Asahi Kasei Medical has launched the Planova FG1, a next-generation virus removal filter featuring higher flux for the manufacture of biotherapeutics.
 
The bioprocess business of Asahi Kasei Medical comprises Planova virus removal filters and equipment used in the manufacturing process of biotherapeutic products such as
biopharmaceuticals and plasma derivatives, biosafety testing services, and biopharmaceutical CDMO operations. 
 
The new Planova FG1 is expected to further contribute to improved productivity as demand for monoclonal antibodies and other biopharmaceuticals grows.
 
According to the company, Planova FG1 provides high performance in terms of the filtration speed and robustness in virus removal capability. Its high flux is approximately 7 times that of Planova BioEX, enabling virus filtration time to be shortened, and it features less risk of virus breakthrough when the filtration process is suspended.
 
Planova FG1 is compatible with standard cleaning in place (CIP) and sterilization in place (SIP) processes, allowing it to be used with many types of existing equipment for biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
 
Following the October 2024 start of mass production and shipment of smaller filters of Planova FG1, Asahi Kasei Medical will successively extend the product lineup with new filters having larger surface areas to support its customers in scaling up their process. 
 
“Asahi Kasei Medical is thrilled to launch the Planova™ FG1 next-generation virus removal filter,” said Ken Shinomiya, President of Asahi Kasei Medical. “We look forward to continuing to support biopharmaceutical manufacturers with our broad and growing lineup of products  that help them tosafely and efficiently manufacture pharmaceuticals that patients can trust.”