Asahi Kasei Medical’s bioprocess division includes Planova virus removal filters and equipment, which are integral to the production of biotherapeutic items like biopharmaceuticals and plasma derivatives. Additionally, it offers biosafety testing services and operates as a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) for biopharmaceuticals. 

Planova introduced cellulose hollow-fiber membrane filters in 1989, specifically designed for virus removal from biotherapeutic products. This was followed by the launch of Planova BioEX hydrophilic PVDF hollow-fiber membrane filters in 2009. Both these product lines have gained global acceptance among pharmaceutical manufacturers due to their significant role in ensuring the safety of biopharmaceuticals. In 2022, Planova released a new generation of cellulose hollow-fiber membrane filters. These filters, known for their strong virus removal efficiency and user-friendly operation, have received positive feedback from customers.

As global standards for viral safety in biotherapeutics become more stringent and the development of monoclonal antibodies and other biopharmaceuticals progresses, the demand for virus removal filters is anticipated to grow. To maintain a steady supply, Asahi Kasei Medical has been actively increasing the production capacity of Planova. This includes the completion of a new spinning plant for Planova in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan in 2019, and the decision to expand its spinning plant for Planova BioEX filters in Oita, Japan in 2021, along with the completion of the assembly plant announced recently.