PHC develops and sells LiCellGrowTM, an automatic culture device that visualizes the metabolic changes in cells in culture in real time by continuously measuring glucose and lactic acid levels in the medium using an In-Line sensor, and automatically changes the medium based on the results. This device is equipped with in-Line monitoring technology based on electrochemical formula measurement technology cultivated over thirty years of development of blood glucose sensors and precise control technology for culture environments, enabling the maintenance of optimal culture conditions.
Sekisui Chemical, which manufactures and sells CegluTM, a chemical synthetic scaffolding material used for adhesion cultures such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), is developing new microcarriers aimed at applying iPSCs and MSCs to large-scale cultures by integrating the material design technology cultivated through the development of fine particle manufacturing technology and CegluTM. This product features particle design and culture concept that targets cells that are vulnerable to shear stress, such as iPSC and MSC, and can be cultured by combining the flow of the culture medium and gentle mixing without constantly stirring the microcarrier.
The two companies have been promoting joint verification with the aim of building MSC mass culture processes using this product by combining their own material technologies and culture and monitoring technologies.
2. Content of joint verification
In this joint verification, we used LiCellGrowTM and this developed product to conduct MSC culture on a larger culture scale than before. As a result, it was confirmed that it was possible to scale up to 1L of medium volume while maintaining good MSC proliferation and MSC quality that was obtained on the conventional small scale. As a result, it is expected that this method will become a culture process that leads to the development of actual cell production. In addition, we are currently evaluating the monitoring of metabolic conditions in culture and culture control by LiCellGrowTM, and we are currently evaluating the monitoring of metabolic conditions in culture and culture control.
3. Future Developments
PHC is promoting the development of culture processes for various cell types using LiCellGrowTM, and is expanding solutions that respond to seamless scale-up from basic research to commercial manufacturing in cell and gene therapy such as CAR-T cell therapy (*4). Through these efforts, we will contribute to the spread of cell and gene therapy by supporting the resolution of issues such as improving the quality of cell drugs, reducing costs, and shortening development periods.
Through partnerships with various customers and partner companies, Sekisui Chemical will promote the application of this developed product to various culture equipment and culture systems, and aim to develop it into cell culture solutions for regenerative medicine according to cell types such as MSC and iPSC and culture scale.
The two companies will utilize the knowledge gained from this joint verification and utilize the technologies and knowledge of the two companies to support the examination and evaluation of introductions at research and manufacturing sites, thereby promoting the practical application of mass culture processes using LiCellGrowTM and this developed product, and contributing to the industrialization of regenerative medicine and cell therapy.
PHC and Sekisui Chemical will exhibit at the BioJapan 2026/Regenerative Medicine JAPAN 2026, which will be held at Pacifico Yokohama from October 7th (Wednesday) to 9th (Friday), 2026, and PHC will introduce LiCellGrowTM, and Sekisui Chemical will introduce the results of this joint verification.
About PHC Life Science Division
Founded in 1969, PHC Corporation is a Japanese operating company of PHC Holdings Corporation (Securities Code 6523 TSE Prime), a global healthcare company from Japan. We develop, manufacture, and sell new solutions for the cell and gene therapy (CGT) field, as well as testing and analytical equipment, as well as testing and analytical equipment such as POCT equipment, and in-vitro diagnostic reagents, as well as research medical support equipment that are essential for long-term preservation of samples and cell culture. Through these products and solutions, we are working to support researchers and healthcare professionals in approximately one hundred and ten countries and regions, as well as to improve medical services for patients.
About Sekisui Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
Since its establishment, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. has been challenging the fundamental issues of life in various fields such as housing, social infrastructure, and advanced materials. In the life science field, we contribute to the realization of people's health and affluent lives through testing, pharmaceuticals, and drug discovery support. In recent years, we have also been working on the fields of regenerative medicine and gene therapy, and are promoting the development of new cell culture technologies, including CegluTM, a scaffolding material for cell culture that is fully chemically synthesized. We will continue to support the foundation of LIFE and create “the peace of mind that will continue to the future” to realize a sustainable society through the creation of innovation.
