TOKIO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–mar. 2, 2026–
The Biomedical Division of PHC Corporation (headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Nobuaki Nakamura; hereinafter referred to as “PHCbi”), a global provider of laboratory sample storage and cell culture solutions and a subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo), today announced the launch of its new LiCellGrow™ cell expansion system (*1) for research use in Japan and other selected countries around the world (*2). It is a system designed to improve quality and efficiency in the production of new advanced therapies, as it allows therapy developers to visualize in real time the metabolic changes taking place in cells and automatically control culture conditions.
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Controller and processor, Filter-less culture bag and reservoir/waste bags *Controller and other accessories sold separately, but all of them required for operating the system.
PHCbi will showcase its LiCellGrow™ system at the 25th Congress of the Japan Society for Regenerative Medicine, which will be held on March 19-20 at the Kobe International Conference and Exhibition Center in Kobe, Japan.
Cell and gene therapies (CGT), in which cells or genetic material are used to create personalized medical treatments, are rapidly advancing as promising therapeutic options for difficult-to-treat diseases such as genetic disorders and cancer. However, in the manufacturing of CGT products, variations in cell characteristics and manufacturing complexity pose a challenge to maintaining consistent product quality. As a result, therapy developers face low production efficiency, lower yields, and increased manufacturing costs compared to conventional therapies. To overcome these complications, it is critical that therapeutics developers are able to identify critical process parameters (PCPs) and critical quality attributes (CCAs) in the manufacturing of CGT products. The ability to monitor the state of cells and control culture conditions based on that state is indispensable for developing quality CGT products on a large scale efficiently and at a lower cost.
PHCbi developed LiCellGrow™ to address these challenges and support large-scale CGT manufacturing by helping to identify optimal growing conditions during manufacturing process development. The system is equipped with patented online monitoring technology that continuously measures, in real time, glucose and lactate concentrations, two key indicators of cellular metabolism. It also incorporates culture control technology that adjusts the cell culture medium at the optimal time based on these measurements. This technology is based on PHCbi’s proprietary electrochemical measurement platform, developed over more than 30 years of experience in developing blood glucose sensors. By visualizing the metabolic status of cultured cells, which is typically difficult to assess, and enabling precise control of culture conditions, LiCellGrow™ helps improve cell quality and efficiency, as well as reduce costs by reducing losses in the manufacturing of CGT products.
As part of PHC Group’s Value Creation Plan 2027, which includes a focus on diagnostics and life sciences, PHCbi is developing solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the manufacturing of CGT products. LiCellGrow™ is based on the online monitoring technology introduced in LiCellMo™ (*3), a live cell metabolic analyzer launched in 2024 for research use only. From late 2026 to early 2028, PHCbi plans to expand its product range in phases, including culture bags with filtration functions that improve cell recovery, pH/DO (dissolved oxygen) measurement units and specific cGMP-compliant consumables. These improvements will enable seamless scalability of CGT products, from basic research to commercial manufacturing in products such as CAR-T cell therapy.
[Características principales del producto]
1. Automated control and optimization of growing conditions using online monitoring technology
Using online monitoring technology, LiCellGrow™ continuously tracks real-time changes in culture conditions and cell status, and automates medium exchange based on the metabolic data obtained. This allows the culture environment to be constantly kept in an optimal state, contributing not only to improved cell quality and uniformity, but also to increased manufacturing efficiency. Additionally, this process control approach aligns with the concept of Quality by Design (QbD) (*4), which scientifically integrates quality into the design phase rather than relying solely on final product testing. Therefore, the system favors the development of scientifically sound and highly reproducible manufacturing processes.
2. Single-use design ensures aseptic conditions and highly reproducible cell culture
LiCellGrow™ uses specific single-use, easy-to-place grow bags. With automated measurement of culture conditions using in-line sensors, the sampling tasks previously required to check glucose and lactate concentrations are no longer necessary. This reduces the risk of cross-contamination and allows for closed-system cell culture that maintains aseptic conditions. Additionally, the device can be placed inside a standard CO₂ incubator commonly used in laboratories, eliminating the need for investments in special facilities and allowing users to easily establish a reliable and highly reproducible culture environment.
Chikara Takauo, Director of PHC Corporation and Head of the Biomedical Division, commented:
“We are excited to launch LiCellGrow™ and offer therapy developers a new way to solve common challenges in the quality, cost and supply of cell and gene therapies. Building on the success of our research-grade LiCellMo™ system, LiCellGrow™ represents an important step forward in making CGT manufacturing efficient, reliable and scalable. We are committed to expanding our PHCbi offering to continue contributing to the adoption of CGT and other therapeutic options. “advanced treatments for difficult-to-treat conditions.”
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Summary of the 25th Congress of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine
Dates: March 19-20, 2026
Place: Kobe International Exhibition Hall, building no. 2, 1st floor (PHCbi stand no.: T31)
Sitio web oficial: The 25th Congress of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine
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(*1) https://www.phchd.com/jp/biomedical/incubation/cell-expansion-system-en
This product is intended for research purposes only and should not be used for medical or clinical purposes.
(*2) Not available for purchase in the United States. Launch planned in the United States in summer 2026.
(*3) Live cell metabolic analyzer | PHCbi
(*4) Quality assurance approach defined in the ICH (International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use) guidelines (ICH Q8-Q11) and widely adopted in the pharmaceutical field.
About the Biomedical Division of PHC Corporation
Founded in 1969, PHC Corporation is a Japanese subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (TSE 6523), a global healthcare company that develops, manufactures, sells and offers diabetes management, healthcare, life sciences and diagnostic solutions. The Biomedical Division supports the life sciences industry by helping researchers and healthcare providers in approximately 110 countries and regions through its laboratory, equipment and services including CO 2 incubators and ultra-low temperature freezers.
www.phchd.com/global/phc
Acerca de PHC Holdings Corporation
PHC Holdings Corporation (TSE 6523) is a global healthcare company whose mission is to contribute to the health of society through solutions that positively impact and improve people’s lives. Its subsidiaries include PHC Corporation, Ascensia Diabetes Care, Epredia, LSI Medience Corporation, Wemex Corporation and Mediford Corporation. Together, these companies develop, manufacture, sell and offer diabetes management solutions, healthcare solutions, life sciences solutions and diagnostic tests. Consolidated net sales in fiscal 2024 amounted to 361.6 billion yen, with global distribution of products and services in more than 125 countries and regions. PHC Group is a collective term referring to PHC Holdings Corporation and its affiliates.
www.phchd.com
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CONTACT: [Contacto para productos y servicios]
Good luck Okada
Marketing Department, Biomedical Division
PHC Corporation
Email:masayo.okada@phchd.com[Contacto para Relaciones con los inversores y medios de comunicación]
Investor Relations and Corporate Communication Department
PHC Holdings Corporation
Tel.: +81-3-6778-5311 Email:phc-pr@gg.phchd.com
KEYWORD: JAPAN ASIA PACIFIC
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: OTHER MANUFACTURING RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY MEDICAL DEVICES STEM CELLS MANUFACTURING BIOTECHNOLOGY HARDWARE HEALTH SCIENCE
SOURCE: PHC Corporation
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PUB: 03/02/2026 12:42 PM/DISC: 03/02/2026 12:42 PM
