• Oceo Rover automates and simplifies hydration of powdered media and buffers, to optimize bioprocessing workflows
• Automated system harnesses single-use technology to reduce risks associated with variability, contamination and safety within biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes

FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific, Inc., a world leader in the development and manufacture of serum-free and chemically defined cell culture media for bioproduction and cell therapy manufacturing, today announced the development of Oceo Rover, a first-of-its-kind* single-use technology system, that enables manufacturers of biopharmaceuticals to improve bioprocessing workflows by automating and simplifying the hydration of media, feeds, and buffers. The automated Oceo Rover system combines single-use consumables, and dedicated media design services into one single-suite alternative to current stirred tank mixing technologies.

Preparing powder media and buffers for use in bioprocessing is a labor-intensive process and poses risks related to contamination, variability, and safety for workers in production suites. The Oceo Rover platform is a novel, automated hydration system that combines prepacked, single-use hydration cartridges with a programmable skid that simplifies the hydration process. It features automation software that is easy to use and delivers the correct volume of water to the bulk powder and supplements at appropriate intervals to optimize the hydration of powder media and buffers.

With the Oceo Rover system, media and buffers can be prepared in real-time, alleviating the need to hold large amounts of liquids in cold storage needed to support some workflows such as continuous processing. The integrated, closed system also reduces the risk of cross-contamination and increases regulatory compliance.

“We saw a need in the market to improve the process of hydrating powdered media and buffers. Oceo Rover addresses this need by simplifying the hydration process and delivering the consistency that manufacturers need, while also saving time and costs associated with bioprocessing,” said Yutaka Yamaguchi, chairman, and chief executive officer, FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific. “The Oceo Rover system will help shape the future of single-use-technology and bioprocessing operations.”

Manufacturers who add the Oceo Rover platform to their bioprocessing operations will also have the support of the FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific Manufacturing Science and Technology Group to identify optimal hydration protocols to meet their media needs.

FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific

FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific, Inc. is a global leader in the innovation and manufacture of cell culture solutions for Life Science and Medical markets, providing products and services that assist customers in advancing healthcare initiatives. Working across discovery research, cell and gene therapy, reproductive medicine and cytogenetics, as well as the large-scale production of biotherapeutics and vaccines, the Company is trusted by researchers, manufacturers, and clinicians worldwide.

For over 50 years, FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific’s mission has been to empower all who bring medicines and treatments to life with unmatched quality and responsiveness in its products and custom solutions, providing customers with the vital resources needed to enrich human lives through innovative, accessible therapies. The Company’s facilities adhere to both ISO and FDA regulations, with manufacturing facilities that follow cGMP guidelines in the USA, Japan, and the Netherlands, and a media optimization center in China. All sites prioritize strategies that adhere to the FUJIFILM Sustainability Value Plan 2030 for sustainable growth. FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific, Inc. is a subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation reporting to FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, leverages its depth of knowledge and proprietary core technologies to deliver innovative products and services across the globe through the four key business segments of healthcare, electronics, business innovation, and imaging with over 70,000 employees. Guided and united by our Group Purpose of “giving our world more smiles,” we address social challenges and create a positive impact on society through our products, services, and business operations. Under its medium-term management plan, VISION2030, which ends in FY2030, we aspire to continue our evolution into a company that creates value and smiles for various stakeholders as a collection of global leading businesses and achieve a global revenue of 4 trillion yen (29 billion USD at an exchange rate of 140 JPY/USD).