PHC Corporation’s Biomedical Division, based in Tokyo, Japan, has been honored with a 2024 Innovation Award from The Analytical Scientist for its cutting-edge live cell metabolic analyzer, LiCellMo™. The device, launched in Japan in September and in select global markets—including the U.S., UK, EU, China, and other parts of Asia—delivers real-time, continuous data on key cellular metabolic pathways. This revolutionary tool allows researchers to track cellular activities with a level of precision previously unattainable, providing invaluable insights into the metabolic states of cells over time.
LiCellMo’s groundbreaking ability to monitor metabolic shifts in live cells will not only help researchers make more informed decisions in their work but also contribute to novel scientific discoveries and advancements in therapeutic approaches. Designed to reveal cellular metabolic mechanisms, it enhances the reproducibility and quality of cell cultures used in the development of cell and gene therapy products. As the demand for advanced therapies grows, the ability to fine-tune cell culture processes becomes increasingly essential. LiCellMo offers a solution to this challenge, improving the development and manufacturing processes that underpin new medical treatments.
The Analytical Scientist, which highlights the people, technologies, and innovations that shape the field of measurement science, confers its annual Innovation Awards to recognize breakthrough technologies that push the boundaries of analytical sciences. PHC’s LiCellMo was chosen for its innovative contribution to cell metabolism research, underscoring its potential to open new doors in scientific exploration and therapeutic advancements.
In the field of cell and gene therapy (CGT) research, it is critical to assess the metabolic state of cells to establish the most conducive environment for cell culture. With LiCellMo, researchers can observe metabolic changes in real time, providing a comprehensive picture of cellular activity throughout their experiments. Traditional methods of monitoring cell metabolism typically require periodic sampling of the culture medium, which can disrupt the cell environment and introduce contamination risks. In contrast, LiCellMo continuously measures key metabolites such as glucose and lactate in the culture medium, delivering high-frequency data that enables researchers to monitor cell behavior over time without disruption.
One of LiCellMo’s key advantages is its compatibility with standard CO2 incubators, allowing for seamless integration into existing laboratory setups without altering the culture environment. This flexibility makes it a valuable addition to research labs working in fields like cancer immunology, stem cell research, and other areas that rely on precise metabolic tracking to optimize experimental outcomes.
The technology behind LiCellMo builds on PHC Corporation’s long-standing expertise in in-line monitoring, drawing from the company’s development of blood glucose monitoring sensors. The device’s ability to provide continuous, non-invasive measurement of metabolites in cell culture media sets it apart from traditional methods, offering an unprecedented level of insight into cell metabolism. By maintaining constant immersion in the medium, LiCellMo ensures accurate, real-time data without the need for sampling.
Chikara Takauo, Director of PHC Corporation and Head of the Biomedical Division, expressed his excitement about the potential of LiCellMo to transform cell-based research. “We believe LiCellMo will offer researchers new opportunities to unlock vital insights into cell metabolism, especially in areas such as cancer immunology and stem cell research,” Takauo said. “This award recognizes both the immediate impact of LiCellMo in research laboratories and its promise to support the development of groundbreaking therapies in the future.”
With its innovative approach to metabolic analysis, LiCellMo is poised to play a key role in advancing research for new treatments in areas such as cancer, immunology, and regenerative medicine. Its ability to provide real-time, continuous monitoring of cellular conditions will enable researchers to optimize cell culture environments and ensure more reliable and reproducible results.
As a subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (Tokyo: 6523), PHC Corporation continues to build on its expertise in medical devices and healthcare technology. With the introduction of LiCellMo, the company is helping to push the boundaries of scientific research, paving the way for new breakthroughs in the rapidly evolving fields of cell and gene therapy. This prestigious recognition from The Analytical Scientist further solidifies PHC’s position at the forefront of biomedical innovation.
