TOKYO — Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. announced a strategic equity investment in Lyric Bio, Inc., a U.S.-based biotechnology company developing next-generation biomanufacturing technology for human immunoglobulin (IVIg). The investment aims to accelerate early-stage development of Lyric Bio’s platform, explore donation-independent production methods and strengthen long-term supply resilience for plasma-derived therapeutics as global demand continues to rise.
Lyric Bio is building a novel manufacturing platform that uses tissue-mimicking bioreactors based on a proprietary laser-printed cellular substrate. This system enables ultra high-density cell growth and has the potential to generate more than 1,000 IVIg doses from a single donor, offering a radically more efficient alternative to current plasma-dependent processes.
The investment will support Lyric Bio’s ongoing research and development and the implementation of its immunoglobulin production platform, further strengthening the partnership between the two companies.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Meiji in driving innovation for IVIg,” said Kayj Shannon, CEO of Lyric Bio. “Their deep expertise and support will be instrumental in helping us lower costs, broaden access and decrease dependence on human donors.”
“We are very excited about this collaboration with Lyric Bio,” said Toshiaki Nagasato, president and representative director of Meiji Seika Pharma. “Lyric Bio’s manufacturing platform for IVIg production is truly groundbreaking technology and it has the potential to overcome current challenges in the IVIg business.”
