Asahi Kasei Bioprocess Debuts VANTIJ SU-VFC Benchtop for Automated Single-Use Virus Filtration in Gene Therapy Manufacturing
核心洞察
Asahi Kasei Bioprocess (搜索) will unveil the VANTIJ SU-VFC Benchtop (搜索), its first benchtop-scale platform for automated single-use virus filtration, at Bioprocess International East 2026 in Boston.
The compact system supports 0.12 m2 or 0.3 m2 Planova 35N (搜索) virus-removal filters and targets laboratory-scale and process development workflows initially designed for gene therapy (搜索) manufacturing.
The platform adds guided shadow-board setup, tool-free tube set installation, recipe-driven software and batch reporting to simplify small-scale Planova virus filtration.
Asahi Kasei Bioprocess (搜索), a subsidiary of diversified global company Asahi Kasei (搜索), will unveil the VANTIJ® SU-VFC Benchtop at Bioprocess International East (BPI EAST) 2026, introducing the first benchtop-scale platform in its VANTIJ® family. The small-format system is designed to deliver automated, single-use virus filtration for laboratory-scale and process development applications, and will be available on site at Booth 606 in Boston, Massachusetts, from September 22nd to 25th.
Extending Automation to Small-Scale Virus Filtration
According to the company, the VANTIJ® SU-VFC Benchtop extends the automation, repeatability, and operator-focused design principles of the existing VANTIJ® portfolio while simplifying virus filtration processes. Its compact design accommodates workflows using 0.12 m² or 0.3 m² Planova™ 35N virus-removal filters, and the system is intended to simplify small-scale Planova™ virus filtration while maintaining the process control and data-focused capabilities expected in modern biopharmaceutical development.
The system offers clear setup through a guided shadow-board layout, tool-free tube set installation and replacement, intuitive connection points, and recipe-driven software. It also enables batch reporting and supports the consistent execution of critical filtration processes.
Addressing Gene Therapy Manufacturing Complexity
Initially designed for gene therapy (搜索) manufacturing, the VANTIJ® SU-VFC Benchtop helps address the operational complexities associated with long production timelines, regulatory requirements, operator training, and therapy-specific needs, the company stated.
"The biopharmaceutical industry continues to pursue more efficient pathways for bringing innovative therapies to patients," said Chris Rombach, President of Asahi Kasei Bioprocess (搜索) America. "The VANTIJ® SU-VFC Benchtop reflects Asahi Kasei Bioprocess's commitment to supporting manufacturers with solutions that simplify critical process steps while delivering the confidence and reliability associated with Planova™ virus filtration and the Asahi Kasei (搜索) name."
Strategic Focus on Cell and Gene Therapies
Asahi Kasei (搜索) said the launch reflects its commitment to supporting the growth of cell and gene therapies, which it describes as one of the biopharmaceutical industry's most rapidly evolving segments. These emerging modalities represent a strategic focus within the company's Healthcare sector and are helping shape Asahi Kasei's Life Science growth strategy.
The Fluid Management Business Unit of Asahi Kasei Bioprocess (搜索), which developed the platform, is devoted to solving therapeutic product safety, efficiency and purity challenges within the pharmaceutical and bioprocessing industries. Its technology platforms span virus filtration, chromatography, inline buffer formulation and oligonucleotide synthesis, with bioprocessing systems, columns, and automation solutions intended to advance GMP manufacturing of critical drug substances worldwide.
Asahi Kasei (搜索), founded in 1922, employs 50,000 people worldwide and operates across three business sectors: Healthcare, Homes, and Material. BPI East attendees can experience the VANTIJ® SU-VFC Benchtop firsthand at Booth 606.