Lonza Portsmouth has joined NH Life Sciences (NHLS) as the organization’s fifth founding member, the nonprofit trade group announced Tuesday, September 24. The company joins Novocure, Novo-Nordisk, MilliporeSigma and Timberline Construction as founding members of the Granite State’s life sciences association.

“Lonza Portsmouth is a world class health care manufacturing site, which employs more than 1,500 employees in New Hampshire and is committed to enabling a healthier world,” said Andrea Hechavarria, president and CEO of NHLS, in a statement.

Lonza specializes in the custom production of mammalian biopharmaceuticals and cell therapies, according to a press release.

“Lonza Portsmouth has a long history and established reputation for the cutting-edge development of lifesaving and life-enhancing medicines,” said Lonza Portsmouth Site Head Christophe Royer. “We are proud to join NH Life Sciences as a founding member, and to contribute to the growth of the life sciences industry here in New Hampshire.”

NHLS is hosting its inaugural Live Free Life Science event in Salem, NH, on Oct. 9. at The Artisan Hotel at Tuscan Village, highlighting the Innovation District at Tuscan as a future home for life sciences companies looking to grow and expand in New Hampshire, the association said.

The district, anchored by Mass General Brigham’s Healthcare & Surgical Center, provides tech, medical and science spaces. With 15 restaurants, 1,600 luxury condos and apartments, a hotel and events center and other amenities, “Tuscan Village is an unparalleled, highly amenitized location for both employees and visitors,” said Glenn Verrette, executive managing director.