Nacalai USA
Nacalai USA is a San Diego-based distributor of Japanese-manufactured life science research products — HPLC/SFC columns, cell culture reagents, growth factors, and ~400 research chemicals — serving academic, pharmaceutical, and biotech researchers across the United States.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Nacalai USA does
Nacalai USA, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's Nacalai Tesque, Inc. (Kyoto, established 1846, ISO 9001:2000 certified), founded in San Diego in January 2005 to bridge the Japanese and American life science research markets. It distributes and sells research biochemicals, chromatography products, and cell culture reagents manufactured primarily in Japan, alongside U.S. and partner-originated technologies channeled into Japan. The portfolio is organized across three divisions: Life Sciences (StemFit chemically-defined stem cell media, iMatrix recombinant laminins, Ceglu FDA-DMF-registered polymer scaffolds, ISOkine plant-based growth factors, 3D culture systems including EZSPHERE/WELLBAG/MatriMix, and NEXTY pipettors); Analytical Sciences (the COSMOSIL HPLC/SFC column line in market for over 46 years, plus ChromaNik SunShell/SunBridge and CERI L-columns, sample-preparation tools, and DL-Amino Acid Labeling kits); and Research Chemicals (approximately 400 high-purity reagents, natural products, and glycan synthesis reagents searchable through the e-Nacalai online catalog).
The company's technology differentiators center on proprietary specialty stationary phases (Cholester, PBr, PYE, πNAP, Buckyprep) that enable separations not achievable on standard C18 columns, core-shell COSMOCORE silica technology, animal-component-free and endotoxin-free recombinant growth factors expressed in barley, a chemically-defined polymer scaffold for iPSC/ESC/MSC culture, and an isotonic optical-clearing reagent (SeeDB-Live/ACSF) licensed from Kyushu University for live brain tissue imaging. Key academic and industrial reference users include Pfizer (SFC vitamin D2/D3 separation), Cayman Chemical (CBGA isomer separation), University of Chicago (3D cardiac patch research), University of Southern California (kidney organoid platform), and SEKISUI Chemical (Ceglu manufacturing partner).
The business model is a hybrid product-led growth and distribution franchise: direct self-serve e-commerce through nacalaiusa.com (FedEx Ground shipping, unit pricing with frequent promotional discounts), exhibition-driven sales at major scientific conferences, and U.S. distribution partnerships for products from ORF Genetics (ISOkine), ChromaNik Technologies, Biogenesis (FGF-2 STAB), Synplogen (DNA synthesis), and SEKISUI Chemical (Ceglu). Customers are primarily life science researchers in academia and pharmaceutical/biotech companies, with the recent FDA Drug Master File registration for Ceglu opening a pathway into regulated cell-therapy manufacturing. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.
Nacalai USA firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Nacalai USA
- Legal name
- Nacalai USA, Inc.
- Website
- https://nacalaiusa.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Nacalai USA is a San Diego-based distributor of Japanese-manufactured life science research products — HPLC/SFC columns, cell culture reagents, growth factors, and ~400 research chemicals — serving academic, pharmaceutical, and biotech researchers across the United States.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Nacalai USA industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Life Science Research Reagents
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Reagents, Chemicals & Assay Kits (Buffers, Antibodies, ELISA, Enzymes) (HLAGAIAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Raw Materials & Critical Reagents Supply (Media/Resins/Cytokines) (HLAGAGAI), Laboratory Consumables & Plasticware (Tips, Tubes, Plates, Filters) (HLAGAIAH)
Keywords
Where Nacalai USA is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Diego
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Nacalai USA business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Product Sales (Direct E-commerce and Direct Sales): Nacalai USA sells research biochemicals, HPLC columns, cell culture reagents, and laboratory consumables directly to life science researchers through its e-commerce website and at trade show events. Products are sold at list prices with various promotional discounts offered throughout the year. The company also serves as a distributor bringing Japanese-manufactured products to the US market and US technologies into Japan.
- Distribution and Resale: Nacalai USA acts as the exclusive US distributor for products manufactured by its parent company Nacalai Tesque, Inc. (Kyoto, Japan), including the COSMOSIL HPLC column product line and various biochemical reagents. The company also distributes products from partner companies such as ORF Genetics (ISOkine), ChromaNik Technologies (SunShell/SunBridge), and Biogenesis (FGF-2 STAB).
