TOKYO and KYOTO, Japan, June 16, 2026
Fujifilm Corporation and HORIBA Ltd. announced the co-development of a high-sensitivity inline Raman measurement system designed to provide continuous, real-time monitoring of cell culture and purification processes in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The innovative platform enables direct measurement of component concentrations within bioreactors and process equipment without the need for sampling, addressing a long-standing challenge in biologics production. Demonstration studies conducted by Fujifilm showed that using the system in antibody purification processes improved antibody yield by approximately 10% compared with conventional UV-Vis-based process control methods. The technology will be showcased at the BIO International Convention 2026 in San Diego, highlighting its potential to enhance manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and process consistency across the rapidly growing biopharmaceutical sector.
Advanced Raman Technology Enables Real-Time Process Monitoring
The newly developed system combines HORIBA’s high-performance Raman spectrometer, a single-use high light-collection-efficiency probe, and Fujifilm’s proprietary predictive measurement algorithms to achieve industry-leading sensitivity. Raman spectroscopy enables non-destructive analysis of chemical composition by detecting molecular signatures through light scattering. By integrating Fujifilm’s expertise in optical design and biopharmaceutical manufacturing with HORIBA’s advanced spectroscopy technologies, the companies have created a platform capable of detecting weak Raman signals with exceptional precision and stability. The system’s proprietary noise-reduction architecture minimizes signal fluctuations caused by temperature changes, while automatic calibration functions ensure measurement accuracy during long-term operation. These capabilities allow manufacturers to continuously monitor key process parameters and compositional changes inside production systems in real time.
Antibody Purification Efficiency Improved by Approximately 10%
One of the most significant applications demonstrated by the technology is in the purification of monoclonal antibody therapies. Traditional UV-Vis analytical methods measure total protein concentration but often struggle to distinguish therapeutic antibodies from impurities such as aggregates and fragments. The new Raman platform identifies characteristic molecular signatures associated with both target antibodies and unwanted impurities, enabling highly accurate predictive modeling and continuous concentration measurement. This allows manufacturers to determine the optimal collection point during purification, maximizing recovery while maintaining quality specifications. According to Fujifilm’s validation studies, the approach delivered an approximately 10% increase in antibody yield compared with conventional process control methods. The technology is also expected to improve manufacturing outcomes for a broad range of biologics, including advanced therapies and complex protein-based medicines.
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Supporting Next-Generation Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
Beyond purification processes, the inline Raman system offers substantial benefits for cell culture monitoring and process development. The platform can continuously measure multiple amino acids and critical nutrients within cell culture media, providing real-time visibility into bioreactor conditions and helping manufacturers identify sources of batch-to-batch variation. Enhanced process control can contribute to more consistent product quality, improved manufacturing reliability, and reduced production costs. Additionally, the elimination of frequent offline sampling and laboratory analysis accelerates process optimization and development timelines, allowing companies to evaluate manufacturing conditions more efficiently. As demand for antibody therapies, cell therapies, and gene therapies continues to grow globally, Fujifilm and HORIBA believe the new inline Raman measurement system can play a critical role in enabling scalable, high-quality, and cost-effective biopharmaceutical production while advancing the adoption of data-driven manufacturing technologies across the industry.
Source: Fujifilm press release
