CHELMSFORD, Mass.– Asahi Kasei Corporation has been recognized in the 2025 BioTech Breakthrough Awards, earning Biomanufacturing Innovation of the Year for its Planova FG1 virus removal filter, developed by the company’s Asahi Kasei Bioprocess business unit. The FG1 filter features a newly engineered hydrophilic modified polyethersulfone (PES) membrane designed for high-throughput biologics production, offering both high permeability and strong virus retention to improve efficiency and safety in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
The FG1 filter builds on the legacy of the Planova series, first introduced in 1989 as the world’s first virus removal filter. That technology transformed safety standards in biopharmaceutical production. The latest FG1 model continues this trajectory of innovation, helping manufacturers meet global demand for biologics with faster, more reliable, and more sustainable processing.
The BioTech Breakthrough Awards honor achievements across the biotechnology and life sciences landscape, recognizing organizations whose technologies deliver meaningful advances for the industry.
“This recognition speaks to our mission of delivering assurance beyond expectation,” said Yusuke Kanazawa, Head of Asahi Kasei Bioprocess. “Planova FG1 represents decades of filtration expertise and our continued commitment to helping manufacturers achieve higher efficiency without compromising safety.”
The FG1 filter delivers a water flux of 1,220 liters per square meter per hour at 49.7 psi, helping accelerate processing and reduce cost of goods. It maintains consistent virus clearance even after a 120-minute process pause and integrates smoothly into existing biomanufacturing systems through compatibility with steam-in-place and clean-in-place protocols. These features enhance operational flexibility while supporting more sustainable production practices.
Asahi Kasei continues to expand its Planova business to meet rising global demand for biologics. In May 2024, the company opened a new assembly plant for Planova filters in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki, Japan. The company will also host the 26th Planova Workshop in Monaco on November 13–14, 2025, bringing together Planova users from around the world to share insights and best practices in virus filtration.
