Serving as a premium partner for pharmaceutical companies by contributing to the safety and productivity of their manufacturing process

Düsseldorf – April 8, 2025 – To meet growing demand from the pharmaceutical industry, Asahi Kasei has established Asahi Kasei Life Science to operate its bioprocess businesses under a new organizational structure. Through this change, the company can offer the industry more agile and focused services, deeper innovation in bioprocess solutions, and stronger support in emerging modalities. As part of the evolving pharmaceutical ecosystem, where multiple stakeholders are involved in drug development and manufacturing, Asahi Kasei“s bioprocess-related business units have operated under Asahi Kasei Life Science since April 1st of this year. This includes virus removal filters Planova™ and Microfilters BioOptimal™, its contract research organization (CRO) testing services performed by ViruSure of Austria, acquired in 2019, and Bionique Testing Laboratories (Bionique) of the U.S., acquired in 2021, as well as the U.S. based biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), Bionova Scientific (Bionova), acquired in 2022. Asahi Kasei Life Science covers a broad range of bioprocess products and services. Planova™ virus removal filters and equipment used in the manufacturing process of biotherapeutic products contribute to improved safety and productivity for antibody drugs, plasma derivatives, and nucleic acid drugs. Recently launched products such as Planova™“s FG1 and THESYS™ SCS and ACS Columns are already highly valued by customers.

In line with the strategic expansion of its Healthcare business sector, Asahi Kasei has expanded its production and service capabilities for its bioprocess-related business throughout the past years. In 2023, the company scaled its facility in Glenview, Illinois, to fuel innovation and meet growing market needs for fluid management equipment and virus filtration technology. In 2024, a new assembly plant for Planova™ was completed in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan to further ensure stable supply in response to the growing global demand. Furthermore, Asahi Kasei decided to launch its plasmid DNA business under Bionova and establish a new pDNA facility in Texas. The business is expected to grow by providing solutions for new modalities such as cell and gene therapy. Asahi Kasei Life Science will continue proactive investment in these products to drive innovation and reinforce its leadership in the field.

„I am thrilled to announce the start of operations at Asahi Kasei Life Science, which began on April 1,“ said Ken Shinomiya, President of Asahi Kasei Life Science. „Focused on the field of life science centered on the bioprocess business, we aim to expand as part of the growing Healthcare sector business, the main growth driver of the Asahi Kasei Group. We will contribute to the advancement of the pharmaceutical industry as a premium partner that provides innovative and reliable products and services to pharmaceutical companies.“

To learn more about Asahi Kasei Life Science, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/lifescience/

About Asahi Kasei
The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 49,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world“s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Healthcare. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/

Europe Contact:
Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH
Sebastian Schmidt
sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu

North America Contact:
Asahi Kasei America Inc.
Christian OKeefe
christian.okeefe@ak-america.com

Zur Asahi Kasei Corporation
Die Asahi Kasei Corporation ist ein weltweit tätiger Technologiekonzern mit den drei Geschäftsbereichen Material, Homes und Health Care. Der Geschäftsbereich Material umfasst Fasern & Textilien, Petrochemikalien, Hochleistungspolymere und -werkstoffe, Verbrauchsgüter, Batterieseparatoren und Elektronikgeräte. Der Geschäftsbereich Homes bietet auf dem japanischen Markt Baustoffe bis hin zu fertigen Häusern an. Zum Bereich Health Care gehören Pharmazeutika, Medizintechnik sowie Geräte und Systeme für die Akut- und Intensivmedizin. Mit mehr als 49.000 Mitarbeitern weltweit bedient die Asahi Kasei Gruppe Kunden in mehr als 100 Ländern und erzielte im Geschäftsjahr 2023 (1. April 2023 – 31. März 2024) einen Umsatz von 2.785 Milliarden Yen.

Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter:
www.asahi-kasei.com, www.asahi-kasei.eu und https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/

Company-Contact
Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH
Sebastian Schmidt
Fringsstrasse 17
40221 Düsseldorf
Phone: +49 (0)211 3399-2058
E-Mail:
Url: https://www.asahi-kasei.eu/

Press
financial relations GmbH
Henning Küll
Louisenstraße 97
61348 Bad Homburg
Phone: +49 (0) 6172 27159 12
E-Mail:
Url: http://www.financial-relations.de

Bildquelle: Asahi Kasei