Promethera and Shibuya Partner on New Cell-Therapy Manufacturing Platform

Promethera Biosciences, a Belgian company specializing in liver cell-based technologies for chronic liver diseases, and Shibuya Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer and provider of packaging and mechatronics systems, have entered into a strategic collaboration to establish a high-throughput, commercial-scale and clinical-grade cell therapy and regenerative medicine manufacturing platform, the companies announced on Oct. 5, 2017.

The collaboration will serve as a cornerstone for Promethera to optimize and expand its manufacturing capabilities for its current and future portfolio of liver-derived cell therapies to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), acute-on-chronic liver-failure (ACLF) and other indications. The deal will also expand Shibuya’s presence in the European market and boost its position in manufacturing regenerative medicine products.

The companies will combine their capabilities and expertise to establish a manufacturing facility at Promethera’s new site in Gosselies, Belgium. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Shibuya has manufactured and installed a variety of aseptic systems and equipment for hospitals and universities, which include cell culture isolators, robotic cell culture isolators, and 3D bio printers. All systems are suited for high-level disinfection processes and operate without direct human intervention, giving Shibuya significant control over cell processing and culture conditions to ensure product quality and safety standards.

Source: Promethera Biosciences