Cosmo Bio USA

What Cosmo Bio USA does

Cosmo Bio USA is a US-based life science distribution company headquartered in Carlsbad, California, operating as the North American subsidiary of Tokyo-based Cosmo Bio. Founded in 2004, the company curates and distributes specialty research reagents, labware, instruments, cells, and biologics sourced from over 70 Japanese manufacturers and select international innovators to researchers across the United States and Canada. Its catalog spans antibodies (including a proprietary Cosmo Antibody Collection of roughly 350 antibodies co-developed with Japanese universities, plus Atlas Antibodies' 22,000+ validated antibodies), assays and ELISA kits, biomolecules such as ultra-pure lipids and recombinant proteins, cell-separation media, animal IVF reagents (notably the patented CARD series from Kyudo Co., Ltd.), food-safety and allergen detection kits, and laboratory instruments including Celloger live-cell imaging systems.

The business operates a B2B distribution model combining direct e-commerce (cosmobiousa.com, on BigCommerce) with phone, email, and fax ordering, and handles US-side import permits and cross-border logistics that researchers would otherwise have to manage themselves. Its core customer segments are academic and research institutions, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and, to a lesser extent, food-science and quality-control laboratories; pricing is on a per-unit basis with quantity discounts, with product prices ranging from approximately $158 (e.g., Gibson Assembly Master Mix) to roughly $16,000 (larger instruments), and ELISA kits and cell lines typically in the $300–$1,700 range. The company monetizes via one-time product sales (described in the source data as a one-time license revenue model) rather than subscriptions.

Revenue and headcount are not publicly disclosed; the firmographic band places employee count at 11–50. The company is privately held with no external institutional investment identified, operating under strategic ownership of its Tokyo parent. In March 2026 it expanded its product offering and geographic reach via a distribution agreement with S-BIO (Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd.) covering premium 3D cell culture, low-bind labware, and glycan analysis kits for the US and Canadian markets.

Name

Cosmo Bio USA

Legal name

Cosmo Bio USA

Website

https://cosmobiousa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cosmo Bio USA is the Carlsbad, California-based US subsidiary of Tokyo's Cosmo Bio, distributing specialty life science reagents, labware, and instruments from 70+ Japanese and international manufacturers to academic, biotech, pharmaceutical, and food-safety researchers across the United States and Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Life Science Reagents Distribution

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Reagents, Chemicals & Assay Kits (Buffers, Antibodies, ELISA, Enzymes) (HLAGAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Raw Materials & Critical Reagents Supply (Media/Resins/Cytokines) (HLAGAGAI)

Keywords

• Life science reagents
• Research antibody distribution
• Lab consumables supply
• Animal IVF reagents
• Molecular biology tools

Headquarters

HQ city

Carlsbad

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Product Distribution: Cosmo Bio USA generates revenue through distributing specialty reagents, labware, instruments, cells, and biologics from global manufacturers to US and Canadian researchers. The company offers products across multiple categories including antibodies, assays, cells, IVF reagents, molecular biology tools, and lab consumables.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Cosmo Bio USA distributes specialty life science research reagents, labware, instruments, cells, and biologics sourced from over 70 Japanese manufacturers and select international partners to researchers in the United States and Canada. The portfolio spans antibodies, ELISA and assay kits, biomolecules, animal IVF reagents, molecular biology tools, cell separation products, lab consumables, food safety assays, and laboratory instruments, sold primarily through an e-commerce storefront with personalized scientific support.

Product overview

Cosmo Bio USA operates as a life science reagents distributor offering a comprehensive portfolio of research tools sourced from over 70 Japanese manufacturers and select international partners. The company's core offerings include MHC Tetramers for flow cytometry-based T cell detection, PUREfrex® cell-free protein synthesis systems, and CARD® reagents for animal IVF research. The product portfolio spans multiple categories including antibodies (Cosmo Antibody Collection of ~350 unique antibodies plus Atlas Antibodies' 22,000+ validated antibodies), assays and kits (ELISA, immunostaining, apoptosis detection), biomolecules (lipids, proteins, cytokines), cells and cell separation products, consumables and labware (S-BIO premium labware, SUMILON products), food quality and safety testing products, and laboratory instruments (live-cell imaging systems like Celloger®, electrophoresis apparatus, ultrasonication devices). The company connects researchers with exclusive globally-sourced reagents backed by expert guidance and technical documentation, serving biotech, pharma, and academic institutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Antibodies Comprehensive antibody portfolio including the Cosmo Antibody Collection (~350 unique antibodies developed with Japanese universities targeting AGEs, tumor antigens, and autophagy markers like LC3), Atlas Antibodies (22,000+ validated antibodies from the Human Protein Atlas for IHC, Western blot, proteomics, ChIP-Exo-Seq), and MBL International immunology antibodies. For research scientists in academia, biotech, and pharma.
• MHC Tetramers
• PUREfrex Cell-Free Protein Synthesis System
• CARD Animal IVF Reagents
• F1-X Next-Generation Gibson Assembly Master Mix
• Assays & Kits
• Biomolecules
• Cells & Cell Separation Products
• Animal IVF Reagents
• Consumables and Labware

