Asahi Kasei Launches Membrane System to Produce Water for Injection

Rhea-AI Summary

Asahi Kasei announced the launch of a membrane system to produce Water for Injection (WFI), a type of sterile water used in injections, starting April 2024. Using their Microza™ hollow-fiber membrane technology, this system provides an alternative to traditional distillation methods, significantly reducing CO2 emissions and energy costs. The new system offers higher water quality and easier operation, with an endotoxin removal rate of over 99.999%. The company aims to facilitate a transition to membrane filtration processes, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability and operational efficiency in pharmaceutical water production.

Positive

• Launch of a new membrane system for WFI, starting April 2024.
• Reduces CO2 emissions and energy costs compared to conventional distillation.
• Higher water quality with an endotoxin removal rate of over 99.999%.
• Simplified process without the need for cooling and condensing steam.
• Compact design and excellent operability.
• Strong reputation in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental protection with Microza™ technology.

Negative

• Potential market resistance to transitioning from traditional distillation to membrane filtration.
• Initial costs associated with adopting new technology may be high for some customers.

Leveraging Microza™ expertise to enable lower energy consumption and higher water quality

TOKYO & NEW YORK & DÜSSELDORF, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Asahi Kasei has announced that in April 2024 it began selling a membrane system to produce WFI (water for injection), a type of sterile water that is used for the preparation of injections. The membrane system was developed as an alternative to the conventional distillation processes for the production of WFI by leveraging system design and development capabilities of Microza™ hollow-fiber membrane for water treatment and filtration of liquid products. By reducing the need to generate steam, this system enables lower CO₂ emissions and lower costs in the production of WFI.

Membrane system for WFI (Photo: Business Wire)

With its Microza™ hollow-fiber membrane, Asahi Kasei has provided membrane filtration solutions in a wide range of fields including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food processing, environmental protection, and water treatment. Pharmaceutical water, which is used in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process, is one application in which Microza™ has gained a strong reputation among customers for its high filtration performance and outstanding technical support.

The WFI membrane system is based on steam-sterilizable ultrafiltration (UF) membranes for water treatment that have been widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. Being designed by the membrane manufacturer, the system features a compact form and excellent operability. It offers various advantages compared to the conventional distillation processes, such as a reduced need to generate steam, resulting in lower CO₂ emissions and energy costs. It also offers a simplified process with no need for cooling and condensing steam, and enables higher water quality to be obtained. Previously published research with the same membranes (Steam Sterilizable UF Module & System) indicates an endotoxin removal rate of >99.999% compared to 99.9% with distillation.

By facilitating a transition from the traditional distillation processes to the membrane filtration processes, Asahi Kasei expects that the new system will allow its customers to reduce CO₂ emissions while producing a stable supply of safer WFI for the pharmaceutical industry.

The system will be exhibited at PharmaLab Expo, June 26–28, 2024, at Tokyo Big Sight, booth #51-14.
https://www.interphex.jp/hub/en-gb/about/rd.html

More information on Microza
https://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/membrane/microza/en

More information on the WFI membrane system
https://www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/membrane/microza/en/solution/pharmaceutical/

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 48,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. 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/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240613981746/en/

North America:

Asahi Kasei America Inc.

Christian OKeefe

christian.okeefe@ak-america.com

Europe:

Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH

Sebastian Schmidt

sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu

Source: Asahi Kasei

FAQ

What product did Asahi Kasei launch in April 2024?

Asahi Kasei launched a membrane system to produce Water for Injection (WFI).

How does Asahi Kasei's new membrane system for WFI reduce CO2 emissions?

The system reduces the need to generate steam, lowering CO2 emissions and energy costs.

What is the endotoxin removal rate of Asahi Kasei's new WFI membrane system?

The endotoxin removal rate is over 99.999%, compared to 99.9% with conventional distillation.

What are the benefits of Asahi Kasei's WFI membrane system over traditional distillation?

Benefits include lower CO2 emissions, reduced energy costs, higher water quality, and a more simplified process.

What event will showcase Asahi Kasei's new WFI membrane system in 2024?

The system will be exhibited at PharmaLab Expo, June 26–28, 2024, at Tokyo Big Sight, booth #51-14.