U-Medico Inc. (Headquarters: Minoh, Osaka; President & CEO: Ayano Fukuhara) is pleased to announce the opening of its new GMP-compliant analytical center, “U-Medico Analytical Center” (1,140 m²), in Minoh City, Osaka. The facility was established to expand the company’s capabilities in high-quality analytical testing for biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy vectors. An opening ceremony was held on July 29, 2025.
Photo Caption (Left to Right): Toru Koneno (Senior Executive Officer, AS ONE Corporation), Susumu Uchiyama (Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Osaka / Co-Founder & CSO, U-Medico Inc.), Toru Ezure (Business Unit Leader, Analytical Measurement Division, Shimadzu Corporation / Director, U-Medico Inc.), Toru Koneno (Senior Executive Officer, AS ONE Corporation), Akira Kawai (Director, U-Medico Inc.)
The new center was developed to meet the growing demand for advanced analytical support in the rapidly expanding field of gene therapy. Gene therapy represents a breakthrough treatment modality for intractable and genetic diseases, and its development and manufacturing require highly precise and reproducible analytical techniques. In line with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards, U-Medico Analytical Center offers reliable data to accelerate pharmaceutical development and contribute to industrial progress.
Key Features of the Center:
- GMP / GLP-compliant systems for quality analysis
- Japan’s only GMP-compliant analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) services
- Comprehensive evaluation of vector purity, identity, and impurities
- Bilingual (Japanese/English) support for global clients
- P2 and BSL2 laboratory capabilities
In addition, the Suita-based Manufacturing Center offers:
- AAV reference materials
- Research-grade AAV production, process development, and tech transfer to CDMOs
Message from the President
“Our new analytical center marks a major step forward in delivering high-quality analytical services from Japan to the global gene therapy community,” said Ayano Fukuhara, President & CEO of U-Medico Inc. “We will continue to strengthen partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, CDMOs and academic institutions, aiming to become a trusted partner in this field. Drawing upon our deep expertise and cutting-edge technologies, we are committed to ensuring the safety and quality of next-generation therapies.”
Opening Ceremony Highlights
The opening ceremony on July 29, 2025, welcomed esteemed guests from academia and partner organizations.
Congratulatory Video Messages (titles omitted):
- Michael Wiggenhorn (Board Director & Co-Founder, Coriolis Pharma Research GmbH / Director, U-Medico Inc.)
- Silvia Steyrer-Gruber (CEO, Coriolis Pharma Research GmbH)
- John Carpenter (Professor, University of Colorado School of Pharmacy)
- Masami Tomita (Managing Execuive Officer and Division General Manager, Analytical & Measuring Instruments Division, Shimadzu Corporation)
- Takuji Iuchi (President and CEO, AS ONE Corporation)
- Sandeep Yadav (Vice President, Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc.)
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (titles omitted):
- Ayano Fukuhara (President & CEO, U-Medico Inc.)
- Susumu Uchiyama (Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Osaka / Co-Founder & CSO, U-Medico Inc.)
- Toru Ezure (General Manager, Cell Business Unit, Diagnostics Management
- Department, Analytical & Measuring Instruments Division, Shimadzu Corporation / Director, U-Medico Inc.)
- Toru Kaneno (Senior Executive Officer, AS ONE Corporation)
- Akira Kawai (Director, U-Medico Inc.)
Keynote Lectures (titles omitted):
- Susumu Uchiyama (Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Osaka / Co-Founder & CSO, U-Medico Inc.)
- Tsukasa Omori (Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Jichi Medical University)
- Naomi Okazaki (Corporate Officer, Analytical & Measuring Instruments Division, Solutions Center of Excellence, Shimadzu Corporation)
Facility Overview
- Name: U-Medico Analytical Center
- Location: 7F Erimo Building, 2-1-1 Senba-Nishi, Minoh, Osaka 562-0036 Japan
- Floor Area: Approx. 1,140 m²
- Operation Start Date: July 2025
About U-Medico Inc.
U-Medico Inc. is a specialized analytical CRO (Contract Research Organization) providing formulation development and high-level quality testing for biopharmaceuticals and gene/cell therapy products. The company was founded by Professor Susumu Uchiyama of Osaka University, who also serves as its CSO. U-Medico offers tailored services across a wide range of modalities, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, AAV, lentiviruses, oncolytic viruses, and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for RNA delivery. With cutting-edge science and extensive experience, U-Medico is committed to accelerating the development of safe and effective therapies.
Media Contact:
Ayano Fukuhara
President & CEO, U-Medico Inc.
TEL: +81-6-6155-7835
Email: fukuhara@u-medico.co.jp
Address: Erimo Building 7F, 2-1-1 Senbanishi, Minoh, Osaka 562-0036, Japan