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• S-BIO (Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd.)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 March 2026Distribution agreement adding S-BIO premium labware products including 3D cell culture items, low-bind labware, and glycan analysis kits. The partnership targets research and therapeutic markets in USA and Canada, aiming to simplify cross-border logistics and improve product availability by connecting S-BIO's specialized labware with Cosmo Bio USA's local ordering, fulfillment, and support infrastructure.
• Cosmo Bio (Parent Company, Tokyo)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTokyo-based parent company providing exclusive access to reagents developed with Japanese universities and manufacturers. Cosmo Bio distributes essential research reagents including DNA molecular weight markers, bacteriophage DNA, cDNA libraries, and glycosaminoglycans.
• Kyudo Co., Ltd.coreTechnology or IntegrationDeveloper of patented CARD series reagents for mouse and rat IVF research, created in collaboration with the Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD) at Kumamoto University. Includes CARD HyperOva, Fertiup, and related IVF media products.
• MBL Life SciencescoreTechnology or IntegrationGlobal leader in immunology and molecular biology reagents, specializing in apoptosis, autophagy, and infectious disease research tools. Provides MHC tetramer kits and well-cited anti-IL-18 antibodies.
• Atlas AntibodiescoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides over 22,000 rigorously validated antibodies from the Human Protein Atlas, optimized for immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, proteomics, and ChIP-Exo-Seq workflows. Also offers MolBoolian multiplex immunostaining kits.
• Racer BiosciencesflagshipTechnology or IntegrationDevelopers of next-generation reagents for molecular biology and synthetic biology, improving reliability and performance of DNA assembly workflows with the F1-X Next-Generation Gibson Assembly Master Mix.
• ORF BiologicsflagshipTechnology or IntegrationPioneering next-generation biologics with custom and off-the-shelf solutions for biopharma companies, focusing on protein engineering, synthetic biology, and cellular modeling. Provides stem cells and cell lines.
• ARK ResourcecoreTechnology or IntegrationIVF reagent supplier for mouse, rat, and embryo manipulation including M2, KSOM media, and related products for reproductive engineering research.
• CUSABIOcoreTechnology or IntegrationExtensive catalog of ELISA kits for cytokines, growth factors, hormones, and oncology markers across multiple species, plus recombinant proteins and antibodies.
• GeneFrontierflagshipTechnology or IntegrationDeveloper of PUREfrex cell-free protein synthesis system delivering high yield, reproducibility, and flexibility for structural biology, functional studies, and assay development.
• Serumwerk Bernburg AGcoreTechnology or IntegrationClinical-grade density gradient media including Lymphoprep, Polymorphprep, Nycodenz, and OptiPrep for isolation of mononuclear cells, granulocytes, and subcellular components.
• Tokyo Ohka Kogyo (TOK)coreTechnology or IntegrationProvides Sievewell Slide, a precision-engineered microwell array platform enabling high-throughput single-cell isolation, microscopic analysis, and clonal cell selection.
• CuriosiscoreTechnology or IntegrationDeveloper of Celloger live-cell imaging systems enabling continuous non-invasive monitoring of cell cultures for cancer research, stem cell biology, and drug discovery.
• Larodan ABcoreTechnology or IntegrationUltra-pure lipids supplier including fatty acids, sterols, glycerides, and phospholipids for lipidomics, metabolic profiling, and membrane biology studies.
• BQC REDOX TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationSpecializes in oxidative stress assessment with TAC, FRAP, ABTS, and ROS detection methodologies for antioxidant capacity and food science applications.
• Kyowa Antibody Laboratory (KAL)coreTechnology or IntegrationHighly specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies for cell biology and disease research, validated for flow cytometry, IHC, ICC, and western blotting applications.
• Nittobo MedicalcoreTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of specialty antibodies for research applications including enzymes and receptors.
• 4BioDxcoreTechnology or IntegrationSpecialized antibodies for sperm quality assessment and fertility research across species, complementing reproductive biology capabilities.
• Toyobo Co., Ltd.coreTechnology or IntegrationPrecision molecular biology reagents including real-time PCR systems, reverse transcription kits, and high-fidelity DNA polymerases.
• JSR CorporationcoreTechnology or IntegrationAdvanced magnetic bead technologies for efficient immunomagnetic cell isolation, optimized for cell therapy applications and immunological research.
• FUSHIMI PharmaceuticalcoreTechnology or IntegrationProvides SG-Oxazoline for glycoengineering applications and related reagents for glycobiology research.
• Yeastern BiotechcoreTechnology or IntegrationNucleic acid research support with purification systems, PCR product cleanup kits, and cloning efficiency reagents.
• Nichirei BiosciencescoreTechnology or IntegrationHigh-sensitivity immunohistochemical detection systems including Simple Stain MAX series.
• Home Algae BiotechnologycoreTechnology or IntegrationR-PE and APC antibody labeling kits designed for flow cytometry and microscopy applications.
• KOMA BiotechcoreTechnology or IntegrationReactive oxygen species detection kits, phagocytosis assessment, immunoglobulin quantification, and Direct/Multiplex PCR systems.
• Cellular Engineering Technologies (CET)coreTechnology or IntegrationNon-viral Human iPSC Reprogramming system using episomal DNA vectors for stem cell research and regenerative medicine.
• SUDx-BioteccoreTechnology or IntegrationSugar Chain-Immobilized Gold Nanoparticles (SGNPs) for molecular binding and inhibition assays.
• Biotherapy Institute of JapancoreTechnology or IntegrationNK cells and related cell products for immunotherapy research.
• Confocal SciencecoreTechnology or IntegrationLaboratory equipment for advanced imaging and microscopy applications.
• NippicoreTechnology or IntegrationBioMasher tissue homogenizers for efficient cell disruption and sample preparation.
• Daido SangyocoreTechnology or IntegrationLab consumables and supplies for life science research.
• KOKENcoreTechnology or IntegrationSpecialized lab consumables for research applications.
• FUJI IMPULSEcoreTechnology or IntegrationLaboratory equipment and instruments for research workflows.
• Fukuzawa ShojicoreTechnology or IntegrationLaboratory equipment including ACE test and sterilization verification products.
• NH FoodscoreTechnology or IntegrationFASTKIT SLIM rapid immunochromatographic assays for allergen detection including cashew, walnut, crustacean, and other common allergens.
• Nikken SeilcoreTechnology or IntegrationAnti-4-Hydroxynonenal antibodies and other reagents for oxidative stress and food science research.
• Reed BiotechcoreTechnology or IntegrationFast Step ELISA kits for various biomarkers including cytokines and growth factors.
• LABiotechcoreTechnology or IntegrationExtracellular vesicles derived from cheese whey for research applications.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Fisher Scientific is the largest life science tools distributor with brands including Invitrogen, Gibco, Thermo Scientific, and Applied Biosystems. Comparable as a comprehensive life science reagent and instrument distributor serving the same academic/biotech customers; competes with Cosmo Bio USA across nearly every product category at significantly larger scale.
• Abcam (Danaher): Abcam, acquired by Danaher in 2023, is one of the world's largest antibody distributors serving academic and industrial researchers with a catalog of 100,000+ products. Comparable to Cosmo Bio USA's antibody distribution focus but operates at much larger scale and has stronger direct manufacturer relationships globally.
• Bio-Techne: Bio-Techne (NASDAQ: TECH) is a major global distributor and manufacturer of life science reagents, antibodies, proteins, and assay kits. Directly comparable as a research reagent distributor serving academic and biotech customers, but operates at vastly larger scale with proprietary product lines (R&D Systems, Novus Biologicals, Tocris).

