Hitachi Chemical Co. America, Ltd. has completed its acquisition of the remaining interest in PCT Cell Therapy Services, a CDMO for the cell therapy industry, from Caladrius Biosciences. PCT becomes an independent business unit focused on cell therapy and regenerative medicine within the life sciences division of Hitachi Chemical.

Hitachi Chemical will leverage PCT’s expertise in cell therapy development and manufacturing technology, manufacturing locations, and other resources to expand its services in the U.S. and add services in Japan, Europe and other regions. In October 2016, Hitachi Chemical invested approximately $17.5 million in establishing a new contract development and manufacturing facility for regenerative medicine cells and other products in Yokohama, Japan, whichwill begin operations in April 2018.  

Robert A. Preti, Ph.D., co-founder and president of PCT will serve as chief executive officer and president of PCT, responsible for development, management and oversight of the global business operations of Hitachi Chemical’s regenerative medicine business unit.

“As a member of the Hitachi Chemical family, PCT will be able to expand manufacturing capacity, capabilities and service offerings to more effectively and efficiently meet the needs of our clients anywhere in the world,” said Dr. Preti. “With the backing of Hitachi Chemical, we look forward to establishing a global network of facilities for cell therapy development and manufacturing in which we integrate the expertise, experience and technologies of our combined organization.” 

“The acquisition of PCT marks an important milestone in the expansion of Hitachi Chemical’s regenerative medicine-related businesses,” said Hisashi Maruyama, chief executive officer of Hitachi Chemical. “The synergy of PCT’s expertise in cell therapy with Hitachi Chemical’s expertise in the life sciences and advanced manufacturing technologies for the cleanroom environment, with the full utilization of the outstanding cell manufacturing equipment, production facilities and IT proficiency of the Hitachi Group will allow us to better serve the global cell therapy industry and help our clients deliver innovative new therapies to patients in need.”