BRIEF—Ricoh buys into cell and gene therapy business

Japan’s Ricoh has inked a strategic partnership with cell and gene therapy specialist Elixirgen Scientific to develop innovative biomedical products and services supporting drug discovery.

Ricoh says it aims to grow the venture to be worth up to $2 billion by 2025. The firms will support drug discovery through the manufacture and delivery of cells differentiated from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

Ricoh will acquire a 34.5% stake in Elixirgen Scientific and launch a biomedical business in North America this year.