Bionova Scientific Partners with Bionique Testing for Mycoplasma Testing Services

• Bionova Scientific, a biologics CDMO, has appointed Bionique Testing Laboratories as its preferred provider for mycoplasma testing services.

• Both companies are subsidiaries of Asahi Kasei Corporation, aligning with its broader healthcare strategy.

Bionova Scientific has announced a partnership with Bionique Testing Laboratories, appointing the contract research organisation (CRO) as its preferred provider for mycoplasma testing services. The collaboration aims to support the efficient manufacturing of biologics, reinforcing both companies’ roles within the bioprocess division of Asahi Kasei Corporation.

According to Yusuke Kanazawa, Head of the Asahi Kasei Bioprocess division, this partnership aligns with Asahi Kasei Medical’s vision of creating an integrated supply chain for biologics manufacturing. The collaboration follows Bionique’s ongoing expansion, with a new 35,000 sq. ft. facility—including 16,000 sq. ft. of laboratory support space—expected to be completed in early 2025.

Bionique Testing Laboratories, with over 30 years of expertise, provides a full range of mycoplasma testing methods, from compendial to rapid molecular techniques. Darren Head, Chairman of Bionova Scientific, emphasised Bionique’s leadership in the field, citing their deep understanding of CMC testing requirements and biologics release strategies.

The partnership is part of Asahi Kasei’s Medium-Term Management Plan, which highlights the bioprocess division’s role in the company’s broader healthcare strategy. Asahi Kasei acquired Bionova Scientific in 2022, and this collaboration further strengthens its position in biologics contract manufacturing.

Gladis Zamparo, CEO of Bionique Testing Laboratories, welcomed the partnership, stating, “We are very excited to support Bionova Scientific with the release testing of biologics by providing cutting-edge, dependable, and efficient testing solutions.”