ZEON acquires patents for Deterministic Cell Separation technology from GPB Scientific, Inc. ‐ Accelerating cell therapy through innovation

PRESS RELEASE

1 1-6-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8246 Japan

September 24, 2025

Zeon acquires patents for Deterministic Cell Separation technology from GPB Scientific, Inc. ‐ Accelerating cell therapy through innovation ‐

Zeon Corporation Zeon Corporation (Zeon; head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Tetsuya Toyoshima) is pleased to announce it has acquired patents for Deterministic Cell Separation*¹ (DCS) technology, previously owned by U.S.-based GPB Scientific, Inc., commonly referred to as Curate Bioscience. Leveraging DCS technology, Zeon will pursue new business opportunities in the cell therapy fields.

DCS technology enables high-precision cell separation by utilizing differences in cell size and shape. This innovative approach is expected to have wide-ranging applications in the life sciences, particularly in cell therapy. With this patent acquisition, which underscores its potential contribution to cell therapy, Zeon will accelerate business development in healthcare and life sciences, one of the four growth areas*² outlined in its Medium-Term Business Plan, STAGE30.

Zeon’s Cyclo Olefin Polymers, ZEONEX® and ZEONOR®, are widely recognized for their unique properties including low autofluorescence, high transparency, minimal biomolecule adsorption, and high purity. These features have led to their adoption as materials for analytical devices such as microfluidic chips and for biochemical analysis applications such as biotechnological/biological products containers.

With its proprietary precision molding technologies using Cyclo Olefin Polymers, Zeon aims to integrate the newly acquired DCS technology and is seeking collaboration with tool, device, and therapy manufacturers to develop application-specific devices. Zeon will also pursue new business opportunities in cell therapy and diagnostics, further strengthening its presence in the life sciences field.

For the third phase of STAGE30, Zeon has set a target for its four key areas to account for 48% of total sales by 2028 and is focusing resources on these fields to accelerate the transformation of its business portfolio. Zeon remains committed to contributing to a sustainable society and delivering indispensable products and services, advancing both a sustainable Earth and a safe, comfortable life for people.

*¹ Deterministic Cell Separation (DCS) A technology that separates cells based on size by utilizing a precisely defined array of micropillars to modify the flow patterns within a microfluidic channel.

*² Four growth areas Mobility, Healthcare and Life Science, Telecommunications and GX

For more information, contact:

Department of Corporate Communications,

Corporate Sustainability Division, Zeon Corporation

Phone: +81-3-3216-2747 Contact form