Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007 - EDA

Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaf t
Confédératio n suisse
Confederazione Svizz era
Confederaziun svizra
Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
State Secretariat for Education and Research SER
Swiss Biotech Pavilion at BioJapan 2007
Summary
BioJapan 2007, the 9th edition of the longest-established international bioindustry event in Asia, was held in Yokohama from September 19-21 with a focus on practical application and commercialization of biotechnology.
Switzerland was represented by the Swiss Biotech Pavilion, which hosted a
record 18 co-exhibitors, such as Actelion, Bachem, Biolytix, Lonza Japan,
Debiopharm, Dualsystems, Prionics, Venture Valuation, BaselArea, Greater
Zurich Area, Swiss Biotech Association, Location Switzerland and the Swiss
Science & Technology Office of the Embassy of Switzerland. Total attendance
at BioJapan 2007 reached 16,330 persons. It was a successful event with
many quality contacts.
Framework activities included strengthening ties with Bioindustry Clusters in
Kobe, Toyama and Hokkaido.
BioJapan 2008 will take place from October 15-17, 2008.
BioJapan 2007
BioJapan 2007 World Business Forum (http://expo.nikkeibp.co.jp/biojapan/eng/index.html) , one of the world’s biggest international biotechnology exhibition, was held for the ninth time between 19-21 September 2007 at
Pacifico Yokohama, Japan.
The three-day event attracted 16,330 visitors, allowing them to witness the latest
trend in technology deemed critical for solving global issues; i.e. health, food, energy
and environment. The technology is also considered to become the main driver for
sustainable development of industries including pharmaceutical, food, chemical, machine and IT.
A total of over 400 exhibitors, consisting of a well balanced mixture of private companies, universities, overseas
clusters, institutes, governmental bodies and small & medium-sized bio ventures, presented frontline research and
cutting-edge new products. Overseas exhibitors accounted for almost half the number of exhibitors, as international
collaboration is fast becoming a prerequisite for success in the field of biotechnology.
People visit the exhibition from corporate and academic research institutions,
medical companies, bio ventures, investment offices and business development
offices of national and local governments, engineering houses and venture capitals. Hokkaido Bio-Industry Association, an NPO from Northern Japan, reported
on its website they were reunited with a Swiss
exhibitor at BioJapan 2007. The NPO had become a client of the Swiss company after
learning about them for the first time at the
prior years event.
Qualified and well-known professionals were invited to speak about biotechnology trends and markets. The BioJapan organizers invited top speakers for the
seminars from all over the world.
The exhibition was co-organized by the Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA), Japan Health Sciences Foundation
(JHSF), Society for Techno-innovation of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (STAFF), Japan Biological Informatics
Consortium(JBIC), Japan Association of Bioindustries Executives (JABEX), Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
Association (JPMA), NPO Kinki Bio-industry Development Organization (KBDO) and Nikkei Business Publications.
Official sponsors were Roche and Merck & Co.
Institutions including the following also gave their endorsement: Embassy of Switzerland, Embassy of the United
States of America, British Embassy, Australian Embassy, Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, Embassy of
Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007, September 19-21, 2007 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché
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Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaf t
Confédératio n suisse
Confederazione Svizz era
Confederaziun svizra
Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
State Secretariat for Education and Research SER
Canada, Embassy of Sweden, Scottish Development International, Embassy of Spain, Royal Danish Embassy,
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Finnish Funding Agency for Technology
and Innovation Tekes, Embassy of France, Bioindustry Association of Korea, Shanghai Biopharmaceutics Industies
Association, Taiwan Bio Industry Organization, and Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Why Japan ?
The importance of Japan as one of the front runners in the bio industry has
evolved substantially in recent years; a good example being the creation of “induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells),” which can renew themselves and can
differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cell types. The country offers an
excellent basis of academic research, cutting edge skills and technologies, all
with strong forward momentum. Moreover, Japan’s biotechnology market, the
world’s second biggest following the U.S., was estimated to have surpassed
2 trillion yen in 2007.
On the policy side, the government has made clear its commitment in developing
Prof. Oreste Ghisalba at
biotechnology as a national strategy for the welfare of its citizens as well as from
Kagamibiraki Opening Ceremony
the viewpoint of national competitiveness, national economy, security and bioethics. It recognizes the need for change (e.g. deregulation and promotion) and has strengthened initiatives to increase R&D funding and accelerate patent filings.
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
Conveniently situated just adjacent to the Roche Pavilion and near the Press Center and the VIP Meeting Room,
the Swiss Biotech Pavilion was very successful in attracting much attention to Switzerland‘s top-notch biotechnology research and businesses at BioJapan 2007. It was a successful event with many quality contacts. Ties with
bioindustry clusters in Kobe, Toyama and Hokkaido could have been further strengthened.
Swiss Pavilion Co-organizers
• Swiss Biotech Association
Wengistrasse 7
8004 Zürich, Switzerland
http://www.swissbiotechassociation.ch
Contact: Mr. Domenico Alexakis
Executive Director
Telephone: +41 (0)44 455 56 78
Official Email: [email protected]
• Science & Technology Office Japan
Embassy of Switzerland
5-9-12 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8589
www.eda.admin.ch/tokyo_emb
Contact: Dr. Felix Moesner
Science & Technology Attaché
Telephone +81 (0)3 5449 8400
Official Email: [email protected]
Swiss Participants and Sponsors:
Both Basel Area and Greater Zurich Area provided great support to identify and contact potential participants to the
Swiss Biotech Pavilion. Eight companies and a total of ten sponsors and non-corporate participants joined our activities at the Swiss Biotech Pavilion.
Corporate exhibitors:
• Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
• Bachem AG
• Biolytix AG
• Debiopharm SA
•
•
•
•
Sponsors and non-corporate participants:
• BaselArea Business Development
• BioAlps AG
• Biopolo Ticino
• Swiss Biotech Association
• Swiss Business Hub Japan
• State Secretariat for Education and Research SER
Dualsystems Biotech AG
Lonza Ltd.
Prionics AG
Venture Valuation AG
Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007, September 19-21, 2007 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché
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Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaf t
Confédératio n suisse
Confederazione Svizz era
Confederaziun svizra
•
•
•
•
Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
Greater Zurich Area
Innovation Promotion Agency CTI
Location Switzerland
Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
State Secretariat for Education and Research SER
•
•
•
•
SWX – Swiss Exchange
Nespresso
Valser Mineral Water
Lindt Chocolate
Pictures from the Swiss Biotech Pavilion
Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007, September 19-21, 2007 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché
Page 3 of 71
Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaf t
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State Secretariat for Education and Research SER
Testimonials
All participants have been quite satisfied with their presence at the Swiss Biotech Pavilion. Please find their testimonials in the following:
Basel Area Business Development
The Swiss Biotech Pavilion at BioJapan 2007 managed to attract a large number of visitors due to the superb location, appealing booth design and excellent organization by the Swiss Science & Technology team of the Swiss
Embassy. As a direct consequence Basel Area Business Development was able to generate interesting new leads.
Debiopharm
Thank you for welcoming us at the booth! The booth atmosphere was very convivial and
everyone of us felt at ease having our own contacts coming there for discussions (even
more so as it was difficult to set up pre-arranged one-to-one meetings with the BioJapan
system). The Swiss representatives (from Japan & Switzerland) were very helpful at all
times! However, since only few Swiss companies were represented, the question would
be: what did they expect from the BioJapan meeting?
Personally, I regretted that so little English was spoken and that so few Japanese
biopharmaceutical companies were present (although there was abundant representation
from clusters). My colleagues having previously come to Japan to visit individual Japanese
biopharmaceutical companies felt that it was rewarding to do it this way. However, I
believe that additional interesting contacts could be made at BioJapan.
Lonza Japan Ltd.
.
We are very happy to have participated in Swiss Biotech Pavilion and worked with you at
Bio Japan 2007. We appreciate very much your excellent organization for the expo. Swiss
Biotech Pavilion was stylish and well organized. As for Lonza booth, we had a lot of valuable clients though the visitor numbers were not enormous. It was also a good opportunity
to work together and have communication with our Swiss colleagues in the same pavilion.
Thank you again for your contribution. We hope this will go on next year again.
Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007, September 19-21, 2007 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché
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Location Switzerland Japan
It would be very nice if all the exhibitors could get together one day before or so at the embassy, and know each
other beforehand the exhibitions. 5-10 minutes presentations of their companies could be very helpful, and we
would be able to explain better at the pavilion. Reading a brochure only was not enough preparation for 3 days exhibition.
Some visitors asked me if there were any seminars of each company held at the pavilion. I understand that the
space was limited, it would have been nice to have seminars at the pavilion and the exhibitor could explain their
company to many people at once. I believe that presentations are always better to get people's attention, and it can
be bring more people to the pavilion itself.
Venture Evaluation
Thank you very much for your help and support for BioJapan. It was really helpful to have somebody on site with
local knowledge. I think it was great that you made translators available to all the participants of the Swiss booth.
Also the networking event at the end of the conference with Swiss participants and affiliated people was a nice
closing of the trip.
Framework Events
International Life Science Partnering Forum 2007 Kobe
September 18
The International Life Science Partnering Forum 2007 Kobe/Hyogo took place at
the Kobe Translational Research Informatics Center (TRI), Kobe, Japan
http://www.tri-kobe.org.
The organizers behind this event include the Kobe city government, the Hyogo
prefectural government, JETRO Kobe, the Foundation for Biomedical Research
and Innovation (FBRI) and the Hyogo Economic Development Center.
After the opening remarks by Mr. Kanda, FBRI (“Kobe is the most advanced life
sciences cluster of Japan“), the keynote lecture was given by Mr. Kuwagaki, Eli
Lilly Japan K.K. This was followed by presentations from the eight companies from five countries. Dr. Adrian Haerri,
Biolytix AG (Switzerland) and GenKyoTex (Switzerland) started the presentation flow.
A site tour was offered prior to the luncheon seminar, at which an introduction of the Kobe Medical Industry Development Project by Mr. Miki (Kobe city) and a presentation on the “Utilization of Molecular Imaging in the Drug Discovery“ by Mr. Watanabe (RIKEN Molecular Imaging Research Program) were given.
After the business partnering, which took place with Prionics and Meddiscovery,
the Swiss delegation met with FBRI (Dr. Gregory Rall, Dr. Kuroiwa) for follow-up
talks.
The visit in Kobe ended with a courtesy call to Vice Governor of the Hyogo
Prefectural Government by Professor Oreste Ghisalba, all participating Swiss
companies, Ms. Sachiko Nagai (Swiss Consulate General) and Dr. Felix
Moesner (Swiss Embassy Tokyo).
Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007, September 19-21, 2007 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché
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BIOLINK FORUM
September 22-24
BIOLINK FORUM is JETRO's international
biotech business networking, symposium
and business partnering event that provids
an opportunity for representatives from biotech companies in Japan and abroad to come
together for symposiums, networking and one-on-one business talks. It is a concurrent
event to BioJapan 2008. Events of previous years attracted close to 400 attendees,
including 350 participants from some 60 biotech clusters in 14 countries.
Due to the growing importance of cross-border exchanges and tie-ups in the biotech
industry, the Science & Technology Office exhibited and presented the biotech cluster
Switzerland.
Joint JSPS-SNSF Seminar on Computer-Aided Surgery
September 22-24
The Joint JSPS-SNSF Seminar on Computer-Aided Surgery “Present State and
Future Technical and Clinical Challenges” has been held at Osaka University,
Icho Kaikan, Suita Campus, http://www.office.med.osaka-u.ac.jp/icho/icho-jp.html.
The event was co-chaired by Dr. Miguel A. González Ballester (University of
Bern) and Dr. Yoshinobu Sato (Osaka University). In total, 38 speakers attended
this first event on engineering in medicine with a focus on MedTech between the
two countries. The participants agreed that there is big potential in collaboration
between Switzerland and Japan in this field, as the two countries have much in
common: highest investment in innovation, high R&D expenditures and a similar
culture to achieve high-level results. An inquiry sheet for future collaboration
partnering was distributed. -- In honor of this seminar, the Ambassador of Switzerland Paul Fivat hosted a dinner
on September 27 at his Residence in Tokyo.
Visit to the Pharmaceutical Industries in Toyama
September 26-27
The Toyama prefecture has been an industrial area for a long time and pharmaceuticals have a more than 300-year-long tradition. In recent years, advanced
technology such as mechatronics, new materials, and biotechnology have been
emphasized as part of the Brain Location Program. The pharmaceutical
companies strictly follow the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
There are about 100 companies in Toyama manufacturing pharmaceutical products such as specialized agents, generic drugs, self-medication products and
drug-on-deposit products. On top of that, the companies are also focusing on
new drug development. Special preparations such as poultices, ointments or eye
drops are produced using highly-developed pharmaceutical technology. Supporting industries such as container,
packaging and printing are also well-developed. Toyama prefecture acquires a steady reputation as the medicine
manufacturing hub in Japan.
