merrion street

Luxcel Biosciences Ltd, a University College Cork spin-out company today (1st November 2012) signed a distribution agreement for the distribution of its products in the Japanese pharma and academic markets. The agreement was signed with Shigematsu Co. Ltd, a large Japanese trading servicing the pharma, diagnostics, chemical, food, electronics, universities and public institutions within the food, retail and chemical sectors.

The agreement was signed during this week’s Enterprise Ireland trade mission to Japan which is being led by the Minister for Research and Innovation Mr Sean Sherlock T.D.

Welcoming the announcement Minister Sherlock said:

“Luxcel’s innovative and scientifically advanced products are ideal for the Japanese lifesciences market. I strongly congratulate Luxcel on securing this important distribution agreement which will enable them to secure even greater penetration and grow their business in this very important, high potential market.”

Richard Fernandes, CEO of Luxcel added:

“Japan is a market with enormous potential, particularly for innovative, technically driven products such as the sensors and related biological and analytical tests and solutions for cell biology, food & beverage safety and packaging research and development that Luxcel develop. Securing such a strong and established partner in Shigematsu speaks volumes for the technologies we offer and is vital when penetrating such a complex market space”

Luxcel is a specialist producer of high-achieving, non-invasive optical sensors* that monitor oxygen levels in food, beverage and pharmaceutical packaging. Improper oxygen composition in faulty packs can stimulate rapid deterioration of the product, reducing shelf life and posing considerable threats to the consumer. The development of cost-effective methods to monitor packaging is critical to ensuring the quality and safety retail packed products.

Pharma companies across the globe also use Luxcel sensors in cell biology research in the development of new therapeutic drugs. The company’s sensors act as a highly selective screen for drugs that can be toxic to cells. They are sensitive and easy to use, providing results in days where three months was previously the norm using standard methodology.