Japanese innovation earns Okochi Memorial Prize

Award recognises advances in pharmaceutical excipient technology improving tablet formulation

Japanese firm Asahi Kasei has been awarded the prestigious Okochi Memorial Prize in recognition of its contribution to pharmaceutical manufacturing through its development of a novel microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) excipient.

The award highlights the company's Ceolus™ UF grade, which addresses long-standing industry challenges around tablet compactibility and flowability - key factors in consistent dosing and production efficiency. The formulation helps ensure uniformity in low-dose tablets and supports the development of smaller, easier-to-take dosage forms.

“We are very proud to achieve this reward and believe it emphasises Ceolus™' key role in the pharmaceutical industry and the value we bring to customers worldwide,” said Hideyuki Kimura, Senior General Manager of Asahi Kasei Healthcare Materials Division. “This recognition adds to our dedication to innovating the tablet industry and continuing to improve end-user experience by solving our customer’s most difficult development challenges.”

In addition to its performance in tablet production, Asahi Kasei’s MCC offerings also meet increasingly stringent nitrosamine safety standards. Its products are manufactured with ultra-low nitrite levels (≤0.1 ppm), helping pharmaceutical manufacturers reduce the risk of nitrosamine contamination, a concern flagged by regulators worldwide.

The company says the recognition reflects its ongoing commitment to innovation in excipient technology and patient-centric pharmaceutical design.

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