- Ajinomoto Co. and its subsidiary Forge Biologics have developed culture media supplements that increase viral vector manufacturing productivity by about two times.
- The improvement is positioned to support the Ajinomoto Group’s gene therapy CDMO business amid the expanding global gene therapy market.
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has collaborated with its consolidated subsidiary Forge Biologics to develop new culture media supplements that increase the manufacturing productivity of viral vectors by approximately two times. Viral vectors are a primary delivery technology used in gene therapy products, and the development was confirmed through demonstration experiments presented at the Japan Society of Gene and Cell Therapy on 23 July 2025.
The company stated that the enhancement is expected to strengthen its CDMO activities in gene therapy, an area of rising demand. Gene therapy aims to modify or add genes to address the underlying causes of disease, particularly in indications where existing treatments are limited. The global gene therapy market was valued at around USD 7 billion in 2022 and is forecast to reach USD 46 billion by 2030, supported by increasing numbers of clinical trials.
Forge Biologics, acquired by Ajinomoto in 2023, develops and manufactures high-purity adeno-associated virus (AAV) for cell and gene therapies. The company operates what it describes as the world’s largest-scale bioreactor for AAV production, alongside facilities for preclinical to late-phase manufacturing. Ajinomoto has more than 30 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical culture media sector and markets its CELLiST™ range across Asia.
According to the press release, the collaboration leveraged manufacturing technologies and formulation optimisation capabilities from both organisations. This made it feasible to develop supplements that can increase AAV vector production by approximately two times. Ajinomoto noted that it is considering the general sale of these supplements in the future. “In the future, Ajinomoto Group is also considering the general sale of supplements equipped with this technology,” the company stated.
The initiative aligns with Ajinomoto Group’s 2030 Roadmap, which positions gene therapy and cell therapy as key business areas. The group aims to continue deepening synergies within healthcare and advance manufacturing innovation while providing products and services based on AminoScience.