Due to the revision of the Pharmaceutical Law in April 2005, complete outsourcing of the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products has become possible. Production plants in Toyama prefecture are actively investing in their
equipment with an aim to expand contracted manufacturing.
Toyama Prefectual Institute for Pharmaceutical Research
The institute offers pharmaceutical research on traditional medicines, technical instructions to pharmaceutical companies. It is also responsible for cultivation and research of medicinal plants. Activities include:
・ Drug development through natural medicine, biotechnology and natural research.
・ Quality evaluation of pharmaceutical product drug formation and pharmaceutical research.
・ Establishment of cultivation technologies of medicinal plants at its Medicinal Plants Research Center.
・ Research into process control methods and quality testing of crude medicine.
Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007, September 19-21, 2007 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché
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Industry, academia and government are cooperating to promote research on the discovery and development of
new drugs. One of the success stories is the OTC drug Panawan.
Toyama Medical-Bio Cluster
Based on the national government’s intellectual cluster formation project, 18 regions have been designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science
and Technology to conduct special project. Toyama Medical-Bio Cluster
integrated medical-biotechnology and micro fabrication technologies in
collaboration with University of Toyama, Toyama Prefectual University, Toyama
Industrial Technology Center, Toyama Prefectual Institute for Pharmaceutical
Research, and some companies from inside and outside Toyama Prefecture. It
works on the development of diagnostic devices and the creation of a new type
of industry through the development of Toyama’s original drugs.
Medical-pharmaceutical projects and engineering projects have been performed with excellent mutual collaboration
by the researchers. There has already been great success in the development of the technology by which antibodies against specific antigens can be exhaustively yielded, and this is the first and only technology of its kind in the
world. Through the exploitation of these technologies, some bio-venture companies have been successfully established.
Major projects include:
・ Application of immune function to diagnosis and clinical treatment.
・ Development of a micro-arrayed immunochip system.
・ Development of Kampo Medicine-based tailor-maid treatment-Proteomic pattern analysis.
Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007, September 19-21, 2007 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché
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APPENDIX:
Useful Websites and Documentation
• BioJapan 2008 World Business Forum
http://expo.nikkeibp.co.jp/biojapan/eng/index.html
• Jetro Biolink Forum
http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/news/announcement/20070614589-news
• Visual Swiss Biotech Pavilion
(next page)
Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007, September 19-21, 2007 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché
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Visual @A3
Exhibitor
Swiss Pavilion
Directed by
S & T office Japan
Location (hall & booth no)t
3-10
Event
BioJapan 2007
Date
9/19 - 9/21
Venue
Pacifico
City / COUNTRY
Yokohama/ JAPAN
Project number
Version
1234567890
PlanA
Drawing
Visual
Drawing number
03
By kumi
Date
Aug 16, 2007
File 010101_Filename_naming
©welkam Ltd.
Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaf t
Confédératio n suisse
Confederazione Svizz era
Confederaziun svizra
Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
State Secretariat for Education and Research SER
Floor Plan
The Swiss Biotech Pavilion has been attractively positioned just adjacent to the Roche Pavilion and surrounded by
other country pavilions.
Magnified view of the floor plan with Swiss Biotech Pavilion
The next page shows the complete floor plan of BioJapan 2008.
Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007, September 19-21, 2007 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché
Page 10 of 71
As of SEPTEMBER. 6, 2007
National Biomanufacturing Centre(NBC)
Hyogo Prefectural Government
Lounge Corner
MP Bio Japan
2-33
Workshop
(Open Theater)
GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences
2-29
SUMITOMO
BAKELITE
2-25
USHIO FUJITSU
1-20
1-21
1-22
2-30
NOF CORPORATION (DDS)
1-16
2-35
3-32
3-33
Meeting Room
2-26
2-27
4-20
Deloitte Touche
Tohmatsu
3-23
2-28
4-22
3-29
3-30
VIP Meeting Room
AntiCancer
3-31
4-21
4-23
Creation Core Kyoto Mikuruma
3-24
3-25
3-20
National Institute
of Biomedical
3-21 Innovation 3-22
Japan Health Science Foundation (JHSF)
MECT CORPORATION
Rinku Town Promotion Division, Osaka Prefectural Government
Shiga Prefecture/Nagahama BioNetwork Otsuka Pharmaceuticals - ODPI Division.
Osaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry
SHIZUOKA PREFECTURE
BRUDY TECHNOLOGY
Saito Life Science Park Promotion Council
MATSUNAMI
GLASS IND.
2-20
TAKARA BIO
1-17
Yamatake
City of Kobe/
2-31 Foundation for Bio medical
3-26
Reserch and Innovation
International Science and Technology Center (ISTC)
aRigen Pharmaceuticals
2-34
Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Council for Protection of Individual Genetic Information.
Bio-oriented Technology
Society for Techno-Innovation of Agriculture,
Japan Association of Bioindustries Executives (JABEX)
Forestry and Fisheries (STAFF)
Research Advancement Institution
Japan Bioindustry Association (JBA)
JAPAN BIOLOGICAL INFORMATICS CONSORTIUM (JBiC)
KNC Laboratories
Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
1-19
KOI Marketing
Nikkei Business Publications
1-18
Kazusa Akademia Park Wako Pure Chemical
(Chiba Prefecture) Industries
1-14
1-15
2-21
BioScienceLink.
2-22
2-23
EVALUATE
PHARMA
2-24
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM CellSeed
2-17
2-18
3-18
3-19
USA Pavilion
NPO
KINKI BIO-INDUSTRY
DEVELOPMENT
ORGANIZATION
3-16
2-19
Business Partnering
Matching Corner (PC)
4-19
SRI International
Fujita Health University 21 Century COE Research Center
1-13
Toyama
New Industry
Organization
UBi FRANCE
N.E.CHEMCAT CORPORATION
1-10
1-12
Hitachi Software Engineering
CHIOME BIOSCIENCE
2-12
2-15
Baxter Bioscience
2-16
USA Pavilion
3-16
MEIJI SEIKA KAISHA
2-13
UNITECH
3-14
2-14
Bioindustry�Association of Korea (BAK)
3-15
Niigata Industrial
Promotion Center
4-16
4-17
Australian Embassy
(Australian BioTechnology)
4-14
Shanghai Biopharmaceutics
Industry Association
4-18
4-15
Flanders Investment & Trade
MEDICALSCIENCE
Tsuruoka Metabolome Cluster
Human Metabolome Technologies
Medinet Co.
1-11
Bio Factory Central Japan
/Mie Medical Valley Project
Fukuoka Bio Valley
Project Promotion
Council
(Kurume Research Park)
2-10
2-11
Kyushu Intellectual
Property Strategic
Conference
1-09
ASAHI GLASS
3-11
3-12
3-13
Ajinomoto
3-07
3-08
3-09
Taiwan Pavilion/ITRI
Tokushima Industrial
Promotion Organization
2-09
Yokohama・Kanagawa�Pavilion
RIKEN
Kagawa Industry
Support Foundation
2-07
2-08
1-06
1-08
Swiss Biotech
Pavilion
Roche
3-10
4-13
4-24
AVECIA BIOLOGICS
Taiwan Pavilion
Pingtung�Agricultural Biotechnology Park (PABP)
Industrial Technology Research Institute of TROC(ITRI)
3-06
4-11
Biocair International
4-12
4-10
Chugoku Region Industrial Cluster Program
Next Generation Key Industry Creation Project
HOKUTO Scientific Industry
1-07
HONGKONG SCIENCE &
TECHNOLOGY PARKS
4-09
OECD
(ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC
4-08 CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT)
National Institute of Advanced Industrial
Science and Technology (AIST)
Canada Pavilion
2-06
1-05
Metropolitan Biotechnology-Related
Startups Network
New Energy and Industrial Technology
Development Organization�（NEDO）
NEW ZEALAND
TRADE & ENTERPRISE
BioReliance
4-07
SCIVAX
4-06
Hokkaido Bio-Industrial Cluster Forum
1-04
SCOTTISH DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL
1-03
3-05
Encorium Oy
2-05
TECHNOLOGIEPARK HEIDELBERG GmbH
Science
Innomedica
1-02
S-2
2-01
2-02
2-03
4-04
GeneCare Research Institute PATHEON
Order-Made Souyaku
WDB
1-01
4-05
4-03
VERITAS CORPORATION
S-1
ASTERAND UK
The British Embassy/
UK Trade & Investment(UKTI)
2-04
3-01
JAPAN TOBACCO
3-02
National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE)
3-03
3-04
BBK Bio
FUJI FILM
Corporation
4-01
4-02
S-3
Fraunhofer・LifeScience・Alliance
B14
B12
Press Room
Managing Office
Reception Room
B11
Bio Japan 2007
Managing Office
M2F
ＢＭ１
ＢＭ４
Staff Waiting Room
ＢＭ３
ＢＭ２
Exhibitors Waiting Room
Women's Dress Room
S-4
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Co-Exhibitors
Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Actelion Ltdは生物薬剤会社であり、本部はアールシュヴィル／バーゼル
（スイス）にあります。Actelionの最初の医薬品はTracleer®（経口のデュ
アル・アンドセリン受容体アンタゴニスト）で、肺動脈高血圧症の治療薬
として認可されています。Actelionはアメリカ（サウス・サンフランシス
コに拠点）
、EU、日本、カナダ、オーストラリア、スイス等、世界の主要
市場にある子会社を通じてTracleer®を販売しています。2006年9月末時点
で、Tracleer®は世界35か国で商業販売されています。1997年末に設立され
たActelionは、内皮（各血管を血流から離開する細胞の単一層）関連の新
科学の先導企業です。Actelionでは、1,200余名の社員が重大で希有な医療
ニーズに応えるべく、新薬の発見、開発、マーケティングに努めています。
Actelionの株式はSWXスイス証券取引所(SWX Swiss Exchange)で取引さ
れています（チェッカーシンボル：ATLN）
。
Actelion Ltd is a biopharmaceutical company with its corporate headquarters in
Allschwil/Basel, Switzerland. Actelion’s first drug Tracleer an orally available dual
endothelin receptor antagonist, is approved as a therapy for pulmonary arterial
hypertension. Actelion markets Tracleer insert space through its own subsidiaries
in key markets worldwide, including the United States (based in South San
Francisco), the European Union, Japan, Canada, Australia and Switzerland.
Actelion, founded in late 1997, is a leading player in innovative science related to
the endothelium; the single layer of cells separating every blood vessel from the
blood stream. Actelion focuses on the discovery, development and marketing of
innovative drugs for significant unmet medical needs. Actelion shares are traded
on the SWX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: ATLN).
所在地 Gewerbestrasse 16, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
Location Gewerbestrasse 16, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
連絡先 3+41-61-565-6456 5+41-61-565-6600
"[email protected]
担当部署 Corporate & Business Development
Contact 3+41-61-565-6456 5+41-61-565-6600
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Corporate & Business Development
http://www.actelion.com
http://www.actelion.com
120
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 Bachem AG
Bachem AG
Co-Exhibitors
Bachem is an independent, technology-based company specialized in the production of innovative biochemical compounds especially peptides. Bachem manufactures a large variety of peptides in the range of milligrams to hundreds of kilograms applying solid phase or solution phase techniques. Complementary services are geared to support customers from dedicated syntheses of defined target
structures up to the registration of new compounds.
Bachem employs 660 motivated and highly qualified people worldwide. With
headquarters in Bubendorf, Switzerland, and affiliates in Europe and the US,
Bachem works on a global scale and holds the leading position in its field. Our
facilities in Switzerland and in the US are regularly inspected by international regulatory authorities and are suitable for the large scale production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Based on its dedication to research, Bachem also offers
opportunities to innovative technology partners for collaboration on promising new
active compounds.
All this makes Bachem a reliable partner for the pharma and biotech industry.
所在地 Hauptstr. 144, 4416 Bubendorf, Switzerland
Location Hauptstr. 144, 4416 Bubendorf, Switzerland
連絡先 3
担当部署 Sales
5
Contact 3
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Sales
http://www.bachem.com/
http://www.bachem.com/
5
"[email protected]
315
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 Basel Area Business Development
Co-Exhibitors
Basel Area Business Development
“先端科学がビシネスを牽引するバイオバレーバーゼルへようこそ！”
スイス国西北部に位置するバーゼルはスイス、フランス（アルザス）、南ドイツ
（バーデンヴルテンベルグ）3カ国に跨る所謂バイオバレーの中心地として、また
ライフサイエンスの分野では世界屈指の革新的新技術の発信地であることを誇り
として居ります。
医薬、農薬、精密化学、バイオテクノロジー、ナノテクノロジーなど多岐にわた
るライフサイエンス分野ではノバーテイス、ロシュ、ロンザなどの医薬精密化
学の世界リーダーが本社や研究所を置くだけでなく、新技術に基盤を置く新しい
医薬企業、例えばアクテリオン、バジリア、等がありバーゼル大学などとこれ等
の企業との活発な学際的協力と相俟って世界屈指のライフサイエンスクラスター
を形成して居ります。
ライフサイエンスに携わる人口は30,000人以上を数え、世界の医薬品企業の約40％
以上がこの地域に設立されています。
私達は皆様のご計画或いはスイスでのご活動をお手伝いすべく下記のような活動
を公的機関として無料で行っております。
─事業の立ち上げ
─バイオテックパーク、関係機関、専門家、VC，などとのコンタクト
─域内のライフサイエンスコミュニテイーとのネットワーク作り
The Basel area is home to one of the world’s most successful life sciences clusters, with companies representing the full breadth of the life sciences: modern
biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agribusiness, nanotechnology, medical technology and specialty chemicals. It is a dynamic sector, with headquarters of such
global companies as Novartis, Roche, Syngenta and Lonza, as well as young and
growing companies such as Actelion, Basilea Pharmaceuticals and Speedel,
among many others. The Basel area provides fertile ground for companies, with
the fastest growth rate in Switzerland, a welcoming business and social envrionment and an underlying innovative culture. Bordering both France and Germany,
we are part of the BioValley network and a gateway to Europe.
