Asahi Kasei Medical has introduced the Planova™ FG1, a next-generation virus removal filter with enhanced flux, designed for biotherapeutic production, launching in October 2024.
The bioprocess segment of Asahi Kasei Medical includes Planova™ virus removal filters and associated equipment used in the production of biopharmaceuticals, plasma derivatives, biosafety testing services, and CDMO operations. This business is a key growth driver for the Asahi Kasei Group.
Planova™ filters have been on the market since 1989, with significant product expansions in 2009 and 2022, including the Planova™ BioEX and Planova™ S20N filters, respectively, to meet increasing global standards for viral safety in biotherapeutics. The new Planova™ FG1 aims to further enhance productivity as demand for monoclonal antibodies and other biopharmaceuticals rises by 5–10% annually.
The Planova™ FG1 is engineered to optimize productivity in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, offering high filtration speed and robust virus removal. With a flux approximately seven times greater than that of Planova™ BioEX, it significantly reduces virus filtration time and minimizes the risk of virus breakthrough during filtration pauses. Tests during development demonstrated excellent protein filtration and virus removal performance across various conditions, even without using a prefilter. Additionally, the FG1 is compatible with standard CIP (cleaning in place) and SIP (sterilization in place) procedures, making it suitable for a wide range of existing biopharmaceutical manufacturing equipment.
Following the October 2024 rollout of smaller filters, Asahi Kasei Medical plans to expand the Planova™ FG1 product range with larger filters to support efficient scaling for its customers. The addition of FG1 strengthens the Planova™ lineup, solidifying the brand’s position in the biopharmaceutical industry and promoting safer, more efficient pharmaceutical production.
Asahi Kasei Medical is excited to introduce the Planova™ FG1 virus removal filter,” stated Ken Shinomiya, President of Asahi Kasei Medical. “We are committed to supporting biopharmaceutical manufacturers with our diverse and expanding product range, helping them safely and efficiently produce pharmaceuticals that patients can rely on.
