- Asahi Kasei Medical has completed a new assembly plant for Planova virus removal filters in Nobeoka, Japan.
- The new facility will support the growing global demand for virus removal filters used in biotherapeutic product manufacturing.
- The expansion is part of Asahi Kasei Medical’s ongoing efforts to ensure a stable supply of these critical components in biopharmaceutical production.
Asahi Kasei Medical has announced the completion of its third assembly plant for Planova virus removal filters, located in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan. This strategic move is set to bolster the company’s capacity to meet the surging global demand for these essential filters, which play a pivotal role in the safety of biotherapeutic products.
The Planova filters, including the cellulose hollow-fiber membrane filters launched in 1989 and the Planova BioEX hydrophilic PVDF hollow-fiber membrane filters introduced in 2009, have been widely adopted by pharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide. They are lauded for their significant contribution to the safety of biopharmaceuticals. The latest addition to the product line, the Planova S20N, was unveiled in 2022 and is distinguished by its robust virus removal capability and ease of operation.
“Asahi Kasei Medical remains committed to supporting the biopharmaceutical industry by providing high-quality virus removal filters,” said a company spokesperson. “The completion of our new assembly plant is a testament to our dedication to ensuring the safety and purity of biotherapeutic products across the globe.”
The establishment of the new assembly plant is part of a series of expansions by Asahi Kasei Medical, which includes the 2019 inauguration of a new spinning plant for Planova filters in Nobeoka and the planned expansion of the Planova BioEX filter spinning plant in Oita, Japan. These developments underscore the company’s proactive approach to securing a stable supply chain for its bioprocess business, which encompasses not only Planova filters but also biosafety testing services and biopharmaceutical CDMO operations.
In related news, Asahi Kasei Corp. has recently proposed to acquire Calliditas Therapeutics AB, aiming to integrate the pharmaceutical company as a wholly-owned subsidiary, further extending its reach in the healthcare sector.
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