Epistra Launches Global Release of Cell Culture Optimization Software "CellTune Ver.2"

Epistra Inc. announces the worldwide release on June 29 of "CellTune Ver.2," a jointly developed cell culture optimization support software with Shimadzu Corporation. This upgraded software uses AI to recommend optimal conditions for medium composition and culture environments based on analysis data of culture supernatants obtained by Shimadzu's liquid chromatograph mass spectrometers (LC-MS). While the previous version (Ver.1) was available only in Japan as an on-premise (in-house server) product, the new version is now also offered as a cloud-based service with subscription (fixed-fee) pricing. Shimadzu Corporation and Shimadzu Diagnostics Inc. (SDC, Taito-ku, Tokyo) will also launch global contract manufacturing services for culture media with compositions optimized using "CellTune Ver.2."

Manufacturing antibody and cell-based therapeutics using cell culture involves long cultivation periods and expensive media, posing risks for large-scale production. Key parameters in cell culture (culture conditions) include concentrations of medium components such as amino acids and vitamins, as well as environmental factors like temperature. Epistra and Shimadzu previously co-developed a culture optimization solution, launching "CellTune" in September 2024. This solution consists of a "Feature Extraction Module" that identifies the most influential parameters from analysis data of 144 components in culture supernatants—using Shimadzu's LC-MS and the "LC/MS/MS Method Package Cell Culture Profiling Ver.3"—and an "AI Auto-Optimization Module" that proposes optimal culture conditions.

Screen Image: Cell Culture Optimization Support Software "CellTune Ver.2"

[Key Features of the New Version of CellTune]

1. Enhanced and Expanded Optimization Capabilities

The company's AI optimization algorithm "Epistra Accelerate," built into CellTune, has been updated, reducing the number of required experiments for condition search by 40% compared to Ver.1. The software can now handle complex optimization scenarios involving constrained experimental conditions.

2. Predicting Optimization Difficulty in Advance

A new function simulates and estimates the probability of optimization success prior to experimentation. This enables early identification and revision of plans with high difficulty and extremely low chances of success, allowing for more efficient and waste-free optimization experiments.

3. Global Expansion via Cloud and Subscription Models

The new cloud-based offering eliminates the need for customers to own computer and network infrastructure, including backup systems, significantly lowering the barrier to adoption. Flexible subscription plans of 1 to 3 years are available, aligning with research and development timelines.

Product Name: Cell Culture Optimization Support Software "CellTune"

Suggested Retail Prices (inclusive of tax):

Trial Plan: 154,000 JPY per month

1-Year Plan: from 2,992,000 JPY

2-Year Plan: from 5,940,000 JPY

3-Year Plan: from 8,140,000 JPY

On-Premise: 6,600,000 JPY

[Related Links]

Agreement on Joint Development of Cell Culture Condition Optimization Solution (published 2022)

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000076234.html

Announcement of the Launch of Cell Culture Optimization Support Software "CellTune" (published 2024)

https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000008.000076234.html

Interview on the Background of the CellTune Joint Development (published 2025)

https://www.epistra.jp/use-case/celltune