Can we support you? BaselArea provides the following services, free of charge:
Answers to your key questions
Advice on establishment procedures and opportunities
Support to find the right location and people
Contacts with experts, authorities, venture capital companies and biotech parks
バーゼル企業誘致委員会
横川悌次
Martin Stricker
Aeschenvorstadt 36, 4010 Basel, Switzerland
所
- 在地 Aeschenvorstadt 36, 4010 Basel, Switzerland
Location
連絡先 3+41-61-295-5003 5+41-61-295-5009
"[email protected]
担当部署 Sheena Bethell
Contact 3+41-61-295-5003 5+41-61-295-5009
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Sheena Bethell
http://www.baselarea.ch
http://www.baselarea.ch
126
3-10 BioAlps
Co-Exhibitors
BioAlps
BioAlpsはバイオテクノロジーと医療技術産業における欧州本土の先導集
団です：
BioAlps is mainland Europe’s leading cluster for the biotechnology and medical
technology industries:
・欧州本土で卓越した第一のバイオテクノロジー研究センター(Science
Magazine, USA）
・250以上の医療技術／バイオテクノロジー企業。
・500以上の研究所。
・12の究機関、大学、および大学病院。
・多数のサイエンス・パークおよび企業設立のためのインキュベーター。
・医療／バイオ科学の分野で高度な訓練を積み、また数カ国語に堪能な多
数の科学者、エンジニア、および技術者へのアクセス。
・Number one biotechnology research centre of excellence in mainland Europe
(Science Magazine, USA).
・More than 250 medical technology and biotechnology companies.
・More than 500 research laboratories.
・12 research institutions, universities and university hospitals.
・Many science parks and incubators for start-up companies.
・Access to many highly trained and multilingual scientists, engineers and technicians in the medical and biological sciences.
How BioAlps supports your initiatives:
BioAlpsは皆様のイニシアチブをどのように支援するのでしょう
・学際および民間部門のメンバーと共に、協同を促進し、強化します。
・新事業の展開を盛り上げます。
・科学者、財界、政府代表者との情報および資源の交換を展開します。
・コミュニケーション・ネットワークを提供します。
・Promotes and strengthens synergies among its members in the academic and
private sectors.
・Stimulates the development of new businesses.
・Develops the exchange of information and resources between scientists, the
financial community and government representatives.
・Provides a communication network.
所在地 c/o OPI, Rte des Jeunes,PO Box 1011,CH-1211 Geneva 26
Location c/o OPI, Rte des Jeunes,PO Box 1011,CH-1211 Geneva 26, Switzerland
連絡先 3+41-22-304-40-40 5+41-22-304-40-70
"[email protected]
担当部署 Vice President
Contact 3+41-22-304-40-40 5+41-22-304-40-70
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Vice President
www.bioalps.org
www.bioalps.org
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Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 Biolytix AG
Co-Exhibitors
Biolytix AG
Biolytix AGはリアルタイムPCRを専門とするCROで、1998年に設立され、
バーゼルの南西12kmのヴィテルスヴィルにあります。Biolytix AGはISO/
IEC 17025の認証を受けており、次のようなサービスを提供しています：
¡ 遺伝子発現研究の契約サービス：アッセイ設計／確証（FDAガイドライ
ンによる）
、遺伝子発現分析。
¡ 遺伝子発現：単一の遺伝子および複数の遺伝子群に関する正確且つ再生
可能な発現分析
¡ 残存DNA不純物：長期にわたる経験と当社のリアルタイムPCR装置によ
り、残存DNAをどのような種類の基質についても定量化できます。
¡ 遺伝モニタリング：遺伝子転移マウスによる転移遺伝子および接合生殖
性の確認。
¡ スピード類遺伝子：類遺伝子的傾向を作成したマウスの遺伝子型化。
¡ 食品診断：アレルゲン検出、マイコトキシン検出、動植物種の同定、微
生物学的検査。
¡ 微生物学：人、獣医、および食品診断。
¡ GMO分析：食品、飼料、およびタバコによる遺伝子組み換え有機体の
定量検出。
¡ リアルタイムPCR キット：GMOおよび微生物の検出／同定のためのリ
アルタイムPCRキットの開発および販売
BIOLYTIX AG - A COMPETENT SERVICE PARTNER
Biolytix AG, a CRO specialized in molecular biological analyses was founded in
1998 and is situated in Witterswil (Switzerland), near Basel. Biolytix is DIN EN
ISO 17025 accredited and offers the following services:
- Contract services for gene expression studies: Assay design and validation
(according to FDA guidelines), exact and reproducible expression analysis of single genes as well as complex groups of genes based on Affymetrix GeneChip &
technology and/or HT real-time PCR.
- Microbiology: Identification and quantification of viruses, bacteria and fungi.
Microbiological monitoring.
- Genetic monitoring: Transgene and zygosity determination as well as genotyping of animals.
- Real-time PCR Kits: Development and delivery of real-time PCR kits for the
detection and identification of GMO’s and microorganisms.
- Residual host DNA impurities
- Additional services: Animal and plant species identification as well as GMO
(genetically modified organisms) detection in food, feed and tobacco.
所在地 Benkenstrasse 254, CH-4108 Witterswil, Switzerland
Location Benkenstrasse 254, CH-4108 Witterswil, Switzerland
連絡先 3+41-61-725-20-70 5+41-61-725-20-71
"[email protected]
担当部署
Contact 3+41-61-725-20-70 5+41-61-725-20-71
"[email protected]
Department in Charge
http://www.biolytix.ch
http://www.biolytix.ch
122
3-10 Biopolo Ticino
Co-Exhibitors
Biopolo Ticino
Biopolo Ticinoのビジョンは生命科学のワンストップ・ショップとして、
またTicinoへの出入口として務めることにあります。長期目標はスイス南
部において、完全に統合された生命科学集団を構築することにあります。
当社の使命はTicinoにおける生命科学の統合プロセスを触媒し、維持する
とともに、その結果として特に地域外の生命科学集団を振興することにあ
ります。
当社はまた、先を見越した特別で直接的なサービス（技術移転、事業展開、
地域マーケティング、ネットワーキング）を提供することで、生命科学の
分野で興味深い企業や興味を抱いた企業の活動を順行的に振興し／指導
し／誘引しています。
当社のプロフィールは実際の組織と同様に弱いものですが、生命科学の分
野でTicinoの価値と知名度を生み出すべく、確かな国際的ネットワークの
構築に集注することをお約束します。
The vision of the Biopolo Ticino is to act as a one-stop shop and as a portal for
the life sciences to and from Ticino. The long term goal is to create a fully integrated life science cluster in the southern part of Switzerland.
Our mission is to catalyse and sustain the integration process of the life sciences
in Ticino, and in particular to promote the resulting life science cluster outside the
region.
We furthermore proactively promote/coach/attract interesting and interested entities active in the field of life science through our specific and straight forward
service offerings (technology transfer, business development, territorial marketing, networking).
Our profile is lean, close to a virtual organisation, with the strong commitment to
focus on establishing a sound and international network aimed at the generation
of value and visibility of Ticino in the field of life sciences.
所在地 Via Vincenzo Vela 6,CH-6500 Bellinzona
Location Via Vincenzo Vela 6,CH-6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
連絡先 3+41-91-820-03-04 5+41-91-820-03-05
"[email protected]
担当部署 Managing Director
Contact 3+41-91-820-03-04 5+41-91-820-03-05
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Managing Director
www.biopolo.ch
www.biopolo.ch
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Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 CTI/KTI-Commission for Technology and Innovation
Co-Exhibitors
CTI/KTI-Commission for Technology and Innovation
CTIはスイス連邦の技術革新促進機関です。60年以上にわたり、企業と大
学との間で知識と技術の移転を支援してきました。
その目的は市場で可能な最大の効果を発揮することにあります。研究所で
得た知識は製品やサービスに迅速に転換されなければなりません。「科学
から市場へ」がCTIの主張です。その目的は革新的な研究結果を研究所か
ら市場に効率的且つ迅速に移転することにあります。そのため、CTIでは
大学と企業の双方が関わる応用的な研究開発プロジェクトを促進していま
す。
CTIによるイニシアチブの効果には、次の3要素がなければなりません：
・市場指向的な革新プロセスの強化。
・大学の研究者のための実践指向的資格の導入。
・学際と企業との協力の改善。
The CTI is the Swiss Confederation’s innovation promotion agency. For more
than 60 years it has supported the transfer of knowledge and technology between
business and universities.
Its aim is to have the greatest impact possible in the market. Knowledge acquired
in the laboratories should be rapidly converted into products and services.
‘Science to Market’ is the claim of the CTI. Its aim is to ensure an efficient and
fast transfer of innovative research findings from the laboratory to the marketplace. For this reason, the CTI promotes applied research and development projects involving both universities and industry please add empty line for new paragraph.
The impact of CTI initiatives should be threefold:
・Strengthening market-oriented innovation processes
・Introduction of practice-oriented qualifications for researchers in universities
・Improvement of cooperation between academia and industry
所在地 Effingerstrasse 27,CH-3003 Bern
Location Effingerstrasse 27,CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
連絡先 3+41-31-323-22-72 5
"[email protected]
担当部署 Head Biotech
Contact 3+41-31-323-22-72 5
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Head Biotech
www.kti.cti.ch
www.kti.cti.ch
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Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 Debiopharm Group
Co-Exhibitors
Debiopharm Group
Debiopharm Groupは世界的な生物薬剤開発の専門家であり、生物学およ
び小分子薬剤の有望な候補者にインライセンスを認めています。
Debiopharmはまた、販売とマーケティングに関する製薬提携者とのアウ
トライセンスに向けて、世界的な登録と最大限の商業的ポテンシャルを目
指した製品を開発しています。
Debiopharmは全ての製品について、その世界規模での開発に独自の資金
を投じるとともに、前臨床および臨床試験、製造、薬剤投与および処方、
規制問題、等の専門知識を提供しています。
Debiopharmは1979年に設立され、本部はローザンヌにあります。当社が
開発した3製品の世界全体の売上高は2006年に、26億ドルを超えています。
Debiopharm Group is a global biopharmaceutical development specialist that inlicenses promising biologics and small molecule drug candidates. Debiopharm
develops its products for global registration and maximum commercial potential
for out-licensing to pharmaceutical partners for sales and marketing.
所在地 Forum “apres-demain”, ch Messidor 5-7, CP 5911, 1002 Lausanne,
Switzerland
連絡先 3+4121 321 01 11 5+4121 321 01 69
"[email protected]
担当部署 Debiopharm S.A.
Location Forum “apres-demain”, ch Messidor 5-7, CP 5911, 1002 Lausanne,
Switzerland
Contact 3+4121 321 01 11 5+4121 321 01 69
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Debiopharm S.A.
http://www.debiopharm.com
http://www.debiopharm.com
Debiopharm independently funds the worldwide development of all of its products
while providing expertise in pre-clinical and clinical trials, manufacturing, drug
delivery and formulation, and regulatory affairs.
Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Debiopharm has
developed three products with global combined sales in excess of $2.6 billion in
2006.
