The LHCb detector has the unique capability to study collisions of the LHC beams on fixed targets. Internal gas targets of helium, neon and argon have been used so far to collect samples corresponding to integrated luminosities up to 0.1 pb$^{-1}$. An upgraded target, allowing a wider choice of target gas species and an increase in the gas density by up to two orders of magnitude, is planned to be installed for the LHC Run 3. Results on open and hidden charm production measurements in the case of proton beams against argon and helium targets are presented as well as fixed-target prospects. These measurements can provide crucial constraints on cold nuclear matter effects and nPDF at large $x$. In addition, production measurements of anti-protons and other light hadrons are of great interest for cosmic-ray physics.