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, according to Ken Shinomiya, president of Asahi Kasei Life Science.
Asahi Kasei’s bioprocess-related business units have operated under Asahi Kasei Life Science since April 1. This includes virus removal filters Planova
and Microfilters BioOptimal
, its CRO testing services performed by ViruSure of Austria, acquired in 2019, and Bionique Testing Laboratories of the U.S., acquired in 2021, as well as the U.S.-based CDMO, Bionova Scientific, acquired in 2022.
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, noted Shinomiya. In 2023, the company scaled its facility in Glenview, IL, to fuel innovation and meet growing market needs for fluid management equipment and virus filtration technology, he explained. In 2024, a new assembly plant for Planova was completed in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan to further ensure supply.
In addition, Asahi Kasei decided to launch its plasmid DNA business under Bionova and establish a new pDNA facility in Texas, a business expected to grow by providing solutions for new modalities such as cell and gene therapy, explained Shinomiya.
“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,” he said.
The post Asahi Kasei Establishes Asahi Kasei Life Science to Focus on Bioprocessing appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.
Asahi Kasei’s bioprocess-related business units have operated under Asahi Kasei Life Science since April 1. This includes virus removal filters Planova


Strategic expansion
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, noted Shinomiya. In 2023, the company scaled its facility in Glenview, IL, to fuel innovation and meet growing market needs for fluid management equipment and virus filtration technology, he explained. In 2024, a new assembly plant for Planova was completed in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan to further ensure supply.
In addition, Asahi Kasei decided to launch its plasmid DNA business under Bionova and establish a new pDNA facility in Texas, a business expected to grow by providing solutions for new modalities such as cell and gene therapy, explained Shinomiya.
“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,” he said.
The post Asahi Kasei Establishes Asahi Kasei Life Science to Focus on Bioprocessing appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.