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Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 Dualsystems Biotech
Co-Exhibitors
Dualsystems Biotech
Dualsystems Biotech AGはバイオテックのスピン・オフ企業として、2000年に設
立されました。当社が主に重視しているのは、プロテオミクスの出現分野におけ
る製品とサービスの開発です。当社の専門知識の分野には、酵母ベースのシステ
ムを用いた蛋白対蛋白相互作用のスクリーニング、酵母と大腸菌による組換え蛋
白の発現と精製、cDNAのライブラリー生成のためのソリューション、一連の専門
試薬と抗体、等があります。
デュアル・ハイブリッド・スクリーニング技術（DUALhybrid screening technology）は独自の酵母による2ハイブリッド・システムを基本としたもので、新奇な蛋
白対蛋白相互作用をスクリーニングする場合に、早さ、明確さ、低コスト、等の
幾つかの利点があります。
デュアル・メンブレーン・システム（DUALmembrane system）は非常に強力な
スクリーニング技術であり、統合的な膜蛋白間の蛋白対蛋白相互作用を確認する
ためのものです。従来のスクリーニング法に伴う問題を回避したことで、デュア
ル・メンブレーン・システムは自然な状況下での膜蛋白間の相互作用を確認する
のに用いられています。
デュアルXプレス技術（DUALXPress technology）は、大腸菌による組換え蛋白を
高レベルで且つ高濃度で発現する新しく革新的なシステムです。デュアルTRAP
レジン（dualTRAP resin）は、特別なことのない、また処理能力が拘束されるこ
とも非常に少ないことから、単段階の蛋白精製には優れた選択です。
イージークローン cDNAライブラリー生成キット（EasyClone cDNA library construction kit）は、5’断片という高い表示を有する非常に複雑なcDNAの迅速で簡
単な生成に適しています。
Dualsystems Biotech AG is a biotech spin-off company founded in 2000. Our
major focus is the development of products and services in the emerging area of
proteomics. Our areas of expertise include screening for protein-protein interactions using yeast based systems, expression and purification of recombinant proteins in yeast and E. coli, solutions for cDNA library construction and a range of
specialized reagents and antibodies.
The DUALhybrid screening technology is based on the original yeast two-hybrid
system and offers several advantages when searching for novel protein-protein
interactions, such as speed, specificity and low cost.
The DUALmembrane system is an extremely powerful screening technology
aimed at identifying protein-protein interactions between integral membrane proteins. By circumventing problems associated with traditional screening systems,
the DUALmembrane system is used to directly identify interactions between
membrane proteins in their natural setting.
The DUALXPress technology is a novel, innovative system to express recombinant proteins in E. coli at very high levels and with a high degree of solubility. The
dualTRAP resin is an excellent choice for single-step protein purification because
it has a very low non-specific binding capacity.
The EasyClone cDNA library construction kits are suited for quick and easy construction of highly complex cDNA libraries with a high representation of 5’ ends.
所在地 Grabenstrasse 11a,CH-8952 Schlieren
Location Grabenstrasse 11a,CH-8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
連絡先 3+41-44-738-50-00 5+41-44-738-50-05
"[email protected]
担当部署 CEO
Contact 3+41-44-738-50-00 5+41-44-738-50-05
"[email protected]
Department in Charge CEO
www.dualsystems.com
279
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 Embassy of Switzerland
Co-Exhibitors
Embassy of Switzerland
スイス科学・技術部（The Swiss Science & Technology Office）はスイス
大使館内に置かれており、スイスの教育、研究、および革新的技術の視野
を持った国際的活動、更にはスイス企業による日本でのハイテク事業の開
始、等の活動を支援する政府情報の場であり、振興の場であり、架け橋と
なる場です。S&T部は学際、政府、および経済界のパートナーと協力して
運営されており、利用者に統合的な知識のネットワークを提供しています。
一方でスイス科学・技術部は日本の行政機関、大学、研究所、および民間
部門とも連絡を構築し、維持しており、スイスと日本の連絡を調整すると
ともに、大学や企業による研究開発の分野で技術移転や研究者の移動に特
に重点を置いて、協力プロジェクトを促進しています。
The Swiss Science & Technology Office located within the Embassy of
Switzerland is a governmental information, promotion and bridging platform supporting the international activities of the Swiss education, research and innovation
landscape, as well as Swiss high tech start-ups in Japan. The S&T Office operates in synergy with academic, governmental and economic partners, and provides an integrated knowledge network to its users.
所在地〒106-8589 東京都港区南麻布5-9-12
Location 5-9-12 Minami Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8589, Japan
連絡先 303-5449-8400 503-3473-6090
"[email protected]
担当部署 Science & Technology Office
Contact 3+81-3-5449-8400 5+81-3-347-6090
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Science & Technology Office
http://www.eda.admin.ch/tokyo
http://www.eda.admin.ch/tokyo
216
Besides, the Swiss Science & Technology Office is establishing and maintaining
contacts with the administration, universities, research institutes, and the private
sector in Japan, arranging contacts between Switzerland and Japan and stimulating cooperation projects in the area of university or industry research and development with a special focus on the transfer of technology and the mobility of
researchers.
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 Greater Zurich Area
Co-Exhibitors
Greater Zurich Area
大チューリヒ地区は医療革新において欧州の主導的な中心地です。
その生命科学集団には次のものがあります。
・400以上の医療／バイオテクノロジー企業
・70以上の生命科学系の大学研究所施設
・20以上の大学病院の診療所
Greater Zurich Area AGでは無料の立地評価、更には税金、市場環境、労
働許可、人材の利用可能性、不動産、等々を含めた規制関連の支援を提供
しており、事業のスムーズな拡大と移転に関する全ての点で、皆様の理想
的なパートナーと言えます。
Greater Zurich Area AGはチューリヒにある非営利の経済開発機関です。
生命科学における多大な専門知識を持つ当機関の専門家が、事業開始の成
功に向けて最初からアドバイスを致します。
Greater Zurich Area is a leading European centre of medical innovation.
Its Life Science Cluster includes:
・over 400 medical and biotechnology companies
・over 70 university institutes in life sciences
・over 20 clinics at the university hospitals
Offering free location evaluation and regulatory assistance that cover taxes, market environment, work permits, talent availability, real estate, and much more,
Greater Zurich Area AG is your ideal partner at all levels of a smooth expansion
and relocation of your business.
Greater Zurich Area AG is a non-profit economic development agency located in
Zurich, Switzerland, and committed to ensuring successful business expansions
of foreign companies into the economically and culturally vibrant region in and
around Zurich.
With its great expertise in Life Sciences, our professionals will advise you from
the inception to the successful launch of your operations in the Greater Zurich
Area.
所在地 Limmatquai 112,CH-8001 Zurich
Location Limmatquai 112,CH-8001 Zurich, Switzerland
連絡先 3+41-44-254-59-59 5+41-44-254-59-54
"[email protected]
担当部署 Director Asia
Contact 3+41-44-254-59-59 541-44-254-59-54
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Director Asia
www.greaterzuricharea.ch
www.greaterzuricharea.ch
284
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 ロケーション・スイス
Co-Exhibitors
Location Switzerland
ロケーション・スイスはスイスの経済省の機関です。
日本の企業の皆様をスイスを窓口とする欧州への誘導役を務めておりま
す。スイスへのご案内は業務のみならず、住居関連、教育関連までもご相
談に乗らせていただきます。
コマーシャルレベルでのご相談に応じさせていただきます。
ご遠慮なくお訊ね下さい。お待ちいたしております。
Location Switzerland is working based on Swiss goverment.
We are Swiss Foreign Investment Agency.
We provide various kinds of Swiss market activities information, taxationksystem,
relocation information, educational consulting.
We are doing consultive work to Japanese companies for abroad development to
Switzerland as gateway to EU.
We offer you commercial base consulting.
所在地〒106-8589 東京都港区南麻布5-9-12
スイス大使館内
連絡先 303-5449-8400 503-3473-6090
"[email protected]
担当部署ロケーション・スイス
Location c/o Swiss Embassy, 5-9-12 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku Tokyo, Japan
Contact 3+81-3-5449-8400 5+81-3-3473-6090
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Location Switzerland
http://www.locationswitzerland.jp
http://www.locationswitzerland.jp
262
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 Lonza Japan Ltd
Co-Exhibitors
Lonza Japan Ltd
Lonzaは生命科学を原動力とする化学およびバイオテクノロジーの企業であり、
2006年の売上高は29億1,000万CHRを達成しています。本部はスイスにあり、製造
とR&Dは世界の26地点で行われています。7,100名の従業員が持続可能な価値を顧
客に届けるべく、熱意を持って取り組んでいます。Lonzaはモノクローナル抗体、
治療蛋白、活性材の主導的な特注メーカーの一社であり、また製薬および農業化
学産業にとってもそうであります。有機化学とバイオテクノロジーを土台に、
Lonzaは栄養学、衛生学および個人医療、木材および水処理、産業的な専門市場、
等において付加価値のあるソリューションを生み出しています。Lonzaはまた、ポ
リマー中間体、レジン、化合物も提供しています。詳しい情報は当社のwebsite
www.lonza.comをご覧ください。
Lonzaは世界の主導的な生命科学企業に向けてファインケミカル、触媒／治療酵素、
更には治療蛋白、モノクローナル抗体を生産しています。Lonzaはその技術的土台
を強化すべく、将来を展望した投資を行うことで、また顧客の要求に重点を置く
ことで、市場で主導的な地位を確立してきました。Lonzaは特注メーカーとして主
導的な企業となっています。哺乳類細胞培養（Mammalian Cell Culture）と微生物
発酵（Microbial Fermentation）の技術はVisp（スイス）、Kou_im（チェコ）、
Porri_o（スペイン）
、Slough（英国）、Portsmouth NH、Hopkington、Baltimore
MD（米国）の7カ所で採用されており、広範な製品が作り出されて、関連サービ
スが提供されています。
Lonzaは研究所の段階から努力の最適化や規制上の支援を含めた産業的な製造規模
に至るまで、完全な開発サービスを提供しています。現場では全て、FDAの点検
が行われています。
Lonza is one of the world’s leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare
and life science industries. Its products and services span its customers’ needs
from research to final product manufacture. Lonza is the global leader in the production and support of pharmaceutical active ingredients both chemically as well
as biotechnologically. Biopharmaceuticals are one of the key growth drivers of the
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Lonza has strong capabilities in
large and small molecules, peptides, amino acids and niche bioproducts which
play an important role in the development of novel medicines and healthcare
products. Lonza is also a leading provider of value added chemical and biotech
ingredients to the nutrition, hygiene, preservation, agro and personal care markets.
所在地 Kyowa Shinkawa Bldg 8F, 2-20-8 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 1040033, Japan
連絡先 303-5566-0612 503-5566-0619
"[email protected]
担当部署 Biologics & Biotechnology
Location Kyowa Shinkawa Bldg 8F, 2-20-8 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0033,
Japan
Contact 3+81 3 5566 0612 5+81 3 5566 0619
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Biologics & Biotechnology
http://www.lonza.com
http://www.lonza.com
124
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 Prionics
Co-Exhibitors
Prionics AG
使命
Prionicsは消費者の健康を守るべく、農場の主要な家畜疾病用の革新的な診断ソリューシ
ョンの発見、開発、販売にその専門知識を集中しています。農場家畜診断での世界の主導
者として、Prionicsは顧客に高品質な製品と持続可能なソリューションを提供することを
お約束します。
焦点
Prionicsは農場家畜診断で世界の主導者であり、BSEおよびプリオン検査で定評のある専
門家です。1997年に設立され、チューリヒに本部のあるPrionicsは、消費者の健康を守る
べく、農場の主要な家畜疾病用の革新的な診断ソリューションを発見し、開発し、販売し
ています。Prionicsは2002年に「スイス年間企業賞（Swiss Company of the year）
」を受賞
し、また2004年には「欧州バイオテック賞（European Biotech Award）を受賞しています。
2006年には、「家畜の健康（Animal Health）」部門でトップ賞を受けました。現在、
Prionicsは農場家畜診断で世界の上位3社にランクされています。
独自な一連のソリューション
プリオン病での専門知識と独自な診断ツールのPrionicsCheckにより、BSE牛が食物連鎖に
入ることは防がれています。現在、Prionicsは最も迅速なBSE検査システムを含めて、3種
の異なる方針に基づいて、TSEの診断用に革新的な製品ラインを提供しています。
農場家畜診断のワンストップ・プロバイダー
Prionicsは社内開発と買収の両方を通して、農場家畜診断の他の分野へと事業を拡大して
います。Prionicsは最近、Pfizer Animal Healthの診断製品ラインとドイツの農場家畜診断
企業Cedi-Diagnostics B.V.を買収しました。現在、Prionicsは50以上の診断検査キット、更
Mission
Prionics focuses its expertise to discover, develop and market innovative diagnostic solutions
for major farm animal diseases to protect consumer health. As a world leader in farm animal
diagnostics, the company is committed to providing its customers with high-quality products
and sustainable solutions.
Focus
Prionics is a world leader in farm animal diagnostics and the recognized expert in BSE and
Prion testing. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, Prionics discovers,
develops and markets innovative diagnostic solutions for major farm animal diseases to protect consumer health. Prionics was awarded “Swiss Company of the year” in 2002 and won
the European Biotech Award in 2004. In 2006, Prionics was awarded as top in class for Animal
Health. Today, Prionics ranks among the top three global players in farm animal diagnostics.
Unique set of solutions
Based on its expertise in Prion diseases and the unique diagnostic tool PrionicsCheck, BSE
cows are prevented from entering the food chain. Today Prionics offers an innovative product
line for the diagnosis of TSE based on three different platforms, including today’s most rapid
BSE test system.
