental protection Novasep also announces the creation of 7 full-time jobs on this site This project has been selected as part of the France Relance recovery plan initiated by the French government; Novasep will be supported within the framework of the "Investissements d'Avenir" (Investments for the future) program which rewards innovative and promising industrial investments in order to allow France to increase its economic growth and employment potential “This investment sends a strong signal to our customers and partners by increasing our market competitiveness It further supports our strategy of reinforcing our high-quality offer for the commercial production of innovative therapies I am proud of this investment which contributes to manufacturing jobs in France and allows us to further develop our activity in the Aquitaine region” says Dr MM Activ Singapore Pte Ltd 1 North Bridge Road,#08-08 High Street Centre communications@biospectrumasia.com +65 90150305 Copyright 2025 MM Activ Singapore Pte Ltd We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. Learn more. and while he wasn't able to witness Mark Cavendish (Deceuninck-QuickStep) beat his stage win record on the day he did have some special compliments for the man in the race lead Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates).Eddy Merckx (L) looks on as Tadej Pogacar wears the yellow jersey at the Tour de France GC winners and losers as Pogačar takes telling step towards Tour title Pogačar wins dramatic battle on hardest Tour stage Pogačar climbs to another great victory in Tour de France Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España.Get the latest with our sport podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.Watch on SBS SportSport News Eddy Merckx Cycles have revealed their intentions to focus on “high-end racing machines” in 2015 with the launch of the brand new Mourenx69 endurance model and the SanRemo76 race-ready bike The EMX-525 also marked the start of a new naming convention one that uses key race victories from Eddy Merckx’s illustrious career using the number of races Merckx won during his time as a pro The SanRemo76 and Mourenx69 both clearly take inspiration from the angular EMX-525 which will continue in the company’s range at the very top The key differentiation is that the Mourenx69 has been designated an endurance/sportive road bike with a shorter and taller geometry while the SanRemo76 is long and low for racing and offered at more affordable price points than the EMX-525 by using a lower grade of carbon fibre there are changes of management at the company taking charge with over 25 years experience in the industry Eddy Merckx however is still actively involved in the company which he set up back in 1980 “Eddy is a great human being,” says Rob Beset “and as the founder of the enterprise that bears his name he has an important role to play as our brand ambassador.” we’ll be getting a bit more intimate with the new bikes at Eurobike next week so we'll have a lot more details then This new bike is named after Eddy’s seventh and last victory in the race The SanRemo76 road bike is billed as a high performance road bike “ideal for cyclists who love to ride fast and want to compare themselves against other riders,” says Merckx Sounds like it’s the bike for the Strava generation It’s based on the EMX-525 but uses lower grade carbon fibre to make it more affordable The frame features a long top tube and short head tube to ensure an aggressive and aerodynamic position The frame is made from two grades of carbon fibre A 1 1/8in-1 1/2in tapered head tube combines with an oversize BB86 press-fit bottom bracket to deliver the high level of stiffness such a frame requires Frame weight for the SanRemo76 is a claimed 1,122g That seems high compared to a lot of the competition Weight isn’t the main criteria for Merckx when designing their bikes though even a modest build it’s easily possible to get most bikes close starting with a Shimano 105 model costing £2,249 an Ultegra mechanical 11-speed bike at £2,699 and The same frame is used across the range and costs £1,799 on its own making that 105 entry-level model very good value for money Here's the official trailer for the new bike And here's race footage from that day so you can put yourself in the right frameset before hitting the road The Mourenx69 has been named after Eddy’s 1969 Tour de France victory on the 17th stage from Luchon to Mourenx He had already won four stages by this point and with an eight minute lead over his nearest contender he only needed to cruise to the finish line But he didn’t get his Cannibal nickname for taking the easy option and duly attacked on the mighty Col du Tourmalet and embarked on a 140km solo breakaway and also the points and mountains classification too the Mourenx69 is an endurance/sportive bike As such the frame features a taller head tube and shorter head tube than the SanRemo76 The chainstays have been lengthened also to produce more comfort The Mourenx69 features a BB86 bottom bracket and skinny seatstays and what Merckx refer to as a "comfort seatpost design" - we'll get more details on what that actually is at Eurobike next week.They have also designed a specific fork with a curve to introduce more compliance The frame weighs a reported 1,055g and features internal cable routing and electronic groupset compatibility a £2,249 Shimano 105 build with Fulcrum Racing Sport wheels and a £2,699 Ultegra model with Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels with an available FFWD wheel upgrade for a further €1,000 The same frame is used for the whole range and can be purchased separately for £1,799 This is the official trailer for the new bike that Merckx have sent us.  And this grainy footage shows Eddy crossing the line first on that historic day but there is more to come including a new cyclo-cross bike “And there is more to come,’ Beset announces ‘We have a cyclo cross bike underway; the Eeklo70 This little marvel will be launched for 2015 as well and it may even be followed by an exclusive edition steel version Eddy Merckx turns 70 next year and that is an anniversary we will not let pass unnoticed.” We’ll bring you more details on all the new bikes from Eurobike next week. More at www.eddymerckx.be please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £1.99 Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist There is one winging its way to the office as we speak.. Both frames cost £1,799 with five builds available in total but it seems they've specced them all with the wrong groupset I'm very pleased that I decided that my n+1 was postponed for 12months as I'm wanting a San Remo 76 road.cc's audience Report an advert on road.cc Privacy policy Subscribe All material © Farrelly Atkinson (F-At) Limited, Unit 7b Green Park Station BA11JB. Tel 01225 588855. © 2008–present unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions of use