Introduction
In an exciting development for the field of regenerative medicine, Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. (CEO: Ikusuke Shimizu) announced the launch of its Ceglu™ cultureware in North America, starting February 2026. This new coating technology for culture plates aims to support stable cell adhesion during stem cell cultivation, including iPS (induced pluripotent stem) cells, which are crucial for advancements in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and cell therapy. The product has been available in Japan since June 2025, and its expansion into North America is expected to accelerate practical applications in regenerative medicine.
Background
Despite the significant advances in modern medicine, numerous health challenges remain, particularly concerning rare diseases, aging-related ailments, and trauma. Regenerative medicine, especially treatments utilizing iPS cells, holds great promise in addressing these issues. iPS cells can be obtained from the patients themselves or healthy individuals and are capable of differentiating into various cell types. However, the cultivation of iPS cells depends heavily on reliable cell adhesion coatings, which have traditionally posed challenges concerning uniformity and stability. This has created substantial barriers in the broader adoption and industrialization of regenerative medicine.
Ceglu™ is a newly developed polymer product that specifically addresses these challenges. From the beginning, Sekisui Chemical has focused on global expansion in its business development, reflecting the growing demand for innovative solutions in cell manufacturing and research.
North American Expansion
North America serves as one of the world’s foremost regions for research and development in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and cell therapy, making it the largest market for cell culture. By delivering Ceglu™ cultureware to a diverse range of researchers and companies in this region, Sekisui Chemical aims not only to meet the growing demand for reliable cell adhesion solutions but also to contribute significantly to the acceleration of regenerative medicine applications.
To facilitate this expansion, Sekisui Chemical has established a marketing base in San Diego, California, and has been actively engaging with local cell manufacturing institutions and university researchers. Through sample provisions and collaborations, Sekisui Chemical has confirmed strong demand for Ceglu™ products. This offers a promising outlook for fostering further advancements in regenerative medicine within North America.
Available Products
In North America, the Ceglu™ cultureware lineup includes:
- - Ceglu™ multiwell plate (6-well)
- - Ceglu™ multiwell plate (96-well)
- - Ceglu™ dish (100mm)
Features of Ceglu™
Ceglu™ is a chemically synthesized polymer capable of coating various surfaces, enabling the cultivation of iPS cells without compromising on stability. Unlike traditional protein-based coatings, Ceglu™ boasts exceptional stability at room temperature, eliminating the need for cold chain logistics. Furthermore, it is entirely free from animal components, ensuring high safety levels for laboratory use.
Sekisui Chemical provides both the Ceglu™ coating solution and the coated plates, aiming to establish a consistent cell adhesion platform that supports cell cultivation from laboratory scale to manufacturing scale. Notable applications of Ceglu™ have included enhancing the reproducibility of cell quality in differentiating iPS derived cardiomyocytes and scaling up cell culture through coatings on non-woven fabrics and microcarriers.
For more information on Ceglu™ products, visit:
Ceglu™ Products
Future Developments
Sekisui Chemical plans to initiate sales in Europe and Asia in the near future, further accelerating the global rollout of the Ceglu™ cell adhesion platform, and significantly contributing to the practical application of regenerative medicine. As the industry continues to evolve, products like Ceglu™ are paving the way for more efficient and effective solutions in cell culture and regenerative therapies.
In conclusion, the establishment of Ceglu™ cultureware in North America represents a major step forward not only for Sekisui Chemical but also for the larger field of regenerative medicine, setting the stage for groundbreaking discoveries and treatments in the future.