Direct peers

• Cell Signaling Technology: Cell Signaling Technology (CST) is a privately-held specialty antibody and reagent manufacturer/distributor focused on cell signaling, cancer, and immunology research. Directly comparable product portfolio and customer base to Cosmo Bio USA's antibody and immunology offerings, with strong reputation for validated antibodies similar to the Cosmo Antibody Collection.
• Santa Cruz Biotechnology: Santa Cruz Biotechnology distributes a broad catalog of antibodies, siRNA/shRNA, and reagents for life science research. Directly comparable as a research reagent distributor with broad antibody catalog serving academic and biotech researchers, competing for overlapping immunology and cell biology customers.
• MBL International: MBL International (MBL Life Sciences) is a Japanese-affiliated antibody and reagent company specializing in immunology, apoptosis, and autophagy research tools, including MHC tetramer kits. They are both a supplier to Cosmo Bio USA AND a peer, distributing similar immunology products with overlapping customer base in US biotech and academic markets.
• Tocris Bioscience (Bio-Techne): Tocris Bioscience, part of Bio-Techne, distributes specialty reagents including small molecules, peptides, and biochemical tools for neuroscience and immunology research. Comparable as a specialty reagent distributor serving academic researchers with hard-to-find tools; similar premium pricing model.

Emerging players

• Rockland Immunochemicals: Rockland Immunochemicals is a US-based antibody manufacturer and distributor specializing in secondary antibodies and custom antibody services. Comparable as a specialty antibody distributor serving research customers, with overlapping offerings in immunology and cell biology reagents.
• STEMCELL Technologies: STEMCELL Technologies distributes cell culture media, cell separation products, and specialized reagents for stem cell and immunology research. Comparable to Cosmo Bio USA's Cells & Cell Separation category, particularly competing with JSR magnetic bead and Serumwerk density gradient offerings in the cell therapy and immunology research space.

Regional players

• Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics: Fujifilm Cellular Dynamics (a Japanese-affiliated US subsidiary) distributes iPSC-derived cells and cell culture reagents for life science research. Comparable to Cosmo Bio USA's parent-subsidiary distribution structure and shared Japanese-origin reagent focus, particularly for stem cell and cell biology applications.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cosmo Bio USA