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | SeeDB-Live/ACSF Tissue Clearing Reagent |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | ISOkine Plant-based Growth Factors & Cytokines - various sizes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Ceglu Pre-coated Plates for Stem Cell Culture |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | NEXTY Pipettors |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Nacalai USA product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Nacalai USA distributes and sells high-purity research biochemicals, HPLC/SFC chromatography columns (COSMOSIL), cell culture reagents, and laboratory consumables to life science researchers and pharmaceutical/biotech organizations across the US. Operating as the US distribution arm of Japan's Nacalai Tesque (established 1846, formally incorporated as a research reagent company in 1958), the company provides products across three divisions: Life Sciences (cell culture, protein analysis, genomics, labware), Analytical Sciences (HPLC/SFC columns, sample preparation, derivatization kits), and Research Chemicals (high-purity reference standards and reagents).
Product overview
Nacalai USA provides a comprehensive portfolio of research products organized into three main divisions: Life Sciences, Analytical Sciences, and Research Chemicals. Life Sciences includes cell culture products (StemFit media, iMatrix laminins, Ceglu scaffolds, ISOkine growth factors), 3D cell culture systems (EZSPHERE, WELLBAG, MatriMix), and labware (NEXTY pipettors). Analytical Sciences centers on the COSMOSIL HPLC/SFC chromatography column brand (46+ years) plus SunShell/SunBridge and CERI L-columns, sample preparation tools (RAPID series, Smart Evaporator), and DL-Amino Acid Labeling kits. Research Chemicals offers approximately 400 high-purity reagents including natural products and glycobiology reagents. The company operates as a subsidiary of Nacalai Tesque (Kyoto, Japan, established 1846) and distributes products manufactured in Japan to the US research market. Products are for research use only (RUO). Notable recent launches include SeeDB-Live/ACSF for live brain tissue imaging, ISOkine plant-based growth factors, and Ceglu FDA-registered scaffolds for stem cell culture.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- COSMOSIL: HPLC/SFC columns product line including reversed phase, specialty columns (Cholester, NPE, PYE, Sugar-D), Buckyprep for Fullerene separation, and chiral separation columns
- COSMOCORE
- StemFit
- ISOkine
- Ceglu
- SeeDB-Live/ACSF
- StemFit
Products and services
- COSMOSIL HPLC/SFC Columns Nacalai's flagship HPLC and SFC chromatography column line with 46+ years of refinement. Includes reversed-phase C18 columns, specialty stationary phases (cholesteryl, pentabromobenzyl, pyrenylethyl, naphthylethyl) enabling unique π-π interactions for chiral, fullerene, and hydrophilic-metabolite separations; chiral separation columns (CHiRAL series); normal phase; HILIC; protein and oligonucleotide columns. Used by analytical chemistry labs and pharmaceutical QC teams worldwide.
- ISOkine Plant-based Growth Factors & Cytokines Animal-component-free recombinant growth factors and cytokines produced in barley grain by ORF Genetics using a unique eukaryotic expression system that yields proper folding and glycosylation for high biological activity. Free of serum, antibiotics, endotoxins, viruses, and unwanted cytokines. Used by stem cell researchers and regenerative medicine manufacturers requiring defined, regulatory-friendly culture conditions.
- Ceglu Chemically Defined Scaffold Revolutionary chemically-defined polymer scaffold for cell culture available as pre-coated multiwell plates (6-well, 96-well) and 100mm dishes. Eliminates additional coating steps; enables consistent, uniform culture surface across devices and scales from research to manufacturing. Supports iPSCs, ESCs, MSCs, and differentiated cells. Manufactured by SEKISUI CHEMICAL and FDA Drug Master File registered (April 2026) for IND/BLA referencing by pharmaceutical and biotech customers.
- SeeDB-Live/ACSF Optical Clearing Reagent Isotonic, minimally invasive optical-clearing reagent enabling transparent brain tissue with preserved neuronal activity and deeper fluorescence imaging. Non-cytotoxic for live-cell preparations. Manufactured under license from University of Kyushu and used by neuroscience researchers for acute-slice live imaging of neuronal dynamics.
