Asahi Kasei has completed the construction of its second plant for Ceolus microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a tablet binder for pharmaceuticals.

The new facility in Okayama, Japan, underscores the company’s commitment to meet the substantially growing demand for its MCC product.

According to the company, demand for Ceolus is growing, most notably for the proprietary high-performance grades Ceolus.

“The increased capacity at this new plant will enable us to provide a more stable supply of Ceolus for distribution centers around the world to get products to customers in greater quantities,” said Eiichi Hori, senior general manager of functional additives division. “The second plant will make Ceolus more accessible to patients around the world. We are excited to see the innovative, new formulations that pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturers will develop utilizing our MCC.”

The second plant is intended to raise supply capacity and enhance the supply stability through production at multiple sites. The new plant is currently undergoing trial operation, with commercial production of each grade scheduled to begin in succession from April 2023.