The latest Business updates from the science industry
by Gwyneth Astles APAC expansion strengthens global biotech growth plan
Sphere Bio is strengthening its footprint across Asia-Pacifi c with the appointment of fi ve new distribution partners, a move aimed at accelerating its commercial growth and enhancing local access to its advanced single-cell analysis solutions.
The company - known for its picodroplet-based microfl uidics platforms - has signed new agreements with 1st PhileKorea (South Korea), As One Corporation (Japan), Decode Science (Australia and New Zealand), Everlife Research Instruments (Singapore), and Premas Life Sciences (India and Bangladesh). These join existing partners in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and other key markets.
The expanded network supports Sphere Bio’s global scale-up strategy, ensuring faster delivery, local product expertise, and technical support across APAC. It also facilitates broader adoption
Sphere Bio’s APAC distributor network.
Partnership targets growth in China’s sequencing sector
UK genomics tools developer RevoluGen has signed a distribution agreement with Hong Kong-based life sciences supplier ProteoQuest Technology Co Ltd to support growing demand for high molecular weight (HMW) DNA extraction in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
The partnership strengthens RevoluGen’s position in Asia’s fast- expanding sequencing and genomics sector by using ProteoQuest’s regional market knowledge and established customer relationships. Under the agreement, ProteoQuest will promote and supply RevoluGen’s Fire Monkey™ HMW-DNA extraction kits to molecular biology users across Greater China.
“ProteoQuest’s reach and reputation make it an ideal partner to expand access to our technology in one of the world’s most dynamic genomics markets,” said Dr Georgios Patsos, CSO at RevoluGen.
“This collaboration supports our wider strategy to serve leading research and healthcare institutions globally.”
ProteoQuest CEO Shang Tsai added: “With the rise in hybrid sequencing workfl ows and demand for high-quality DNA extraction, we see strong uptake potential across academic, clinical, and biotech users. RevoluGen’s platform-independent kits are a great fi t for the evolving needs of the market.”
The move comes as China increases investment in genomic medicine and biotech innovation, with DNA sequencing playing a key role in initiatives such as the Healthy China 2030 plan.
More information online:
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Distribution agreement brings cryo-free cell preservation to China
UK-based biotech innovator Atelerix has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Chinese life science company MineBio to introduce its advanced, non-cryogenic cell preservation technology to the Chinese market. The deal marks Atelerix’s offi cial entry into China and refl ects its strategy to expand in Asia’s fast-growing biomedical research and cell therapy sectors.
The agreement grants MineBio sole distribution rights to Atelerix’s portfolio across China, providing local researchers and developers with easy access to a cryo-free alternative for the storage and transport of sensitive biological materials. The technology, which uses patented hydrogel encapsulation, allows cells and tissues to be preserved at room temperature for up to 14 days - avoiding the costs, complexity, and risks of traditional deep-freeze logistics.
“China represents a critical growth region for advanced therapeutic development, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with MineBio to support the demand for better biospecimen logistics,” said Alastair Carrington, CEO of Atelerix. “Our hydrogel technology brings new fl exibility to cell and gene therapy workfl ows, and this partnership ensures our customers in China have strong local support from a trusted distributor.”
Atelerix’s solutions are compatible with a broad range of sample types - including blood, primary cells, organoids, and viruses - and do not require animal-derived or toxic additives. Designed to preserve viability and function without freezing, the technology is especially suited for live sample transport, complex in vitro modelling, and diagnostic testing.
of its technology portfolio, including the newly launched Cyto-Mine® Chroma platform and advanced functional assays.
“This is a critical step as we meet growing demand in high-potential markets,” said Dale Levitzke, CEO. “Partnering with established regional leaders helps us bring single-cell analysis closer to scientists driving discovery.”
Jay Manikandan, VP Commercial (APAC), added, “We’re investing not just in sales reach but in regional customer success. Local expertise will play a key role in supporting adoption and driving deeper engagement with our technologies.”
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/WwKX 64672pr@reply-direct.com
Japan honours breakthrough in electrolyser stability
Asahi Kasei has received Japan’s prestigious Imperial Invention Prize for its development of a nickel-coated absorption layer that signifi cantly extends the life of electrodes used in chlor-alkali electrolysis. The technology offers a novel solution to a long- standing challenge in industrial electrochemistry: preventing electrode degradation during operational shutdowns.
Used to produce chlorine, caustic soda, and hydrogen from brine, chlor-alkali electrolysis is a critical process for the chemical industry. However, temporary stops in operation - due to demand shifts or equipment issues - can trigger reverse current, accelerating cathode wear and raising energy costs. Traditional mechanical solutions are prone to failure and operator error.
Asahi Kasei’s innovation introduces a porous, nickel-coated absorption layer that reacts chemically during shutdown to block damaging reverse currents. The solution eliminates the need for mechanical components, enhancing system reliability and enabling long-term, stable operation.
The technology has already been commercialised, with widespread adoption by global chemical manufacturers. It was developed using thermal spraying, a coating technique that ensures both structural integrity and scalability across large electrode surfaces.
“This award is a strong endorsement of our commitment to advancing electrolysis technology,” said Akiyasu Funakawa, General Manager of Asahi Kasei’s Ion Exchange Membrane R&D Department. “Our goal is to deliver durable, effi cient systems that support the sustainability of core chemical processes.”
Amy Zuo, General Manager at MineBio, added: “We’re excited to bring Atelerix’s innovations to our customers in China. Their cryo-free preservation platform supports a smoother, more sustainable supply chain for researchers working at the forefront of life sciences. This partnership strengthens our shared goal of enabling smarter, more accessible biotech workfl ows.”
With China conducting over a third of the world’s clinical trials and rapidly expanding its biotech infrastructure, the partnership places Atelerix in a strong position to support both research and commercial teams across the region.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/dw0X 64888pr@reply-direct.com
Beyond chlor-alkali, Asahi Kasei is exploring how this breakthrough may benefi t alkaline water electrolysis used in green hydrogen production - an area of growing interest across Asia’s clean energy landscape.
The award was presented by the Japan Institute of Invention and Innovation as part of the 2025 National Commendation for Invention.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/yMxD 64889pr@reply-direct.com
To be included in our next issue, send all your News stories to:
gwyneth@intlabmate.com
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