One-stop-provider for farm animal diagnostics
Prionics expanded its business into other areas of farm animal diseases both through in house
developments and acquisitions. Recently, Prionics acquired the Pfizer Animal Health diagnostic product line and the Dutch farm animal diagnostics company Cedi-Diagnostics B.V. Today
Prionics provides its customers with a portfolio of more than 50 diagnostic test kits as well as
animal traceability and tracking systems.
には家畜追跡システムを顧客に提供しています。
所在地 Wagistrasse 27a,CH-8952 Schlieren-Zurich
Location Wagistrasse 27a,CH-8952 Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
連絡先 3+41-0-44-200-20-95 5+41-0-44-200-20-10
"[email protected]
担当部署 Head of Corporate Communications
Contact 3+41-0-44-200-20-95 5+41-0-44-200-20-10
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Head of Corporate Communications
www.prionics.com
www.prionics.com
280
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 Swiss Biotech Association
Co-Exhibitors
Swiss Biotech Association
スイス・バイオテック協会（The Swiss Biotech Association（SBA）
）は、
製薬、診断、農業、食品、環境バイオテクノロジー、特殊化学、等を含
めたバイオテクノロジーの全分野における小・中規模企業の産業組合です
会員資格はR&D、製造、販売、金融、サービス、コンサルティング等、現
在のバイオテクノロジーの様々な局面に関連した各種規模の企業に開かれ
ています。
基本的にはSEMの産業組合ですが、部門内での多国籍企業の活動にも良好
なネットワークの場を提供しています。1998年3月に設立された協会は、
今や150社以上を代表するまでになっています。
The Swiss Biotech Association (SBA) is the industry association of small and
medium-sized enterprises in all areas of biotechnology, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, agriculture, food, environmental biotechnology, and specialty
chemicals.
The membership is open to companies of various size concerned with different
aspects of modern bio-technology such as R&D, production, marketing and sales,
finance, services and consulting.
Although primarily an industry association for SMEs, it also provides a good networking platform for multinational companies active in the sector. Founded in
March 1998, the Association now represents more than 150 companies.
所在地 Wengistrasse 7,CH-8004 Zurich
Location Wengistrasse 7,CH-8004 Zurich, Switzerland
連絡先 3+41-44-455-56-78 5+41-44-786-16-81
"[email protected]
担当部署 Executive Director
Contact 3+41-44-455-56-78 5+41-44-786-16-81
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Executive Director
www.swissbiotechassociation.ch
www.swissbiotechassociation.ch
282
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
3-10 SWX Swiss Exchange
Co-Exhibitors
SWX Swiss Exchange
スイスの金融機関は世界の海外資産の4分の1以上を管理しており、スイス
の強力な金融市場のバックボーンになっています。それに伴い、SWXス
イス証券取引所の上場企業は金融的に強いこの投資家の世界で高いレベル
の知名度を確立しています。
スイスでは次のように、特に生命科学産業が国際的に認められ、且つ非常
に重視される部門として注目されるまでに発展してきました：
・欧州では、上場された生命科学企業の時価総額という点で、SWXが最
も重要な証券取引所にまで成長してきました。
・総体的に、これらの企業は市場全体の時価総額の約3分の1を占めていま
す。
・Roche、Merck Serono、Actelion、等の生命科学分野の上場企業は、世
界的なカリスマに汗をかかせるほどの環境を作り出しています。
・SXI LIFE SCIENCES® 指数やSXI Bio+Medtech® 指数等の各種の部門別
指標が、こうした特定部門に関するアナリストの一般的に広範な分析
と共に、透明性と著しい明白性を確保しています。
Swiss financial institutions manage more than one-quarter of the world’s offshore
assets and represent the backbone of Switzerland’s strong financial marketplace.
As a result, companies listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange achieve a high level of
visibility within this financially potent investor community.
In Switzerland, the life sciences industry in particular has developed into an internationally recognised and strongly emphasized sectoral focal point:
:In Europe, the SWX has grown to become the most important securities
exchange in terms of the total market capitalisation of listed life sciences companies.
:Collectively, these representatives of the industry account for roughly one-third of
the overall market capitalisation.
:Listed companies in the life sciences field such as Novartis, Roche, Merck
Serono and Actelion engender an environment that exudes global charisma.
:Differentiated sector-specific indicators such as the SXI LIFE SCIENCES® and
SXI Bio+Medtech® indices, as well as the unusually broad analyst coverage of
this particular sector, ensure transparency and outstanding visibility
所在地 Selnaustrasse 30 Postfach CH-8021 Zuerich
Location Selnaustrasse 30, Postfach CH-8021 Zuerich, Switzerland
連絡先 3+41-58-854-22-45 5+41-58-854-22-40
"[email protected]
担当部署 Issuer & Investor Relations
Contact 3+41-58-854-22-45 5+41-58-854-22-40
"[email protected]
Department in Charge Issuer & Investor Relations
www.swx.com
www.swx.com
286
3-10 Venture Valuation
Co-Exhibitors
Venture Valuation
Venture Valuationは生命科学や医療技術等の高成長な市場の企業に関する
独立した評価と価値付けの他に、ライセンス取引や戦略決定のための製品
の価値付けを専門としています。顧客は投資家や投機的資本家、更には金
融取引やライセンス取引を期待しているバイオテック企業や製薬企業で
す。Venture Valuationはまた、バイオテックと生命科学の世界的なデータ
ベースであるbiotechgate.comのプロバイダーでもあり、オーストリア、カ
ナダ、フランス、ドイツ、インド、イタリア、スカンジナビア、スイスに
カントリー・ポータルがあります。
Venture Valuation AG, is a Swiss based company which is specialized in the
assessment, valuation and monitoring of companies and products in the life sciences and biotech area. Product valuations are used for licensing deals; company valuations for M&A as well as investments. Venture Valuation also provides a
database applications for the life sciences and venture capital industry. The
development of the company database (www.biotechgate.com) started in early
2003 with the launch of the Swiss Life Sciences Database (www.swisslifesciences.com) and is now a Global database containing over 8500 company profiles. For the valuation part, Venture Valuation has conducted over 120 valuations
in Europe, Israel and North America. Clients include investors such as Novartis
Venture Fund, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, the European Investment Bank and
many high growth companies. Head quartered in Zurich, Venture Valuation has
offices and affiliates in Canada, Germany, France and Singapore.
所在地 Kasernenstr. 11, CH-8004 Zurich, Switzerland
Location Kasernenstr. 11, CH-8004 Zurich, Switzerland
連絡先 3+41-43-321-8660 5+41-43-321-8661
"[email protected]
担当部署
Contact 3+41 43 321 8660 5+41 43 321 8661
"[email protected]
Department in Charge
http://www.venturevaluation.com
http://www.venturevaluation.com
125
Exhibitors' Directory
Swiss Biotech Pavilion
eiπ 1 = 0
Ë
Ë
Swiss Biotech Partners
Company Name
Technologies / Products
Analytical Services
Technopark
Dorfstrasse 69
CH-5210 Windisch
Switzerland
Tel: + 41 56 450 33 44
Fax: + 41 56 450 33 43
Email: [email protected]
URL: http://www.analytical-services.com
CRO: Analytical Services and Quality Management
Anergis SA
Ch. du Polny 34b
CH-1066 Epalinges
Switzerland
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.anergis.ch
ANERGIS develops novel products to treat allergy. A product, based on
synthetic peptides against tree pollen allergy, is currently being tested in
vitro and in animals to prepare for a clinical trial phase I/IIa.
Type of cooperation
Support for API import / export
Contact person:
Dr. Ralph Nussbaum
Managing Director
ANERGIS’s technology is potentially applicable to any allergy dependent
on proteins, including food allergy.
The application of the patented technology of
ANERGIS to other types of allergies can be
envisaged in the form of joint development or
under license.
We also welcome VC’s interested in taking part
in the growth of the company.
Contact person:
Dr. Christophe Reymond
Anteis SA
Chemin des Aulx, 18
CH-1228 Plan-les-Ouates
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 884 83 08
Fax: +41 22 794 66 65
Email : [email protected]
Contact person:
Olivier Benoit
Chief Technical and Operations Officer
Technologies:
(Bio)polymers transformation and functionalisation for medical use
Patents :
• Complex Matrices made of biopolymers
• Cohesive Polydensified Matrix
• Visco elastic solution for skin rehydration
Distribution of Medical Devices in Japan
Under contract development for Medical
Devices as well as for formulation and drug
delivery services
All business model can be negotiated
These technologies allow to inject locally trough heparin size needles
long lasting gels (from days up to 6 months) for various biomedical
applications (tissues augmentation, Synovia replacement, ophthalmology,
…). These gels can act as a depot form for local drug delivery.
Products and services:
®
Esthélis Range : Injectable Aesthetic Medicine products made of
biopolymers (Cross linked sodium Hyaluronate) for scars and wrinkles
treatment
Under contracts development of injectable biodegradable medical device
and formulation services for drug delivery
Bachem AG
Hauptstrasse 144
CH-4416 Bubendorf
Switzerland
URL: http://www.bachem.com/
Contact person:
Mr. Hanspeter Misteli
Sales Director Asia
Email: [email protected]
Basilea Pharmaceutica AG
Grenzacherstrasse 487
P.O. Box
CH-4005 Basel
Switzerland
Tel: +41-61 606 1111
Fax: +41-61 606 1112
Contact person:
Dr. Cornelia Blättchen
Business Development/Licensing
Email: [email protected]
BeFutur Suisse SA
14 Chemin des Clochettes
CH-1206 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel : + 41 22 800 33 10
Fax : + 41 22 800 33 13
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.befutur.com
Contact persons :
Bachem is the world leading producer of peptides. We produce amino
Contract manufacturing, joint-development
acid derivatives, peptide fragments, peptides, peptide mimetics, peptide
conjugates, resins and organic compounds under cGMP and non-GMP
conditions.
We offer custom synthesis in small and large scale as cGMP or non-GMP
products. Bachem also has a dedicated site for the manufacture of
cytotoxic and cytostatic substances.
Basilea is an integrated biopharmaceutical company focusing on
discovery, development and commercialization of drugs targeting high
medical needs in the hospital setting. The product portfolio includes three
product candidates in clinical phase III development for bacterial and
fungal infections as well as for dermatological disorders:
§ Ceftobiprole (BAL5788), partnered with Cilag GmbH International a
Johnson & Johnson company. First phase III broad-spectrum
cephalosporin antibiotic with anti-MRSA activities. Filed in the US and
in Europe for treatment of severe skin infections.
§ Alitretinoin (BAL4079): Oral retinoid for chronic hand dermatitis
refractory to topical steroids. Achieved positive results in two Ph III
studies.
§ Antifungal (BAL8557): Novel water-soluble oral and injectable azole for
severe invasive fungal infections. In Ph III development for treatment
of severe candida and aspergillus infections. in preparation for Ph III
development.
• Access to in-licensing opportunities from
Japan:
1. Antibacterial, antifungal and oncology
compounds in late pre-clinical or early
clinical development
LA PEAU Swiss antioxidant skincare range, manufactured by BeFutur
Suisse SA.
La Peau is based on a new molecular complex - the BeCell - a
revolutionary complex stemming from years of research on the skin that
helps reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. Easily absorbed, it
stimulates cellular metabolism to nourish and regenerate the skin. BeCell
is free of any animal substance.
LA PEAU is composed of the finest antioxidants, amino acids, oligo
elements & vitamins with proven anti-wrinkle properties; it regulates the
skin’s moisture level while providing long-lasting hydration.
• Distribution of LA PEAU skincare range in
Japan.
• Partnership with an interested party.
• Out-licensing opportunities for Japanese
Companies:
1. Co-development and marketing
collaboration for the antifungal
(BAL8557) and alitretinoin (BAL4079)
for the Japanese market.
2. Late stage pre-clinical compounds in
dermatology targeted at acne,
photodamage, and psoriasis
Prepared by Dr. Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché, Embassy of Switzerland, email: [email protected]
Company Name
Technologies / Products
Type of cooperation
Carla-Maria Khanjian, CEO
Irma Kayser-Khanjian : Vice President
"LA PEAU is the best antioxidant product on the market today and the
most efficient anti-wrinkle treatment," concluded Edel Therapeutics
(EPFL-Lausanne), after comparing this new line to 18 leading anti-aging
products. The visual results are compelling; after 28 days of daily use of
LA PEAU, skin looks dramatically firmer and smoother. Wrinkles are less
pronounced.
Biolytix AG
Benkenstrasse 254
CH-4108 Witterswil
Switzerland
Tel: +41 61 725 20 70
Fax: +41 61 725 20 71
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.biolytix.ch
Service lab for GeneChip® analysis and geneBiolytix AG, a CRO specialized in molecular biological analyses was
expression studies
founded in 1998 and is situated in Witterswil (Switzerland), near Basel.
Biolytix is DIN EN ISO 17025 accredited and offers the following services:
TM
Distribution of Biolytix StripKits
• Contract services for gene expression studies: Assay design and
validation (according to FDA guidelines), exact and reproducible
expression analysis of single genes as well as complex groups of
genes based on Affymetrix GeneChip & technology and/or HT realtime PCR.
