Sonanos is a next-generation excipient that enhances sustained drug release and solubility, helping pharmaceutical developers address formulation and delivery challenges for biologics, peptides, and oncology therapies. Since 2020, Asahi Kasei has collaborated with global pharmaceutical companies on more than 60 feasibility studies using Sonanos samples.

The new grades include Sonanos PG, engineered for sustained release of biologics and peptides with patient-friendly dosing, and Sonanos DS, formulated to improve solubility for poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients. Both versions were developed through optimization of encapsulation capacity and formulation performance.

Hideyuki Kimura, Senior General Manager of Asahi Kasei’s Healthcare Materials Division, said the new products strengthen the company’s position in pharmaceutical materials by offering novel excipient solutions that meet evolving customer needs.

Sonanos is also being advanced through DiveRadGel, an Asahi Kasei spin-out focused on cancer vaccine development. Its vaccine-grade version, Sonanos DV, has entered GMP production for early clinical trials.