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Started joint research and development with Cellfiber


Ebara Corporation (hereinafter referred to as "Ebara") has begun joint research and development into the development of a cell encapsulation device with Cellfiber Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "Cellfiber"), a cell mass production technology development startup.

1. Background

The development of cutting-edge medical technologies using cells, such as cell medicines that are expected to be new treatments for intractable diseases including cancer, and regenerative medicine products that compensate for lost bodily functions and tissues, is attracting attention. The cells used in these cell therapies are still mainly produced using manual processes, making streamlining production an urgent issue.

2-1 Overview

CellFiber uses a special cell encapsulation technology called "CellFiber" to achieve "high-production culture" by cultivating high-quality cells at high density. Combining this with an automated culture device is expected to dramatically increase production volume per lot.
We are designing and developing cell encapsulation equipment using the fluid control technology and equipment design know-how we have cultivated, aiming to improve the efficiency and stabilize the quality of "cell fiber" production.

3. Future developments

Through the development of cell encapsulation equipment and automated culture equipment, we aim to streamline cell production technology and promote the widespread use of regenerative medicine and cell therapy in society.
We will continue to contribute to "creating an evolving and prosperous life" as stated in our long-term vision, "E-Vision 2030."

EBARA Group aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and further enhance its corporate value by addressing key ESG issues based on its long-term vision and medium-term management plan.

Cell Fiber Technology Overview

Cell fiber technology is a technology for encapsulating and culturing cells inside hollow hydrogel tubes as thin as a hair. The surrounding gel protects the cells inside and prevents excessive clumping, allowing the cells to be maintained in better condition for longer periods than with traditional culture methods. At the same time, when a substance is secreted from the cells trapped inside the tube, only that substance is released outside the tube, making it a useful fundamental technology for substance production.


Cellfiber Inc.opens in a new tab
A startup founded in April 2015 by the University of Tokyo. The company's core technology is the aforementioned "cell fiber," and its mission is to "contribute to solving global issues through 'manufacturing using cells.'" They have already succeeded in prototyping cell mass production technology and cell encapsulation equipment. Currently, the company is working on commercializing a cell encapsulation device to contribute to the spread of the cell industry, including medical care.