Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. has invested in Zafrens Inc. a company supporting drug discovery through high-throughput single-cell analysis, via 321FORCE Global Innovation Fund L.P. (321FORCE™; managed by Global Brain Corporation). Zafrens has developed an ultrahigh throughput single cell platform to isolate, image, run assays on and sequence 50,000-2,00,000 cells per experiment.
The platform makes it possible to understand cell behaviour and decode how a cell’s molecular profile (DNA, RNA, protein) translates to its function at scale. Further, the platform’s ability to seamlessly span different therapeutic modalities allows it to rapidly generate deep insights.
Mitsui Chemicals is positioning the cell culture sector as a future growth field, and is developing its unique cell culture plates and devices by leveraging its assets and technologies. The company’s investment in Zafrens via 321FORCE™ will aid it in continuing to explore new business opportunities in the field of cell culture and aiming to expand its business portfolio. The press release stated that going forward, 321FORCE™ will continue to engage in co-creation activities with the Mitsui Chemicals Group and start-ups.
