- Summit Pharmaceuticals International Corp. has been named the exclusive distributor for cell culture supplements in the Japanese Market.
- This agreement signifies PL BioScience’s initial exclusive distribution partnership in Japan.
- The cell culture media market in Japan is projected to see annual growth in the low-to-mid double digits, with average forecasts around 12–14% over the next decade, fueled by increasing demand in research, biopharmaceuticals, and regenerative medicine.
AACHEN, Germany, Feb. 20, 2026 — PL BioScience GmbH, a German life science enterprise focused on the manufacturing and development of Human Platelet Lysate (HPL), has declared an exclusive distribution arrangement with Summit Pharmaceuticals International Corporation (SPI) for the Japanese market. This initiative is designed to facilitate local access to ELAREM™ Ultimate-FD PLUS (GMP Grade) and the wider ELAREM™ platform for clinical uses. Via this alliance, Japanese clients will benefit from a dedicated specialist for product ordering, commercial assistance, procurement optimization, and the quicker integration of approved raw materials during early development phases.
SPI operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation, a prominent global general trading firm listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market. It connects pharmaceutical companies across the globe, providing bioresources, licensing, manufacturing assistance, and other services.
“We are delighted to join forces with SPI, as this distribution agreement sets the stage for PL BioScience’s entry into the Japanese market”, commented Jungsoo Park, VP of Marketing and Sales, PL BioScience. “We perceive a strong alignment between our two firms, sharing a commitment to high-quality products and customer service.”
About ELAREM™ Ultimate-FD PLUS (GMP Grade):
ELAREM™ Ultimate-FD PLUS is a Human Platelet Lysate of EU origin that is gamma-irradiated, fibrinogen-depleted, and free of anticoagulants. As a xeno-free cell culture supplement, it enables the safe and efficient in vitro expansion of primary cells and cell lines. The product is ideal for cell manufacturing processes that require demonstrated viral reduction, such as for clinical trials. It is produced, tested, and released in adherence to relevant GMP guidelines, and its manufacturing process is patented.
About PL BioScience:
PL BioScience GmbH, based in Aachen, Germany, is a life science firm specializing in the creation and development of Human Platelet Lysate (HPL). The company has introduced proprietary technology to generate fully synthetic HPL, permitting a scalable, entirely lab-made supply. PL BioScience currently provides a broad selection of donor-derived, natural HPL products customized for various applications—the ELAREM™ platform. Covering everything from academic and preclinical research to cell therapy and biopharmaceutical production, ELAREM™ ensures the smooth transfer of regenerative medicine innovations from the lab to patients. PL BioScience is the unique global holder of a patent for the gamma-irradiation of HPL, which includes the manufacturing process for ELAREM™ Ultimate-FD PLUS.
To learn more about PL BioScience and the ELAREM™ platform, please visit:
About Summit Pharmaceuticals International:
Summit Pharmaceutical International Corporation (SPI), based in Tokyo, Japan, is a top-tier specialized trading company and the central trading arm of the Sumitomo Corporation Group’s pharmaceutical business. SPI offers an extensive suite of services across the full pharmaceutical value chain, including sourcing advanced biotechnology and raw materials, mediating licensing for drug discovery and development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing. By capitalizing on its global network and scientific expertise, SPI aims to link Japanese pharmaceutical companies with international firms, thereby boosting global health and well-being.
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Contact:
Dr. Hatim Hemeda, CEO
PL BioScience GmbH
+49(0)24195719-100
Media contact for PL BioScience:
MC Services AG
EU : Raimund Gabriel, Dr. Regina Lutz
+49 (0)89 210 228 0
U.S.: Catherine Featherston
+1-203-444-4393
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