Glenview, Ill. — Asahi Kasei Bioprocess has introduced the VANTIJ® SU-VFC Benchtop, a compact automated virus filtration system designed for laboratory-scale and process development applications in gene therapy and biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
The company, a subsidiary of Asahi Kasei, plans to unveil the system at Bioprocess International East 2026.
The VANTIJ® SU-VFC Benchtop is the first benchtop-scale platform in Asahi Kasei Bioprocess’s VANTIJ® family. It is designed to automate single-use virus filtration and support workflows using 0.12-square-meter or 0.3-square-meter Planova™ 35N virus-removal filters.
According to the company, the system is intended to simplify small-scale virus filtration while maintaining process-control and data-management capabilities used in biopharmaceutical development.
Initially developed for gene therapy manufacturing, the platform is designed to address challenges including lengthy production timelines, regulatory requirements, operator training and therapy-specific manufacturing needs.
Features include a guided shadow-board setup, tool-free tube-set installation and replacement, simplified connection points and recipe-driven software. The system also supports batch reporting and standardized execution of filtration processes.
“The biopharmaceutical industry continues to pursue more efficient pathways for bringing innovative therapies to patients,” said Chris Rombach, President of Asahi Kasei Bioprocess America. “The VANTIJ® SU-VFC Benchtop reflects Asahi Kasei Bioprocess’s commitment to supporting manufacturers with solutions that simplify critical process steps while delivering the confidence and reliability associated with Planova™ virus filtration and the Asahi Kasei name.”
Asahi Kasei said the launch supports its broader focus on cell and gene therapies, which are a strategic part of the company’s Healthcare and Life Science growth strategy.
