Asahi Kasei Expands Healthcare Materials Portfolio with Sonanos™ Next-Generation Excipients
Sonanos™ nanogel structure and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) encapsulation mechanism via hydrophobic interactions
Global demand for biologics, peptides, and oncology therapies is increasing rapidly, creating pressure on pharmaceutical companies to solve formulation, drug persistence, and delivery challenges. Sonanos™ addresses these needs by enabling sustained release and enhanced solubility—key capabilities that can achieve long-acting injectables, formulate poorly water-soluble compounds, and expand therapeutic possibilities through overcoming formulation challenges.
Since 2020, Asahi Kasei has partnered with global pharmaceutical companies to conduct more than 60 feasibility studies using Sonanos™ samples. Based on these collaborations and understanding of rising industry challenges, the company has introduced two new specialty grades: Sonanos™ PG, optimized for sustained release of biologics and peptides while supporting patient-friendly dosing; and Sonanos™ DS, designed to enhance solubility of poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Each of the new grades was developed through extensive optimization, including the ability to encapsulate higher concentrations of active ingredients, based on experience with earlier prototype samples.
With samples of both grades with guaranteed analytical values now available for nonclinical development, Asahi Kasei is laying the foundation for broader adoption. The company plans to supply products manufactured in compliance with GMP in 2027, meeting international guidelines for pharmaceutical excipients and impurities, which is necessary for clinical development.
“Sonanos™ represents a significant step forward for our organization and healthcare focus,” said Hideyuki Kimura, Senior General Manager of Asahi Kasei’s Healthcare Materials Division. “This expanded lineup of our excipient products deepens Asahi Kasei’s role in the pharmaceutical industry through critical excipient offerings that address customer needs in novel ways.”
Sonanos™ is also advancing through Asahi Kasei’s spin-out venture, DiveRadGel Inc., which applies the technology to cancer vaccine development. The vaccine-grade Sonanos™ DV has already entered GMP production to support early-stage clinical trials—demonstrating the platform’s commercial and therapeutic relevance.
Asahi Kasei’s Healthcare Materials Division also offers microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) excipients such as Ceolus™ and Celphere™. Sonanos™, along with these MCC products, will be featured at AAPS 2025 PharmSci 360, held in
To learn more about AAPS 2025 PharmSci 360, visit https://www.aaps.org/aaps/pharmsci/annual-meeting
To learn more about Sonanos™, visit https://www.ceolus.com/en/sonanos/hyaluronic_acid_nanogel/
About Asahi Kasei
The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 50,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Healthcare, Homes, and Material. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com.
Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.
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North America Contact:
Asahi Kasei America Inc.
Christian OKeefe
christian.okeefe@ak-america.com
Europe Contact:
Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH
Sebastian Schmidt
sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu
Source: Asahi Kasei
