Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC; Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Masayuki Waga) hereby announces that it has signed a basic contract on testing and research with NextGeM Inc. (NextGeM; Head office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Masakazu Nakajima), a biotech venture company, regarding cell culture methods and other techniques that use growth factors derived from plants.

In regenerative medicine, which has been drawing attention as advanced medicine, related cell culture materials are essential for cultivating stem cells collected from patients or donors, and allowing them to proliferate and induce differentiation into target organs and tissues. Development of such materials is progressing along with recent advances in regenerative medicine technology. As the conventional cell culture method employs mainly serum obtained from bovine fetus, challenges exist in securing stable supply, eliminating the risk of contamination from animal-derived pathogens, and ensuring  good animal welfare.

To resolve these challenges, MCC is conducting research on production of growth factors using plants. By collaborating with NextGeM, which is engaged in development of next-generation regenerative medicine technology using stem cells, MCC aims to develop high-quality products that meet the requirements of medical professionals as well as regenerative medicine manufactures. Through this joint research, MCC will demonstrate the usefulness and safety of growth factors derived from plants, and establish a production system that enables stable quality and supply for clinical use.

In line with KAITEKI Vision 30, the medium- to long-term basic management strategy of the Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation (MCHC) Group, MCC engages in research on regenerative medicine and other medical technologies that contribute to medical advances, which have been designated among MCHC’s growth businesses that help to solve social issues. MCC aims to apply regenerative medicine to more difficult-to-treat diseases by making it safer and less expensive, and providing products that have never existed before in the conventional market. By doing so, MCC will contribute toward realizing a society in which everyone can live healthy and active lives.