- NEXTY Pipettors Single-channel, fixed-volume, and 8-channel pipettors with a Turbo Dial enabling 3x faster dial settings. Available in Slim Type (thin push-button), Autoclavable Type (mushroom-shaped push-button), and Fixed Volume models. The lower portion can be autoclaved, and optional pipettor stands and reservoirs are sold alongside. Used by laboratories for standard liquid handling.
- StemFit Cell Culture Media Chemically-defined media and supplements for iPS and ES cell culture, including StemFit Basic04 Complete Type (animal-origin-free defined medium with bFGF). Used for human pluripotent stem cell culture in basic and clinical research applications, including documented use by Dr. Andrew McMahon's group at University of Southern California for an ADPKD kidney organoid platform.
- iMatrix Laminin Series Recombinant human laminin extracellular matrix products expressed in CHO-S cells for high purity. Includes iMatrix-511 (ES/iPS culture), iMatrix-221 (cardiomyocyte purification), iMatrix-411 (endothelial induction), iMatrix-111, and iMatrix-332 (hepatoblast and corneal epithelial differentiation). Used by stem cell researchers for defined culture conditions.
- EZSPHERE 3D Cell Culture Microwells Low-adhesion microwell culture ware enabling three-dimensional multi-cellular spheroid formation. Used by researchers for 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine studies; documented use includes University of Chicago (Dr. Takeyoshi Ota) for spheroid-based cardiac patch research.
- WELLBAG Spheroid Culture Bag Closed-system culture bag for large-scale, uniform-sized spheroid production. Used by researchers scaling spheroid culture for downstream applications, providing a scalable alternative to open microwell formats.
- MatriMix 3D Cell Culture Matrix Defined-component matrices for 3D cell culture: MatriMix 511 (Laminin 511E8-based) and MatriMix for PDX (Laminin 511E8 + Type I Collagen + Hyaluronic acid). Used for organoid culture and patient-derived xenograft workflows.
- Accutase Cell Detachment Solution Ready-to-use non-mammalian, non-bacterial cell detachment solution that mimics trypsin and collagenase action. A suitable replacement for all trypsin applications; gentle on cells and broadly used for routine subculturing workflows.
- FGF-2 TOP (Thermostability Optimized) Recombinant FGF-2 growth factor engineered for enhanced thermostability to enable more efficient cell culture with fewer media changes while retaining full biological activity. Distributed by Nacalai USA for stem cell and cell-based application workflows.
- DL-Amino Acid Labeling Kit Derivatization kit using a chiral resolution labeling reagent enabling simultaneous separation and identification of DL-amino acids for high-sensitivity LC-MS analysis. Used for quantitative analysis of D/L-serine, D/L-proline, isoleucine enantiomers, and amyloid beta fragment peptides in research applications.
- SunShell/SunBridge HPLC/SFC Columns HPLC and SFC columns from ChromaNik Technologies distributed in the US by Nacalai USA. Includes SunBridge Ultra Hybrid C18, SunShell core-shell columns, SunArmor, Sunniest (novel bonding), Sunrise (silanol-controlled), Prominert, and ArmorShell columns for various analytical separations.
- CERI HPLC L-columns High-performance reversed-phase HPLC columns (L-column, L-column2, L-column3) manufactured by CERI. Known for exceptional peak shape from advanced end-capping that minimizes secondary interactions. Distributed by Nacalai USA in the US market.
- RAPID Sample Preparation Products Sample preparation consumables for HPLC: RAPID Slit Seal (self-closing seal minimizing solvent evaporation and preventing needle clogging), RAPID EPS (resistant to organic solvents with easy needle piercing), and RAPID Tube Plate 600 (96-well format for metabolic stability assays in drug discovery).
- Smart Evaporator Solvent evaporation instrument for fast and easy removal of DMSO, DMF, and water from samples during analytical sample preparation.
- COSMO(+) Capillary Electrophoresis Column Cationic polymer-coated capillary column for capillary electrophoresis enabling reversed electroosmotic flow (from cathode to anode) for specialized separation applications where standard anionic coatings are unsuitable.
