PHC Corporation's LiCellMo Wins 2024 Innovation Award

TOKYO — The Biomedical Division of PHC Corporation, based in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the 2024 Innovation Award from The Analytical Scientist for its groundbreaking live cell metabolic analyzer, LiCellMoTM. This advanced analyzer was launched for research purposes in Japan in September and subsequently made available in the United States, the UK, the EU, China, and selected other Asian regions in October.

Innovation in Research

LiCellMo provides continuously measured data on critical cellular metabolic pathways, enabling researchers to observe changes in cell states that were previously undetectable. This real-time monitoring offers a comprehensive understanding of cell activities, which is essential for making informed research decisions. The insights gained from LiCellMo are expected to drive innovative research findings and significant advancements in therapeutic fields.

Importance in Cell Culture

This advanced tool is specifically designed to uncover the metabolic mechanisms of cells, improving the reproducibility and quality of cell cultures crucial in developing cell and gene therapy products. Traditional methods often require taking periodic samples from the culture medium, which can complicate monitoring and introduce contamination risks. In contrast, LiCellMo excels by offering minute-by-minute measurements of glucose and lactate levels in the culture medium.

Easy Installation and Flexibility

One of the standout features of LiCellMo is its ease of installation. It can be seamlessly integrated into a laboratory’s existing compatible CO² incubator without disrupting the regular culture environment. This flexibility makes it a valuable solution for the common challenges faced by researchers in traditional cell culture methods.

About PHC Corporation

PHC Corporation is a subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation, a global organization committed to improving healthcare solutions worldwide. The innovative in-line monitoring technology integrated into LiCellMo builds upon the proprietary technology developed from a blood glucose monitoring sensor created by PHC’s In Vitro Diagnostics Division.

Future Implications

Chikara Takauo, Director of PHC Corporation and Head of the Biomedical Division, remarked on the award, stating, “We believe LiCellMo will give researchers the chance to uncover new insights into cell metabolism, especially in cancer immunology and stem cell research. This recognition highlights not only the immediate utility of LiCellMo in research but also its potential to support the development of future therapies.”

The Analytical Scientist is known for identifying the people and technologies shaping the analytical science landscape. Their annual Innovation Awards acknowledge significant technical advancements that promise to enhance analytical sciences.

Conclusion

As researchers continue to seek better methods for assessing cell states and optimizing culture environments, LiCellMo stands out as a significant technological advancement that can lead to improved outcomes in the development of new cell and gene therapies.

PHC, innovation, research