Strategic Perspectives on Life Sciences Industry Transformation

Ken Shinomiya, Asahi Kasei

© Asahi Kasei

CHEManager: Asahi Kasei Life Science has recently launched as a distinct entity within the group. What are your top strategic priorities for the future, and how do you see the company positioning itself as a core growth driver within Asahi Kasei’s Healthcare sector?

Ken Shinomiya: Asahi Kasei is a diversified company with operations in the Healthcare, Homes, and Material Sector. The Healthcare sector is the key driver of future growth of the Asahi Kasei Group, and in our current medium-term management plan, we are aiming at almost tripling the annual operating income of this sector, eying 150 billion JPY by 2030.
Within the Healthcare sector, Asahi Kasei Life Science—established in April 2025—is one of the essential building blocks to achieve these goals. Here, Asahi Kasei united its bioprocess-related businesses under one roof to provide a comprehensive, one-stop solution support for our global customers. The businesses include the Planova virus removal filters and BioOptimal Microfilters, contract research organization (CRO) ViruSure in Austria, as well as the US-based Bionique Testing Laboratories and the biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) Bionova Scientific. By utilizing and maximizing the synergies among these companies and the strategic advantage of having a pharmaceutical business within the group, we can offer the industry more agile and focused services, deeper innovation in bioprocess solutions, and stronger support in emerging modalities, aiming to become a premium partner for pharmaceutical companies by offering a diverse portfolio of products and services.