Next-Generation ULT Freezer Allows Laboratories to Switch Between 115V and 220V Power, Adding Critical Flexibility to Industry-Leading Energy Efficiency

WOOD DALE, Ill. — PHC Corporation of North America (PHCNA), supplier of the PHCbi brand of cell preservation and growth products in the North America and Latin America markets, announces the launch of a new model of PHCbi brand VIP^® ECO SMART ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer series for use in facilities including medical institutions, universities, and pharmaceutical companies. The MDF-DU703VHA-PA is the first PHCbi brand ULT freezer to feature dual voltage capability, allowing laboratories to switch between 115V and 220V power sources while benefiting from the award-winning energy-saving performance and enhanced security of the VIP ECO SMART series.

PHCNA is a part of PHC Group, a global company dedicated to improving health through digital and precision technology.

The VIP ECO SMART series was launched in 2023 to respond to demand for accurate, dependable, and secure preservation equipment that minimizes power consumption while maintaining preservation capability. The series consists of HFC-free ultra-low temperature freezers that enable efficient and safe long-term storage of specimens and samples for researchers engaged in drug discovery and life science research. The series is available in 25.7 cu. ft. (729 L) and 18.6 cu. ft. (528 L) models, providing flexibility to be used in a variety of settings. One VIP ECO SMART model was awarded the 2023 ISBER Outstanding New Product Award, which recognizes one innovative new product each year in the biobanking field for technical innovation, originality, and anticipated impact on the biobanking community.

The innovative PHCbi ULT model announced today builds on the superior functionality of existing models by allowing laboratories to switch between 115V or 220V electrical power sources. While typical laboratory equipment is powered by either 115V or 220V, forcing laboratories to choose products based on available voltage sources, the MDF-DU703VHA-PA can function on either voltage and switch between the two with a simple power cord change. This added flexibility also allows researchers and healthcare providers to move essential cell preservation equipment from one location to another when needed, with the confidence that it can run from any outlet.

Hans Brok, President of PHCNA, said, “The VIP ECO SMART series has already pushed the envelope with technical advances that support pharmaceutical companies and healthcare institutions in achieving their energy efficiency goals, enhancing security of cold storage, and increasing lab performance efficiency. Now with power source flexibility, the PHCbi brand is eliminating barriers so laboratories focus on critical research and patient outcomes instead of which power outlet they happen to have available.”

Other key benefits of the VIP ECO SMART series include:

• Nearly 30% reduction in power consumption.ⁱ Since 2018, PHCNA has offered the PHCbi brand VIP ECO series of ultra-low temperature freezers featuring a highly energy-efficient natural refrigerant and an inverter compressor that can reduce power consumption through efficient rotation control in the low-speed range. The VIP ECO SMART series uses a new inverter compressor that enables more efficient rotation control at low speed and a new dual refrigeration inverter control, reducing power consumption to 5.4 kWhⁱⁱ per day. This is a reduction of approximately 30% compared to current modelsⁱⁱ and puts the VIP ECO SMART series in the top position among ultra-low temperature freezers as ranked by ENERGY STAR^®ii
• Enhanced security through electric lock with multiple authentication function. The VIP ECO SMART series features an electronic lock, accessible through password authentication, facial recognition, or an optional near-field communication (NFC) authentication, to accommodate a variety of facility needs.
• Enlarged color LCD touch panel to improve visibility and operability. The VIP ECO SMART series offers a 10.1-inch color LCD touch panel, 1.4 times larger than that of the current models, with 1.6 times higher resolution. The panel supports more efficient laboratory workflow with multiple functions integrated into a simple, user-friendly, and easy-to-see screen. In the future, PHCNA plans to offer operation monitoring and maintenance management through data linkage with a cloud server.

Since the launch of the first pharmaceutical refrigerator in Japan in 1966, the PHCbi brand has offered a wide range of life science equipment, including class-leading ultra-low temperature freezers, biomedical refrigerators, incubators, and other laboratory storage and handling solutions. For more than ten years, the PHCbi portfolio has included energy-efficient products.

ⁱ As of February 15, 2024, ENERGY STAR certification. Certification Number: 2404812(MDF-DU703VHA-PA)/2404811(MDF-DU703VH-PA)/2404909(MDF-DU503VHA-PA)/2404910(MDF-DU503VH-PA) in the ultra-low temperature freezer category. https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-lab-grade-refrigeration/details/2404812

ⁱⁱ ENERGY STAR Certified Lab Grade Refrigerators and Freezers

About PHC Corporation of North America

PHC Corporation of North America, located in Wood Dale, IL, is a leader in laboratory equipment for the biopharmaceutical, life sciences, academic, healthcare and government markets. Product lines under the PHCbi brand include the space saving and energy efficient VIP^® ECO and TwinGuard^® ultra-low temperature freezers, cryogenic and biomedical freezers, pharmacy and high-performance refrigerators, cell culture CO₂ and multigas incubators, and Drosophila/plant growth chambers. PHC Corporation of North America is a subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, which is a global healthcare company that develops, manufactures, sells, and services solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, diagnostics and life sciences.

About PHC Holdings Corporation

PHC Holdings Corporation (TSE 6523) is a global healthcare company with a mission of contributing to the health of society through healthcare solutions that have a positive impact and improve the lives of people. Its subsidiaries (referred to collectively as PHC Group) include PHC Corporation, Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG, Epredia Holdings Ltd., LSI Medience Corporation, Mediford Corporation, and Wemex Corporation. Together, these companies develop, manufacture, sell and service solutions across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, life sciences and diagnostics. PHC Group’s consolidated net sales in FY2022 were JPY 356.4 billion with global distribution of products and services in more than 125 countries. www.phchd.com