Japanese innovation earns Okochi Memorial Prize
Japanese fi rm Asahi Kasei has been awarded the prestigious Okochi Memorial Prize in recognition of its contribution to pharmaceutical manufacturing through its development of a novel microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) excipient.
The award highlights the company’s Ceolus™ UF grade, which addresses long-standing industry challenges around tablet compactibility and fl owability - key factors in consistent dosing and production effi ciency. The formulation helps ensure uniformity in low-dose tablets and supports the development of smaller, easier- to-take dosage forms.
“We are very proud to achieve this reward and believe it emphasises Ceolus™’ key role in the pharmaceutical industry and the value we bring to customers worldwide,” said Hideyuki Kimura, Senior General Manager of Asahi Kasei Healthcare Materials Division. “This recognition adds to our dedication to innovating the tablet
industry and continuing to improve end-user experience by solving our customer’s most diffi cult development challenges.”
In addition to its performance in tablet production, Asahi Kasei’s MCC offerings also meet increasingly stringent nitrosamine safety standards. Its products are manufactured with ultra-low nitrite levels (≤0.1 ppm), helping pharmaceutical manufacturers reduce the risk of nitrosamine contamination, a concern fl agged by regulators worldwide.
The company says the recognition refl ects its ongoing commitment to innovation in excipient technology and patient-centric pharmaceutical design.
Hideyuki Kimura.
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Strategic partnership drives life sciences expansion in South Korea
CN Bio, a global innovator in organ-on-a-chip (OOC) technology, has signed a distribution agreement with South Korea-based Scinco to extend access to its human-relevant research platforms across the Asia-Pacifi c region. The deal enhances CN Bio’s sales and technical support capabilities in one of Asia’s most dynamic biotech hubs.
With demand rising for non-animal, new approach methodologies (NAMs) in drug discovery, CN Bio’s benchtop PhysioMimix® systems offer pharmaceutical and biotech researchers advanced tools for improving the accuracy and effi ciency of preclinical studies. These models replicate human physiology to provide better insights into drug safety, effi cacy, and disease mechanisms - helping to reduce clinical failure rates and reliance on animal testing.
The agreement with Scinco follows a surge of investment in South Korea’s biotech sector, including billion-dollar licensing deals and the launch of a national fund to back high-tech industries. It builds on CN
Bio’s ongoing APAC expansion, which recently saw the appointment of a distributor in Japan.
“South Korea is one of the most exciting life science markets in the region,” said Dr Paul Brooks, CEO of CN Bio. “Partnering with Scinco ensures we’re well-positioned to support researchers with world- class OOC systems that align with emerging regulatory priorities and scientifi c needs.”
Soo Min Choi, Director at Scinco, added: “This partnership refl ects our commitment to bringing cutting-edge technologies to Korean researchers. As global demand for NAMs grows, CN Bio’s systems will play a critical role in shaping the future of drug development.”
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Dr Paul Brooks.
Soo Min Choi.
Shanghai site secures first drug manufacturing license
CARBOGEN AMCIS, the Swiss-based specialist in pharmaceutical process development and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing, has announced that its Shanghai facility has been awarded its first Drug Manufacturing License (DML) by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China.
The license, granted following a comprehensive inspection by the NMPA, confirms the Shanghai site’s full compliance with Chinese GMP standards and regulatory expectations. This approval marks a major milestone in CARBOGEN AMCIS’ strategic expansion across Asia and strengthens its ability to serve pharmaceutical partners throughout the region.
Situated within the Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP), the 40,000 m² facility offers a full range of services from early-phase R&D to commercial GMP production. It includes four segregated production units with reactor capacities from 50 to 6,300 litres, as well as capabilities for handling highly potent materials and performing micronisation. Employing over 140 staff, the site delivers scalable, high-quality solutions
The Shanghai site gains approval for GMP drug manufacturing. supported by robust quality management systems.
“This is a key moment in our growth journey in China,” said Simone Maggi, Quality Head at CARBOGEN AMCIS Shanghai.
AI, ageing and innovation take centre stage at Hong Kong’s healthcare summit
The fi fth Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) and 16th Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair concluded last week, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a bridge for global healthcare investment and innovation.
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the events drew 2,900 participants from 42 countries and regions to ASGH, and over 13,000 buyers from 57 markets to the Medical Fair. More than 1,000 business meetings were facilitated, leading to over 390 deal-making sessions and several signed agreements spanning smart healthcare, diagnostics, imaging, and elderly care.
Under the theme Fostering Global Collaboration for a Shared Future, ASGH featured more than 80 global speakers - including researchers, health offi cials, and investors - who explored topics from healthy ageing
and AI to cross-border partnerships. Highlights included keynote insights from Professor John Hardy (UCL) on Alzheimer’s research and Ambassador George Hara on balancing innovation with accessibility.
The Silver Health Chapter spotlighted ageing-related challenges, with experts calling for integrated policy, care, and technology solutions.
The ASGH Business Hub showcased over 170 companies, while the Medical Fair hosted 300 exhibitors across 13 countries and regions, with strong international participation and growing interest in MedTech and GeronTech.
Dr Peter K N Lam, HKTDC Chairman, said: “These events demonstrate Hong Kong’s growing strength as an international healthcare platform. Through global collaboration, we can build a more inclusive and healthier future.”
The 16th Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair attracted some 13,000 buyers from 57 countries.
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“The license confirms the high standard of our quality systems and our alignment with both corporate and local regulatory frameworks.”
Harry Wong, Country Manager at the Shanghai site, added: “In addition to our manufacturing capabilities, we are fully equipped to handle high potency compounds up to category 3, supported by comprehensive analytical and GMP release services. This license is a strong endorsement of our readiness to support complex projects and technology transfers within China and globally.”
CEO Stephan Fritschi commented: “Achieving NMPA approval reinforces our long-term commitment to building a trusted and sustainable presence in the Chinese pharmaceutical market. It’s a testament to the strength of our team and the strategic role that our Shanghai operations play in our global network.”
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