PHC Corporation’s LiCellMo™ Wins Prestigious 2025 R&D 100 Award for Revolutionizing Cell Culture Research
The Biomedical Division of PHC Corporation (headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Nobuaki Nakamura), a subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation, is proud to announce that its groundbreaking live cell metabolic analyzer, LiCellMo™, has been honored with the internationally acclaimed “2025 R&D 100 Award.” This prestigious accolade, presented by R&D World, a leading science and technology media outlet in the United States, recognizes the 100 most innovative technologies of the year.
Launched in Japan in September 2024 and subsequently rolled out globally in October—including the US, UK, EU countries, China, and select regions in Asia—LiCellMo™ represents a significant leap forward in cellular research. This cutting-edge device measures cellular metabolic pathways as continuous data, enabling researchers to visualize changes in cellular status over time—a capability that was previously impossible with traditional methods. By providing real-time insights into cellular behavior, LiCellMo™ is poised to unlock new knowledge and accelerate advancements in both research and treatment development.
A Game-Changing Tool for Cell and Gene Therapy Research
In the rapidly evolving field of cell and gene therapy (CGT) research, accurately evaluating cell status and creating optimal culture environments are critical. Traditional sampling methods require periodic extraction of medium samples to assess cell metabolism and quality, which not only interrupts the culture process but also poses risks of contamination. These limitations make it challenging to monitor dynamic changes in cells over time.
Enter LiCellMo™. This innovative product leverages advanced in-line monitoring technology to measure glucose and lactate concentrations in the culture medium continuously. By eliminating the need for periodic sampling, LiCellMo™ ensures uninterrupted cell culture while minimizing contamination risks. Moreover, its compact design allows seamless integration into existing CO₂ incubators, preserving the natural culture environment without requiring any modifications. Researchers can now adopt this flexible solution to overcome longstanding challenges associated with conventional cell culture techniques.
Core Technology Rooted in PHC’s Expertise
At the heart of LiCellMo™ lies PHC Corporation’s proprietary in-line monitoring technology, which builds on decades of expertise in developing blood glucose sensors through its Diagnostics Division. This core technology enables constant immersion in the culture medium, facilitating real-time, non-invasive measurement of key metabolic substances like glucose and lactate. The result is a highly accurate and reproducible tool that enhances the quality and reliability of cell culture processes—an essential factor in advancing cellular metabolic research and manufacturing processes for cell-based medicines.
Chikara Takao, Director and General Manager of the Biomedical Business Division at PHC Corporation, expressed his pride in receiving this recognition: “We are deeply honored that LiCellMo™ has been awarded the prestigious R&D 100 Award. This achievement reflects PHC’s unwavering commitment to innovation and our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in life sciences. With LiCellMo™, we aim to set new standards in the field of cell culture by offering researchers and industries transformative solutions that improve efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility.”
Addressing Key Challenges in Cellular Research
One of the primary goals of LiCellMo™ is to address the reproducibility and quality issues inherent in traditional cell culture methods. By providing continuous, real-time data on cellular metabolic activity, this product empowers researchers to gain deeper insights into how cells respond to various stimuli or environmental conditions. Such capabilities are invaluable for understanding disease mechanisms, optimizing therapeutic strategies, and refining manufacturing protocols for cell-based therapies.
For instance, in CGT research, where precise control over cell cultures is paramount, LiCellMo™ offers unparalleled precision and reliability. Its ability to visualize metabolic changes in real time enables scientists to fine-tune culture conditions, ensuring optimal growth and functionality of therapeutic cells. This level of detail and control has the potential to accelerate breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, cancer research, and personalized treatments.
Recognition Among Global Innovations
Now in its 63rd year, the R&D 100 Awards celebrate groundbreaking innovations across diverse fields, including materials science, biotechnology, energy, and more. What sets this award apart is its focus on newly commercialized products, technologies, and materials that demonstrate significant technological impact. Winning entries are selected by a panel of global industry experts who evaluate submissions based on their novelty, practical applications, and potential to drive progress.
By earning a spot among the top 100 innovations of 2025, LiCellMo™ joins an elite group of technologies transforming the scientific landscape. This recognition underscores PHC Corporation’s leadership in developing sophisticated tools that address complex challenges in medical and life sciences.
Paving the Way for Future Innovations
With LiCellMo™, PHC Corporation reaffirms its mission to advance modalities in healthcare and life sciences through cutting-edge technologies. The company remains committed to delivering high-quality, reproducible solutions that empower researchers and industries worldwide. Looking ahead, PHC aims to build on the success of LiCellMo™ by continuing to innovate and expand its portfolio of biomedical devices.
As the global demand for advanced cell culture tools grows, LiCellMo™ stands out as a beacon of progress—a testament to PHC Corporation’s vision of shaping the future of cellular research and therapy. Through its pioneering efforts, PHC is not only setting new benchmarks in the field but also contributing to the evolution of next-generation treatments that have the potential to transform lives.
<About PHC Corporation Biomedical Division>
Founded in 1969, PHC Corporation is a Japanese subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (Securities Code: 6523, TSE Prime), a global healthcare company. The Biomedical Division, which handles life sciences business, operates under the business brand “PHCbi” and supports researchers and medical professionals in approximately 110 countries and regions by providing research and medical support equipment and services, including ultra-low temperature freezers and CO2 incubators .
www.phchd.com/jp/biomedical/about-phcbi
<About PHC Holdings Corporation>
PHC Holdings Corporation (Stock Code: 6523, Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime) is a Japanese healthcare company with global operations. Its subsidiaries include PHC Corporation, Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings, Epredia Holdings, LSI Medience Corporation, Wemex Corporation, and Mediford Corporation, and is engaged in the development, manufacturing, sales, and services of products in the fields of diabetes management, healthcare solutions, and diagnostics and life sciences. The group’s consolidated revenue for fiscal year 2024 is expected to be 361.6 billion yen, with products and services used by customers in more than 125 countries and regions around the world. The PHC Group refers collectively to PHC Holdings Corporation and its operating subsidiaries.
www.phchd.com/jp