- DNA Synthesis Services (OGAB) Custom DNA synthesis service using Synplogen's OGAB technology capable of delivering DNA fragments ranging from a few kilobases to over 100 kilobases. Used by researchers in synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and biopharmaceutical research applications.
- EZ-BindShut 3D Cell Culture Surface Polymer-coated low-binding surface for 3D cell culture minimizing cell and protein adsorption; supports spheroid formation in low-attachment workflows as a complement to microwell and scaffold-based 3D culture systems.
- e-Nacalai Search Online Catalog Comprehensive online catalog platform enabling researchers to search approximately 400 high-purity reagents by structure, CAS number, and product name, with access to detailed product information and documentation. Used by researchers for product discovery across the Research Chemicals category.
Quantifiable outcome
- 11 nicotinamide metabolites successfully separated under simpler conditions than C18 columns using COSMOSIL PBr column
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Nacalai USA
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Nacalai USA technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
Nacalai USA partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD.coreSEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. manufactures Ceglu, a chemically synthesized polymer enabling iPS cell culture. SEKISUI successfully registered Ceglu with the US FDA Drug Master File in April 2026, enabling pharmaceutical and biotech companies to reference the DMF in IND and BLA applications. Nacalai USA distributes Ceglu products in the US market.
- Synplogen Co., Ltd.minorSynplogen Co., Ltd. offers OGAB DNA synthesis technology capable of delivering DNA fragments from a few kilobases to over 100 kilobases with high accuracy and efficiency. Nacalai USA offers Synplogen DNA synthesis services, ideal for applications in synthetic biology, genetic engineering, and biopharmaceutical research.
- ORF GeneticscoreORF Genetics developed a unique expression system using barley grain for production of recombinant human and animal proteins. Nacalai USA serves as the US distributor for ISOkine plant-based growth factors and cytokines. These animal-component-free products use geothermal renewable energy in production and are free of animal-derived substances, bacteria, viruses, or prions.
- ChromaNik Technologies, Inc.minorChromaNik Technologies, Inc. manufactures SunShell, SunBridge, SunArmor, Sunniest, Sunrise, Prominert, and ArmorShell HPLC/SFC columns. Nacalai USA distributes these ChromaNik products in the US market as part of its Analytical Sciences product portfolio.
- Biogenesis Co., Ltd.minorBiogenesis Co., Ltd. manufactures Thermostable Recombinant FGF-2 (FGF-2 STAB®). Nacalai USA became the distributor for FGF-2 STAB in the US market. FGF-2 STAB is a next-generation growth factor offering enhanced thermostability for stem cell and cell-based applications.
- Kyoto UniversitycoreProfessor Hideaki Kakeya from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kyoto University collaborated with Nacalai to develop the DL-Amino Acid Labeling Kit. This study on separation of amyloid β fragment peptides was selected as HOT Articles 2023 by the Royal Society of Chemistry journal Analyst. This collaborative research led to novel chiral resolution labeling reagent technology.
- University of KyushucoreProfessor Takeshi Imai and Assistant Professor Shigenori Inagaki from the Faculty of Medical Sciences at University of Kyushu developed the SeeDB-Live optical clearing technology. SeeDB-Live/ACSF is manufactured and sold by Nacalai Tesque, Inc. under a license from Kyushu University. Data on live brain tissue imaging was provided by this research group.
- Pfizer Inc.minorPfizer Inc. (La Jolla, California) provided data courtesy for Vitamin D2/D3 separation by SFC using COSMOSIL SFC column series, demonstrating application of Nacalai's chromatography products in pharmaceutical analysis.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Nacalai USA competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Waters Corporation: Waters is the leading global manufacturer of HPLC columns (ACQUITY UPLC, XBridge, XSelect, SunFire, Symmetry) and chromatography systems. Directly comparable to Nacalai USA's COSMOSIL/COSMOCORE HPLC/SFC column business serving the same analytical chemistry customers.
- Shimadzu Scientific Instruments: Shimadzu manufactures HPLC columns (Shim-pack, Nexera series) and analytical instruments with deep ties to Japanese chemistry research. Direct comparable in HPLC column chemistry and also a Japan-rooted peer competing for the same Japanese-manufactured-quality customer narrative.
