SEATTLE, USA and CHIBA, Japan – July 17, 2025 – AGC Biologics, your friendly CDMO expert, today announced a new service agreement with Okayama University, a prominent national university in Japan. This project will leverage AGC Biologics' global network, with the mammalian cell line development capabilities in Seattle, USA, and cGMP mammalian manufacturing facility in Chiba, Japan, working together to advance a new therapeutic program for the university.
Under the agreement, AGC Biologics will perform cell line development with its proprietary CHEF1™ expression platform in Seattle. CHEF1’s track record includes the production of more than 55 different molecules and the development of five commercial products brought to market. The program will then be transferred to the company's facility in Chiba for process development for clinical trials in 2026.
The collaboration between its Asian and U.S. sites highlights AGC Biologics’ ability to offer research institutions a seamless, global pathway from early-stage development to clinical manufacturing.
“This project is a perfect example of our winning global blend, combining the world-class cell line development excellence in Seattle with the most-advanced cGMP-compliant mammalian cell culture manufacturing capabilities available in Japan,” said Susumu Zen-in, General Manager of AGC Biologics’ Chiba facility. “By providing a high level of global standard expertise and an emphasis on flexibility, we’re able to effectively serve prestigious academic institutions like Okayama University working to bring vital new medicines to patients.”
Okayama University selected AGC Biologics for its integrated global network and its unique position in Japan. The Chiba facility offers mammalian cell culture-based services to serve the needs of customers from Japan and the surrounding regions.
This partnership underscores AGC Biologics' commitment to supporting academic and research institutions by providing the technical creativity and specialized services needed to solve complex challenges and advance important new therapies.
To learn more about AGC Biologics’ global network of services, visit www.agcbio.com.