• Microbiology: Identification and quantification of viruses, bacteria and
fungi. Microbiological monitoring.
• Genetic monitoring: Transgene and zygosity determination as well as
genotyping of animals.
• Real-time PCR Kits: Development and delivery of real-time PCR kits
for the detection and identification of GMO’s and microorganisms.
• Residual host DNA impurities
• Additional services: Animal and plant species identification as well as
GMO (genetically modified organisms) detection in food, feed and
tobacco.
Contact person:
Mr. Adrian Härri
CEO
Email: [email protected]
Bioring SA
P.O.Box 67
CH-1027 Lonay
Switzerland
Tel: +41 21 811 22 90
Fax: +41 21 811 22 95
Email : [email protected]
URL: www.bioring.ch
Biodegradable devices inducing body self-repair :
Marketing and sales of the products in Japan
• Biodegradable Annuloplasty Rings for Pediatric and Adult Cardiac
Surgery
• Biodegradable urethral stent
• Biodegradable prosthesis for female urinary incontinence
• Biodegradable stents for coronary arteries
Contact person:
Mr. Raymond Andrieu
Chairman & CEO
Email: [email protected]
CARBOGEN AMCIS AG
Hauptstrasse 171
CH-4416 Bubendorf
Switzerland
Tel. +41 61 935 53 53
Fax +41 61 935 53 00
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.carbogen-amcis.com
Cardiosafe International AG
Technoparkstr. 1
CH-8005 Zurich
Switzerland
Tel: +41 44 445 20 10
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.cardiosafe.biz
Innovative Chemistry Solutions
Drug Substance Development and
CARBOGEN AMCIS AG combines world-class chemistry skills to provide Manufacturing Services
seamless drug substance development and commercialization services
for leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Through our
customized offering we provide an array of integrated services operated
in a fully cGMP compliant infrastructure, including a dedicated High
Potency Facility. These services supports faster, safer drug development
with improved cost efficiency, helping our clients make decisions more
quickly and progress more candidates through the pipeline in a shorter
period of time.
The Zurich-based company Cardiosafe International AG has developed a
patient-monitoring system based on the latest technologies. Continuously
measured parameters (ECG, SpO2, BP) are transferred via the mobile
phone network and lead to immediate notification of the relevant persons
(MDs, nurses, family) in case of medical problems. The system can be
used both in a hospital setting and for outpatients.
The system is CE-certified and has been successfully introduced in
Switzerland.
Several cooperation models are considerable,
depending on the partner company. Of special
interest are distribution of our product in Japan
and joint development in the area of
telecommunications.
Cary Consulting
Hauptstrasse 90
CH-4102 Binningen
Switzerland
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.caryconsulting.ch
1. GLP Histopathology examinations
2. Non-clinical safety consultancy handling a full range of services in
Toxicology and Pathology to get the client’s product into Phase 1 clinical
studies as quick as possible
Provide support in the USA and Europe for
Non-clinical toxicology and pathology.
Elchrom Scientific AG
Gewerbestrasse 8
CH-6330 Cham
Switzerland
Tel: +41 41 747 25 50
Fax: + 41 41 736 25 43
URL: www.elchrom.com
Genomics :
Integrated solutions for high-performance
QA/QC and Micro-satellites analysis
Integrated solution for ultra-high purification of synthetic oligonucleotides
from 18 till 150 mers (RNA,DNA)
Proteomics:
Innovative 1D and 2D gels for high detection sensitivity/high recovery of
protein samples in Western Blots (400% improvement) and MS based
protein identification (3x improvements)
Consumables:
Patented Gels and ancillaries
Equipment:
Patented advanced Integrated industrial grade electrophoresis
equipment, imaging systems, EtBr removal kits.
§ B2B supply of solutions, including
customized developments, and products
(consumables, equipment and ancillaries)
§ Joint development of industrial scale
purification for RNAs and proteins based on
our gels technologies
§ Licensing/Distribution/Private Label/OEM
Contact person:
Pascal Koenig
Head of Marketing
Tel: +41 44 445 20 12
Email: [email protected]
Contact person:
Mr. Jean-Louis Roux dit Buisson
CEO
Email: [email protected]
Prepared by Dr. Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché, Embassy of Switzerland, email: [email protected]
Company Name
ESBATech AG
Wagistr. 21
CH-8952 Zuerich-Schlieren
Switzerland
Tel: +41-44-733 49 00
Fax: +41-44-733 49 90
Email: [email protected]
Webpage: www.esbatech.com
BD person:
Oliver Middendorp, PhD
Technologies / Products
ESBATech’ s mission is to advance antibody fragment therapeutics
Type of cooperation
Regional indication specific deals
Technology
ESBATech has selected from the pool of naturally occurring human
antibody frameworks the ones with superior thermodynamic properties
(stable, well soluble, monomeric behaviour). Based on the selected
frameworks ESBATech generates antigen-specific SCA binders against
several disease-relevant targets (see products).
ESBATech has wide experience on the generation of stable and wellexpressed SCA: De-novo generation, conversion of existing unstable
SCAs or conversion of full-length antibodies
The therapeutic concept
ESBATech applies the therapeutic SCAs locally at the site of disease
manifestation, thereby ensuring a high drug concentration at the diseased
tissue. Due to their small size, SCAs reveal a high tissue penetration.
From systemic circulation they are, however, rapidly cleared by renal
filtration, thereby reducing systemic side effects.
Products
ESBA105: Regulator of inflammation
ESBA212: Passive immunization for Alzheimer’s disease
ESBA521: Cancer therapy
ExcellGene SA
Route de l’Île-au-Bois 1A
CH-1870 Monthey
Switzerland
Tel : +41 24 471 96 60
Fax : +41 24 471 96 61
Email: [email protected]
Contact person:
Prof. Florian Wurm (CSO)
Email: [email protected]
Geneva Bioinformatics (GeneBio) SA
25 avenue de Champel
CH-1206 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 702 99 00
Fax: +41 22 702 99 99
URL: www.genebio.com
Process development and process optimization for production of
Services for Japanese partners
proteins from mammalian cells:
TubeSpin-technology is the only high throughput screening method with
• Joint development with Japanese partners
bioreactor-like performance in industry. It allows to develop a very costand helping them to enter the European
effective or to optimize a process within 10 days. 10 – 20 fold
Market.
improvements are typically achieved.
• Co-marketing services from Japanese
Transient Gene Expression (TGE) for rapid production of gram
Contract Manufacturing Organizations and
quantities of proteins from mammalian cells:
enabling them to enter the European
We are the only company to produce recombinant proteins transiently at
market.
the 100 liter scale.
Creation and establishment of highly producing stable cell lines: We
create highly producing stable mammalian cell lines ( CHO: >50pg/c/day)
that are ready for cGMP-production.
Orbital shake bioreactor technology: Together with Kühner AG,
ExcellGene Scientists have developed a disposable bioreactor
technology equivalent in performance to stirred tank reactors, based on
orbital shaking and applied up to the 1000 Liter scale.
GeneBio is a leading bioinformatics company providing the life science
community with world-class proteomics software that bridges the gap
between information gathering and knowledge management. We focus
our expertise on protein identification and characterization (Phenyx) as
well as proteome imaging (Melanie), offering clients and partners a high
degree of specialization essential to proteomics research.
We are interested in extending our product
reach throughout Asia and furthering the
progress of our Japanese branch:
www.genebio.co.jp
KATZAROV SA provides its clients with a broad range of intellectual
property services relative to patent, trademark, model and design rights
as well as domain names, with a particular expertise in chemistry and
biotech innovations. KATZAROV SA is able to handle intellectual
property protection in Switzerland as well as worldwide.
KATZAROV SA offers cooperation and
assistance in various Intellectual Property
issues in Switzerland, Europe and throughout
the world, especially for biotechnology and
pharmaceutical innovations.
Contact person:
Nasri Nahas
Email : [email protected]
KATZAROV SA
Patent & Trademark Attorneys
Rue des Epinettes 19
CH-1227 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 342 66 30
Fax: +41 22 342 66 15
URL: www.katzarov.com
Contact person:
Mr. Emmanuel Jelsch
European Patent Attorney
Email: [email protected]
MaxiMed Klay Consulting
Crets 9
CH-1037 Etagnieres
Switzerland
KATZAROV SA edits and publishes Katzarov’s Manual on Industrial
Property®. The manual is dedicated to IP practitioners and Katzarov’s
clients as a useful tool containing comprehensive information on the
protection of industrial property for nearly two hundred countries.
Ophthalmic devices,
Medical Devices, Diagnostic
Innovative technologies
Market entry consulting (distribution, logistics,
tactics)
Co-Marketing, Distribution, Business
Consulting
§ Antiproteases – Biologic compounds
MDPK67: hk2 inhibitor to treat prostate cancer
MDOK: protease inhibitors for ovarian cancer
Joint development
Contact person:
Mr. David Klay
Email: [email protected]
Med Discovery SA
Chemin des Aulx 16
CH-1228 Plan les Ouates
Switzerland
Tel: + 41 22 706 17 54
Fax: +41 22 706 17 53
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.med-discovery.com
§ Peptabody anti EGF receptor – Biologic compounds
Bladder cancer
Various cancers overexpressing EGF receptor
Prepared by Dr. Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché, Embassy of Switzerland, email: [email protected]
Company Name
Technologies / Products
OphthalmoPharma Ltd.
Bahnhofplatz 5
CH-6060 Sarnen
Switzerland
Tel: + 41 61 931 4640
Fax: + 41 61 931 4642
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.ophthalmopharma.com
"SOLO" Pre-Loaded Injector for intraocular lenses.
PhenoTec AG Zug
Lüssiweg 8
P.O. Box 4127
CH-6304 Zug
Switzerland
Development of anti-inflammatory compounds and immunstimulants
Contact person:
Franz Bucher
Phone/Fax: +41 41 712 2818
Email: [email protected]
Transgenic mouse technology
PolyGene Inc.
Riedmattstrasse 9
CH-8153 Ruemlang
Switzerland
Full range of “TRANSGENIC MOUSE SERVICES”
(www.polygene.ch/services.php)
Contact person:
Dr. Randall N. Gatz
Founder, CEO
Pharma services: In vivo pharmacology, vaccine sand safety studies in
rodents and primates
Contact person:
Yves de Chastonay, Ph.D./MBA
Executive Director
Type of cooperation
license-out, supply contract.
Partner in the field of anti-inflammatory and
immunostimulatory compounds and adjuvant,
in-out-licensing, co-development
Partners needing service subcontracts in
pharmacology and toxicology
Service in gene targeting in mice
Swift, Reliable & Cost-Efficient
Our research endeavours include development of innovative (knock-in or
knock-down) technologies:
Founded in 2002, PolyGene is a solidly
financed and growing enterprise, with proven
and broadly recognized skills in mouse
transgenesis.
Break-even was reached in 18 months, and we
foresee expanding our client base by copromotion of our high-tech services in Japan.
Transgenic Targeting (www.polygene.ch/procedure_benefits.php) ,
Business Development, Sales &
Marketing
Direct line: +41 (0)44 / 828 63 86
Email: [email protected]
Prionics AG
Wagistrasse 27a
CH-8952 Schlieren
Switzerland
Tel: +41 44 200 2000
Fax: +41 44 200 2010
URL: www.prionics.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact person:
Mr. Thomas Struckmeyer
Head of Key Account Management,
Business Manager
Email: [email protected]
Valmed SA
Av. De Tourbillon 34
CH-1950 Sion
Switzerland
… for example in combination with novel systems for Inducible
Transgene Expression
(www.polygene.ch/pdf/inducibles_1&2.pdf)
Prionics provides Diagnostic Solutions
for Farm Animal Diseases.
We focus our expertise to discover, develop and market innovative
diagnostic solutions for major farm animal diseases to protect consumer
health.
As a world leader in farm animal diagnostics, we are committed to
providing our customers with high-quality products and sustainable
solutions.
Prionics distribution and business partner in Japan is Kawasaki Mitaka
K.K., a Kyoritsu Seiyaku Company.
www.kawasakimitaka.co.jp
Neuro-muscular stimulators
Mobility sensors
Cooperation partners that are interested to
implement diagnostic solutions for production
animal diseases such as e.g. BVDV,
Paratuberculosis, TB or Trichinellosis.
Animal breeders or associations that are
interested to enhance their traceability for the
products
Manufactured.
Farmer and/or governmental associations and
institutions that like to implement farm animal
health standards and measures using high
sensitive and specific diagnostic tools.
Contact person:
Mr. Eric Balet
We want to find someone that is interested by
our technology and willing to market our
products in Japan on an exclusive license
basis.
We are open to any collaboration in that
process.
Xiril, Hombrechtikon
Xiril AG
Garstligweg 2
CH-8634 Hombrechtikon
Switzerland
Tel: +41 55 254 7777
Fax: +41 55 254 7799
URL: www.xiril.com
Email: [email protected]
Laboratory Automation Solutions
We are interested in
Xiril AG is a Swiss based solution provider for laboratory automation for
pre-analytics and OEM partners with a global sales representation. The
Robotic Liquid Handling Workstations provide affordable solutions,
combining ease of use with robust technology, high precision, and
maximal flexibility.
