Cambridge-based organ-on-chip (OOC) technology developer CN Bio has established a strategic partnership with Japanese distributor Primetech Corporation to expand access to its microphysiological systems throughout Japan. The collaboration arrives as the Japanese OOC market demonstrates significant growth potential, with projections indicating a market value of £22.1M by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 30.7%.

Growing regional demand

The partnership emerges amid increasing Japanese legislative support for new approach methodologies (NAMs) in preclinical research. This regulatory environment has created heightened demand for innovative preclinical testing platforms that can enhance the predictive accuracy of drug development workflows whilst reducing reliance on traditional animal models.

Advanced physiological modelling

CN Bio’s PhysioMimix OOC portfolio encompasses benchtop systems designed to replicate human physiological conditions in vitro. These platforms facilitate the development of advanced human organ models capable of generating more reliable predictions of drug responses during the preclinical phase. The technology enables detailed analysis of critical parameters including drug bioavailability and toxicology profiles, whilst supporting sophisticated disease modelling applications.

Speaking on the partnership’s strategic importance, Primetech Corporation CEO Ryosuke Ogihara said: “We are  pleased to announce the commencement of our partnership with CN Bio to offer the Company’s range of microphysiological systems and reagents. This innovative technology opens new possibilities in the field of drug discovery and development, and can significantly accelerate the discovery process.”

The collaboration represents a significant advancement in CN Bio’s Asia-Pacific market strategy. Dr Paul Brooks, CEO of CN Bio, highlighted the partnership’s role in the company’s international growth: “Partnering with an established distributor like Primetech marks a crucial milestone in our strategy for long-term global growth. Through this, we are solidifying our distribution network in Asia, allowing us to offer our ground-breaking OOC solutions in this region and meet rapidly growing market demand.”

The agreement is expected to enhance local technical support capabilities for Japanese researchers whilst facilitating more efficient access to CN Bio’s OOC technologies. This development aligns with broader industry efforts to improve preclinical research methodologies and reduce late-stage failure rates in drug development programmes through enhanced predictive capabilities.