Asahi Kasei has established Asahi Kasei Life Science, a new organizational structure dedicated to its bioprocess businesses. This move reflects the company’s commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry by enhancing innovation, agility, and support for drug development and manufacturing processes.
Effective April 1, 2025, Asahi Kasei Life Science integrates several of the company’s bioprocess-related business units, including virus removal filters (Planova™ and BioOptimal™ Microfilters), contract research organization (CRO) testing services from Vi-ruSure (Austria) and Bionique Testing Laboratories (U.S.), as well as biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services from Bionova Scientific (U.S.). These acquisitions, made between 2019 and 2022, are now consolidated under the new entity to streamline operations and better serve pharmaceutical clients.
Asahi Kasei Life Science offers a comprehensive portfolio of bioprocess products and services designed to enhance safety and efficiency in manufacturing biotherapeutic products such as antibody drugs, plasma derivatives, and nucleic acid drugs. Key innovations include recently launched products like Planova™ FG1 virus removal filters and THESYS™ SCS and ACS Columns, which have received positive feedback from customers for their performance.
Over the past years, Asahi Kasei has made significant investments in expanding its production capabilities to meet growing global demand. In 2023, the company scaled its facility in Glenview, Illinois, to support advancements in fluid management equipment and virus filtration technology. In 2024, a new assembly plant for Planova™ was completed in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan to ensure stable supply. Additionally, Asahi Kasei is launching a plasmid DNA business under Bionova Scientific with plans to establish a new pDNA facility in Texas. This initiative aims to support emerging modalities such as cell and gene therapy.
Ken Shinomiya, President of Asahi Kasei Life Science, emphasized the importance of this strategic step: “The launch of Asahi Kasei Life Science marks an exciting milestone for our company. By focusing on life sciences and bioprocess innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to the pharmaceutical industry’s progress. Our goal is to be a trusted partner that provides reliable solutions for our clients while driving growth within the Healthcare sector of the Asahi Kasei Group.”