§ OEM partners for solutions
§ Distributor in Japan for Xiril product line
Ypsomed AG
Brunnmattstrasse 6
CH-3401 Burgdorf
Switzerland
Medical devices to self-inject bio-pharmaceuticals such as insulin, human
growth hormone, interferons, EPO, etc.
Ypsomed manufactures and/or develops injection pens, auto-injectors
and pen needles.
Tel: +41 27 203 65 81
Fax: +41 27 203 65 87
URL: www.valmed.ch
The new Dispomix® product line for tissue homogenization sets new
standards in quality, safety, speed and ease of use for sample
homogenisation processes.
Contact person:
Ralf Künzi, Business Development
Tel: +41 34 424 31 57
Email: [email protected]
Swiss Science & Technology Office
Embassy of Switzerland
Minami-Azabu Minato-ku Tokyo 106-8589
Supply and possible customization of injection
devices based on Ypsomed's device platform
portfolio to Japanese manufacturers of biopharmaceuticals.
Looking for an agent to distribute and sell our
pen needles Penfine® universal click™ in the
Japanese market.
Tel: 03-5449-8400
Fax: 03-3473-6090
Mailto: [email protected]
Prepared by Dr. Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché, Embassy of Switzerland, email: [email protected]
Swiss Biotech Partners
スイス・バイオテク・パートナー
会社名
事業内容（技術、製品等）
希望する提携等協力関係
API(医薬品有効成分)の輸入・輸出サポート
Analytical Services
Technopark
Dorfstrasse 69
CH-5210 Windisch
Switzerland
Tel: + 41 56 450 33 44
Fax: + 41 56 450 33 43
Email: [email protected]
URL: http://www.analytical-services.com
受託臨床試験実施機関（CRO）：分析サービスおよび品質管理
Anergis SA
Ch. du Polny 34b
CH-1066 Epalinges
Switzerland
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.anergis.ch
Contact person:
Dr. Christophe Reymond
アネルジス社は、アレルギー治療の新規製品を開発している。樹木花粉症
のための合成ペプチドに基づく製品は、現在臨床試験の第 1 段階及び第
2a 段階に向けて、生体外実験・動物実験を行っている。
同社の技術は、食品アレルギーを含むタンパク質によるすべてのアレルギ
ーに適用できる可能性がある。
Anteis SA
Chemin des Aulx, 18
CH-1228 Plan-les-Ouates
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 884 83 08
Fax: +41 22 794 66 65
Email : [email protected]
Contact person:
Olivier Benoit
Chief Technical and Operations Officer
技術：
医療利用を目的とした（バイオ）ポリマーのトランスフォーメーションと
ファンクショナライゼーション。
保有特許：
・バイオポリマーから生成した複合基質
・結合性のある多密度基質
・皮膚の水分補給のための粘弾性ソリューション
以上の技術によって、各種のバイオメディカル用途（組織増殖、滑液補
充、眼科学等）に、長時間作用（数日から 6 ヶ月まで）型ゲルを、ヘパリ
ンサイズの針で局部注射できるようになった。注射されたゲルは、薬物を
体内の目的の局所に確実に送り届けるためのターミナルのような働きする
ことができる。
製品およびサービス：
エテリス（Esthélis®）ライン：
瘢痕および皺の治療向けの、バイオポリマー（架橋重合体ヒアルロン酸ナ
トリウム）を原料とする、注射可能な美容整形医薬品。
契約に基づく、注射可能な生分解性医療器具、およびドラッグ・デリバリ
ー用処方サービスの開発。
Bachem AG
Hauptstrasse 144
CH-4416 Bubendorf
Switzerland
URL: http://www.bachem.com/
Contact person:
Mr. Hanspeter Misteli
Sales Director Asia
Email: [email protected]
バヒェムは、ペプチドの世界最大メーカー。
cGMP（グアニル酸）および非 GMP 条件下で、アミノ酸誘導体、ペプチ
ド・フラグメント、ペプチド、ペプチド・ミメティクス、ペプチド抱合
剤、樹脂、有機化合物等を製造。
cGMP 製品もしくは非 GMP 製品としての小規模および大規模なカスタム合
成サービスを提供。
細胞毒性物質および細胞増殖抑制性物質の専門製造拠点を有している。
受託製造、共同開発
Basilea Pharmaceutica AG
Grenzacherstrasse 487
P.O. Box
CH-4005 Basel
Switzerland
Tel: +41-61 606 1111
Fax: +41-61 606 1112
Contact person:
Dr. Cornelia Blättchen
Business Development/Licensing
Email: [email protected]
バシレアは、医療機関環境において高度医療ニーズに的を絞った医薬品の
発見、開発、商品化に重点を置く総合生物医薬品メーカー。
製品ポートフォリオとしては、細菌性・真菌性感染症および皮膚疾患の治
療向けに現在開発中の製品候補 3 種類を有し、いずれも臨床開発のフェー
ズ III にある。
・セフトビプロール（ceftobiprole BAL5788）：ジョンソン＆ジョンソン
社の子会社であるツィラグ GmbH インターナショナル（Cilag GmbH
International）社をパートナーに現在共同開発中。抗 MRSA 活性を有する、
広域スペクトラムのセファロスポリン抗生物質。目下、フェーズ III の開
発段階にある。重度の感染症治療向けとして、米国と欧州で登録されてい
る。
・アリトレチノイン（alitretinoin BAL4709）：局所ステロイドが効かない
難治性の、手の慢性皮膚疾患の治療向け経口レチノイド。フェーズ III の
２つの研究により、成果が得られた。
・抗真菌剤（BAL8557）：新しい、水溶性の経口および注射剤のアゾール
で、重度の浸潤性真菌性感染症の治療向けに開発中。重度のカンジダ感染
症とアスペルギルス症の治療薬として、フェーズ III の開発段階にある。
•
Contact person:
Dr. Ralph Nussbaum
Managing Director
アネルジス社の特許技術を他のアレルギーへ
も適用させていく上で、共同開発やライセン
スといった形を想定している。
また、同社の発展に参加を希望するベンチャ
ー・キャピタルからの問い合わせも歓迎す
る。
日本における医療器具の流通販売
契約に基づく、医療器具、ならびに医療薬剤
配合およびドラッグ・デリバリー（局所薬物
配送療法）サービスの開発、
あらゆるビジネス・モデルの交渉に応じるこ
とができる。
•
日本企業からのライセンス供与を希望す
るライセンス・インの機会を模索してい
るもの：
1.
後期前臨床開発段階あるいは初期
臨床開発段階にある抗菌性、抗真
菌性および腫瘍治療向け化合物
日本企業にライセンス供与したいライセ
ンス・アウトの機会を模索しているも
の：
1.
抗真菌剤（BAL4079）およびアリ
トレチノイン（BAL4079）：日本
市場向けの共同開発とマーケティ
ングのコラボレーション
2. ・後期前臨床段階にある皮膚疾患治
療向け化合物で、ニキビ、光性損
傷および乾癬の治療に的を絞った
もの。
Prepared by Dr. Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché, Embassy of Switzerland, email: [email protected]
会社名
事業内容（技術、製品等）
希望する提携等協力関係
BeFutur Suisse SA
14 Chemin des Clochettes
CH-1206 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel : + 41 22 800 33 10
Fax : + 41 22 800 33 13
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.befutur.com
Contact person:
Carla-Maria Khanjian, CEO
Irma Kayser-Khanjian, Vice President
スイスの抗酸化剤配合スキンケア・ライン「ラ・ポー（LA PEAU）」
は、ベフトゥール・スイス社によって製造されている。
「LA PEAU」は、新しい分子複合体「BeCell」に基づいて開発されたも
の。「BeCell」は、長年の皮膚に関する研究を踏まえて開発された画期的
な複合体で、細かいしわや小じわを目立たなくする作用がある。吸収性が
よく、肌の栄養補給および再生のための細胞代謝を刺激する。また、動物
由来成分をまったく含んでいない。
「LA PEAU」は、最高品質の抗酸化剤、アミノ酸、オリゴマー要素およ
び実証済みのしわ防止（アンチ・リンクル）特性を有するビタミンを配
合。肌の保湿レベルを調節しながら、持続的な水分補給を行う。
「LA PEAU は、今日、市場で手に入る最も優れた抗酸化剤配合スキンケ
ア製品であり、最も効率的なアンチ・リンクル・トリートメント」であ
る。エーデル・セラピューティックス（スイス連邦工科大学（EPFL）ロ
ーザンヌ校）は、「LA PEAU」と 18 種類の有力アンチ・エージング製品
とを比較した結果、このように結論づけた。また、目に見える効果も、説
得力がある。「LA PEAU」を 28 日間毎日使用すると、毛穴がしまって、
肌がつるつる・すべすべになり、肌に劇的な改善が見られる。しわも目立
たなくなる。
・日本市場における「LA PEAU」スキンケア
製品を流通・販売
・当社に興味のある企業と提携関係の締結
Biolytix AG
Benkenstrasse 254
CH-4108 Witterswil¨
Switzerland
Tel: +41 61 725 20 70
Fax: +41 61 725 20 71
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.biolytix.ch
Contact person:
Mr. Adrian Härri
CEO
Email: [email protected]
Biolytix AGはリアルタイムPCRを専門とするCROで、1998年に設立され、バ
ーゼルの南西12kmのヴィテルスヴィルにあります。Biolytix AGはISO/IEC
17025の認証を受けており、次のようなサービスを提供しています：
・遺伝子発現研究の契約サービス：アッセイ設計／確証（FDAガイドライ
ンによる）、遺伝子発現分析。
・遺伝子発現：単一の遺伝子および複数の遺伝子群に関する正確且つ再生
可能な発現分析
・残存DNA不純物：長期にわたる経験と当社のリアルタイムPCR装置によ
り、残存DNAをどのような種類の基質についても定量化できます。
・遺伝モニタリング：遺伝子転移マウスによる転移遺伝子および接合生
殖性の確認。
・スピード類遺伝子：類遺伝子的傾向を作成したマウスの遺伝子型化。
・食品断：アレルゲン検出、マイコトキシン検出、動植物種の同定、微
生物学的検査。
・微生物学：人、獣医、および食品診断。
・ GMO分析：食品、飼料、およびタバコによる遺伝子組み換え有機体の定
量検出。
・リアルタイム PCR キット：GMO および微生物の検出／同定のためのリ
アルタイム PCR キットの開発および販売
GeneChip®解析と遺伝子発現研究のためのサ
ービスラボ
Bioring SA
P.O.Box 67
CH-1027 Lonay
Switzerland
Tel: +41 21 811 22 90
Fax: +41 21 811 22 95
Email : [email protected]
URL: www.bioring.ch
Contact person:
Mr. Raymond Andrieu
Chairman & CEO
Email: [email protected]
生体の自然治癒力を誘因する生分解性器具：
・小児および成人の心臓手術用生分解性輪状リング
・生分解性尿道ステント
・女性尿失禁治療用生分解性人工器官
・生分解性冠状動脈ステント
CARBOGEN AMCIS AG
Hauptstrasse 171
CH-4416 Bubendorf
Switzerland
Tel. +41 61 935 53 53
Fax +41 61 935 53 00
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.carbogen-amcis.com
革新的な化学ソリューション
元薬の開発および製造サービス
CARBOGEN AMCIS AG には、主要な製薬会社やバイオ企業にとぎれのな
い元薬開発と商品化サービスを提供するため、世界レベルの化学の技術が
結集している。カスタマイズされた提案を通して、専用の高度効能 API 設
備を含めた、医薬品適正製造基準に対応した施設の中で行われる、一連の
総合サービスを提供している。これらのサービスにより、よりよい効率費
用で、より早く安全な薬品開発がサポートされる。またクライアントの決
定を早め、開発ルートを通じてより短い時間で多くの薬剤候補へと進むこ
とができるよう支援している。
Cardiosafe International AG
Technoparkstr. 1
CH-8005 Zurich
Switzerland
Tel: +41 44 445 20 10
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.cardiosafe.biz
Contact person:
Pascal Koenig
Head of Marketing
Tel: +41 44 445 20 12
Email: [email protected]
チューリッヒに本社を置く。最新技術に基づく患者モニタリング・システ
ムを開発。
連続測定したパラメーター（ECG、SpO2、BP）を携帯電話ネットワーク
を通じて転送し、医療上の問題がある場合は、関係者（担当医師、看護
婦、家族）に直ちに通知できる。同システムは、病院において入院患者、
外来患者の双方に使用できる。また、同システムは、EU 試験所の CE 認証
を受け、スイス国内で導入され、成功している。
Cary Consulting
Hauptstrasse 90
CH-4102 Binningen
Switzerland
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.caryconsulting.ch
1.
2.