- Phenomenex (Danaher): Phenomenex is a major specialty HPLC column manufacturer (Luna, Kinetex core-shell, Synergi, Jupiter) owned by Danaher. Directly comparable to COSMOSIL/COSMOCORE in column chemistry, core-shell technology, and specialty separations.
- STEMCELL Technologies: STEMCELL Technologies supplies cell culture media, growth factors, cytokines, and reagents for stem cell and immunology research, including defined and animal-free products. Directly comparable to Nacalai USA's StemFit media, ISOkine growth factors, and Ceglu scaffold offering.
- Bio-Techne (including Tocris and PeproTech): Bio-Techne is a major supplier of research reagents, cytokines, and growth factors via its Tocris (small molecules) and PeproTech (recombinant proteins) brands. Directly comparable to Nacalai USA's research chemicals and ISOkine growth factor/cytokine portfolio.
- ReproCELL: ReproCELL is a Japan-rooted stem cell and regenerative medicine reagent supplier offering defined media, growth factors, and 3D cell culture tools. Directly comparable to Nacalai USA's StemFit, iMatrix, and Ceglu iPSC/ESC product lines and a closer geographic and product niche peer.
Broad incumbents
- Agilent Technologies: Agilent manufactures HPLC columns (ZORBAX, Poroshell 120, InfinityLab) and analytical instruments and operates a much broader life science and applied markets portfolio. Competes head-to-head in chromatography and adjacent life science reagent markets.
- Bio-Rad Laboratories: Bio-Rad is a broad life science research tools and clinical diagnostics company with comparable products across protein analysis, cell biology, and chromatography. Overlaps with Nacalai USA's protein analysis reagents, cell culture, and HPLC offerings as a larger incumbent.
- MilliporeSigma (Merck KGaA Life Science): MilliporeSigma is the largest life science reagents and lab consumables distributor and manufacturer globally. Directly comparable to Nacalai USA's research chemicals (~400 reagents), cell culture media, and consumables portfolio at much greater scale.
- Corning Life Sciences: Corning supplies cell culture vessels, extracellular matrices (Corning Matrigel), and 3D cell culture systems. Overlaps with Nacalai USA's iMatrix laminins, EZSPHERE, MatriMix, and Ceglu cell culture scaffold offerings.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Nacalai USA social profiles
Digital presenceNacalai USA compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Nacalai USA financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Nacalai USA leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Nacalai USA funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Nacalai USA M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Nacalai USA
What does Nacalai USA do?
Nacalai USA distributes and sells high-purity research biochemicals, HPLC/SFC chromatography columns (COSMOSIL), cell culture reagents, and laboratory consumables to life science researchers and pharmaceutical/biotech organizations across the US. Operating as the US distribution arm of Japan's Nacalai Tesque (established 1846, formally incorporated as a research reagent company in 1958), the company provides products across three divisions: Life Sciences (cell culture, protein analysis, genomics, labware), Analytical Sciences (HPLC/SFC columns, sample preparation, derivatization kits), and Research Chemicals (high-purity reference standards and reagents).
Is Nacalai USA a public or private company?
Nacalai USA is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Nacalai USA founded?
Nacalai USA was founded in 2005. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Nacalai USA based?
Nacalai USA is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.
How does Nacalai USA make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Product Sales (Direct E-commerce and Direct Sales) is the primary driver. The others are distribution and Resale.
Who are Nacalai USA's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Waters Corporation, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Phenomenex (Danaher), STEMCELL Technologies, Bio-Techne (including Tocris and PeproTech) and ReproCELL. Broad incumbents are Agilent Technologies, Bio-Rad Laboratories, MilliporeSigma (Merck KGaA Life Science) and Corning Life Sciences.
Does Nacalai USA have an API?
No public API is recorded for Nacalai USA.
What industry is Nacalai USA in?
Nacalai USA's product category is Life Science Research Reagents. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAI, Reagents, Chemicals & Assay Kits (Buffers, Antibodies, ELISA, Enzymes), with a secondary code of HLAGAGAI, Raw Materials & Critical Reagents Supply (Media/Resins/Cytokines). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.