Partnership brings Hydrogels to Japanese 3D Cell Culture Market

Nichirei Biosciences Inc. is to offer UPM Biomedical’s full range of cell culture products, providing life sciences researchers in Japan with natural hydrogels that mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) to support cell growth and differentiation. This system can help to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies by allowing the formation of 3D cell spheroids/organoids, eg for use in personalised medicine, regenerative medicine, organ-on-a-chip models and drug release studies.

Dr Jane Spencer-Fry, Director at UPM Biomedicals, commented: “Our animal-free cell culture products are ideal for the cutting-edge cell biology research currently being undertaken in Japan. Our collaboration with Nichirei Biosciences will provide customers with access to these innovative products with the full support of a knowledgeable local supplier, helping to further advance their research efforts.”

Masato Takenaga, President of Nichirei Biosciences, added: “We are excited to strengthen our existing product portfolio with UPM’s GrowDex hydrogels. We have an established network in the cell biology community, developed through decades of selling media and animal serum in Japan, where 3D cell culture and organoids research are booming. We believe that these new animal-free, regulatory-friendly products will provide a fresh insight and help lots of researchers.”