Biolytix StripKits
TM
の販売
日本市場における左記製品のマーケティング
と販売
パートナー企業にもよるが、いくつかの協力
関係モデルの検討が可能。当然のことなが
ら、興味は、日本市場における当社製品の流
通販売およびテレコミュニケーション分野に
おける共同開発にある。
GLP 基準の組織病理学検査
欧米市場において、非臨床の毒物学および病
非臨床安全コンサルタンティング：毒物学と病理学の両分野におけ理学に関するサポートを提供。
る総合サービスを提供し、クライアントの製品を、できるだけ早
く、フェーズ 1 段階の臨床試験に到達させることを目指す。
Prepared by Dr. Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché, Embassy of Switzerland, email: [email protected]
会社名
事業内容（技術、製品等）
希望する提携等協力関係
Elchrom Scientific AG
Gewerbestrasse 8
CH 6330 Cham
Switzerland
Tel: +41 41 747 25 50
Fax: + 41 41 736 25 43
URL: www.elchrom.com
Contact person:
Mr. Jean-Louis Roux dit Buisson
CEO
Email: [email protected]
遺伝子学分野：
高性能品質保証・品質管理（QA/QC）およびマイクロ・サテイライト分析
に関する統合ソリューション。
18 mer から 150 mer までの合成オリゴヌクレオチド（RNA, DNA）の超高
度精製の統合ソリューション。
プロテオミクス分野：
ウェスタン・ブロット分析および MS（マス・スペクトロメトリー）ベー
スのたんぱく質認識における、たんぱく質サンプルの高度探知感受性／高
度回復用画期的な 1D および 2D ゲル（ウェスタン・ブロット分析において
400％、MS ベースのたんぱく質認識において 3 倍の改善をそれぞれ達
成）。
消費財：
特許取得ゲルおよび補助剤
機器・装置：
特許取得の先端統合産業用電気泳動装置、イメージング・システム、EtBr
回復キット等。
・ソリューションの企業間（B2B）供給、カ
スタマイズ開発および製品（消費財、機
器、補助剤等）を含む。
・自社のゲル技術に基づく RNA およびたんぱ
く質の工業用規模精製の共同開発
・ライセンシング、流通販売、プライベー
ト・レーベル、OEM 等.
ESBATech AG
Wagistr. 21
CH-8952 Zuerich-Schlieren
Switzerland
Tel: +41-44-733 49 00
Fax: +41-44-733 49 90
Email: [email protected]
Webpage: www.esbatech.com
BD person:
Oliver Middendorp, PhD
エスバテクの企業ミッションは、抗体フラグメント療法を進化させるこ
と。
技術：自然発生ヒト抗体気質の集合体から、（安定性、可溶性、単一行動
において）優れた熱力学特性を示したものを選定。選定した気質に基づ
き、いくつかの疾病関連ターゲットに対して抗原別 SCA 結合剤を生成（製
品を参照）。
安定的および発現に優れた SCA の生成に豊富な経験を有する。新規生成、
既存の不安定な SCA の変換、もしくは無削減の抗体の変換等。
治療法コンセプト：治療用 SCA を疾病発現サイトに局所的に適用すること
によって、確実に、病気の組織に薬物を高度に集中させる。SCA は、サイ
ズが小さいことから、高度細胞浸透性を表す。全身に回るが、腎臓のろ過
作用によって迅速にクリアされるため、全身性の副作用を減らすことがで
きる。
製品：
ESBA105：炎症の調整剤
ESBA212：アルツハイマー病の受動免疫法
ESBA521：がん治療薬
局所適応別取引
ExcellGene SA
Route de l’Île-au-Bois 1A
CH-1870 Monthey
Switzerland
Tel : +41 24 471 96 60
Fax : +41 24 471 96 61
Email: [email protected]
Contact person:
Prof. Florian Wurm (CSO)
Email: [email protected]
哺乳類動物の細胞培養によるたんぱく質の製造のプロセス開発とプロセス・日本のパートナー企業へのサービス提供
最適化：
・日本のパートナー企業との共同開発、およ
チューブスピン技術は、バイオリアクターのような性能を有する、業界で
びこれらパートナーの欧州市場参入を支援
唯一のハイ・スループット・スクリーニング方法。これを使えば、低コス・日本の受託生産企業との共同マーケティン
トのプロセス開発あるいはプロセス最適化を 10 日以内に行える。また、
グサービス、およびこれら企業の欧州市場
10-20 倍の生産性を達成できる。
参入を支援。
哺乳類の細胞培養によるグラム単位のたんぱく質の高速製造向け短期遺伝
子発現（TGE）技術：
エクセルジーンは、100 リットルのスケールで、組換えたんぱく質を短時
間で製造できる唯一の企業。
生産性の高い、安定した細胞ラインの開発と構築：
cGMP 生産に対応できる、生産性の高い、安定した哺乳類動物細胞ライン
（CHO：>50pg/c/日）を開発。
回転攪拌バイオリアクター技術：Kühner AG 社と共同で、エクセルジーン
は使い捨てバイオリアクター技術を開発。これは性能面では回転攪拌に基
づき、1,000 リットルスケールまで対応する攪拌槽型反応器と同等のも
の。
Geneva Bioinformatics (GeneBio) SA
25 avenue de Champel
CH-1206 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 702 99 00
Fax: +41 22 702 99 99
URL: www.genebio.com
Contact person:
Nasri Nahas
Email : [email protected]
ジーンバイオは、情報収集と知識管理の橋渡しをするプロテオミクス専用
ソフトウェアをライフサイエンス業界に提供しているバイオインフォマテ
ィクス企業。タンパク質の同定と特性解析を行う Phenyx とプロテオーム
のイメージング解析を行う Melanie に特に力を注ぎ、クライアントやパー
トナーにプロテオミクスの研究に不可欠な専門知識を提供している。
アジア全域への販売網の拡大と、日本支社の
さらなる強化
（www.genebio.co.jp）
KATZAROV SA
Patent & Trademark Attorneys
Rue des Epinettes 19
CH-1227 Geneva
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 342 66 30
Fax: +41 22 342 66 15
URL: www.katzarov.com
Contact person:
Mr. Emmanuel Jelsch
European Patent Attorney
Email: [email protected]
カツァロフは、クライアントに対して、特許権、商標権、実用新案権、意
匠権およびドメイン・ネームに関連した幅広い知的所有権サービスを提
供、また化学およびバイオテクノロジーの技術革新について専門知識を有
している。スイスおよび世界中の知的所有権保護問題を取り扱っている。
「工業所有権に関するマニュアル（Manual on Industrial Property®）」の
編集と発行も手がける。同マニュアルは、工業所有権を取り扱う実務者お
よびクライアント向けに、ほぼ 200 カ国の工業所有権保護に関する包括的
な情報を網羅した有益なツールとして開発された専門書。
スイス、欧州、世界各国で、特にバイオテク
ノロジーと医薬品の技術革新に関する各種の
知的所有権問題について協力および支援を提
供。
MaxiMed Klay Consulting
Crets 9
CH-1037 Etagnieres
Switzerland
Contact person:
Mr. David Klay
Email: [email protected]
眼科器具
医療器具、
診断用の画期的な技術
市場参入コンサルティング（流通販売、ロジ
スティックス、戦術等）
共同マーケティング、流通販売、ビジネス・
コンサルティング
Prepared by Dr. Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché, Embassy of Switzerland, email: [email protected]
会社名
事業内容（技術、製品等）
希望する提携等協力関係
Med Discovery SA
Chemin des Aulx 16
CH-1228 Plan les Ouates
Switzerland
Tel: + 41 22 706 17 54
Fax: + 41 22 706 17 53
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.med-discovery.com
・抗プロテアーゼ（タンパク質分解酵素）剤：生物化合物
MDPK67：前立腺癌治療用 hk2 阻害剤
MDOK：卵巣癌治療用プロテアーゼ阻害剤
・ペプタボディ抗 EGF 受容体：生物化合物
膀胱癌
EGF 受容体を過度に発現される各種の癌
共同開発
OphthalmoPharma Ltd.
Bahnhofplatz 5
CH-6060 Sarnen
Switzerland
Tel: + 41 61 931 4640
Fax: + 41 61 931 4642
Email: [email protected]
URL: www.ophthalmopharma.com
眼内レンズの「ソロ（SOLO）」前負荷注射器
ライセンス・アウト、供給契約
PhenoTec AG Zug
Lüssiweg 8
P.O. Box 4127
CH-6304 Zug
Switzerland
Contact person:
Franz Bucher
Phone/Fax: +41 41 712 2818
Email: [email protected]
抗炎症化合物および免疫刺激剤の開発。
医薬品関連サービス：生体内薬理学、げっ歯類および霊長類動物を用いた
ワクチンおよび安全性試験、
トランスジェニック・マウス技術
抗炎症および免疫刺激化合物ならびにアジュ
バントの各分野におけるパートナー、ライセ
ンス・インおよびライセンス・アウト、共同
開発
薬理学および毒物学の分野でサービスの下請
けを必要としているパートナー、
マウスにおける遺伝子ターゲティング関連サ
ービス
PolyGene Inc.
Riedmattstrasse 9
CH-8153 Ruemlang
Switzerland
Contact person:
Yves de Chastonay, Ph.D./MBA
Executive Director
Business Development, Sales & Marketing
Direct line: +41 (0)44 / 828 63 86
Email: [email protected]
総合「トランスジェニック・マウス・サービス」
(www.polygene.ch/services.php)
2002 年に設立されたポリジーン社は、資本基
盤がしっかりしている成長中の企業で、マウ
ス・トランスジェネシス技術は、実証済みで
幅広い認知を受けている。
設立後 1 年半で損益分岐点に達したポリジー
ンは、日本市場において自社のハイテク・サ
ービスを（日本のパートナー企業と）共同プ
ロモーションすることによって顧客基盤の拡
大を見込んでいる。
Contact person:
Dr. Randall N. Gatz
Founder, CEO
迅速、信頼性、費用効率性に優れる
研究活動に、画期的な（ノック・インもしくはノック・ダウン）技術の開
発がある。
トランスジェニック・ターゲティング
(www.polygene.ch/procedure_benefits.php) ,
例えば、誘導可能導入遺伝子発現のための新しいシステムと組み合わせる
など。(www.polygene.ch/pdf/inducibles_1&2.pdf)
プリオニクスは、家畜病の診断ソリューションを提供している。
消費者の健康を守るために、主要な家畜病の革新的な診断ソリューション
を発見、開発、販売している。
家畜病診断の世界的トップ企業として、高品質の製品と持続可能な解決策
を提供することに取り組んでいる。
プリオニクスの日本国内での販売・ビジネスパートナーは川崎三鷹製薬株
式会社(www.kawasakimitaka.co.jp)。
牛ウイルス性下痢ウイルス(BVDV)、ヨーネ病
（paratuberculosis）、結核（TB）、旋毛虫感
染症（trichinellosis）などの家畜病に対し、診
断ソリューションを行うことに興味を持つ共
同パートナー。
製造品のトレーサビリティを高めることに興
味を持つ動物飼育者や団体。
高感度で明確な診断ツールを使用し、農場の
家畜の衛生基準対策を実施しようと考えてい
る農場経営者及び／または政府機関。
Valmed SA
Av. De Tourbillon 34
CH-1950 Sion
Switzerland
Tel: +41 27 203 65 81
Fax: +41 27 203 65 87
URL: www.valmed.ch
神経筋刺激剤
可動性センサー
バルメドの技術に関心があり、その製品を、
独占契約ベースで、日本市場で販売したいと
思うパートナーを探している。
その過程においていかなるコラボレーション
にも応じる構えである。
Xiril, Hombrechtikon
Xiril AG
Garstligweg 2
CH-8634 Hombrechtikon
Switzerland
Tel: +41 55 254 7777
Fax: +41 55 254 7799
URL: www.xiril.com
Email: [email protected]
ラボラトリー・オートメーション・ソリューション
Prionics AG
Wagistrasse 27a
CH-8952 Schlieren
Switzerland
Tel: +41 44 200 2000
Fax: +41 44 200 2010
URL: www.prionics.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact person:
Mr. Thomas Struckmeyer
Head of Key Account Management,
Business Manager
Email: [email protected]
Contact person:
Mr. Eric Balet
Ypsomed AG
Brunnmattstrasse 6
CH-3401 Burgdorf
Switzerland
Contact person:
Ralf Künzi, Business Development
Tel: +41 34 424 31 57
Email: [email protected]
クシリル社は、世界的販売網を有する、分析前サンプル製造および OEM
パートナーを対象に実験室自動化用ソリューションを提供しているスイス
企業。クシリルのロボット利用ワークステーションは、堅牢な技術、高精
密性、最大限の柔軟性により、使いやすさを兼ね備えた手頃なソリューシ
ョンを提供している。
次のことに興味がある：
・ソリューションの OEM パートナー
・クシリル製品ラインの日本国内ディストリ
ビューター
組織均質化向けの新製品ライン「ディスポミックス(Dispomix® )」は、サ
ンプル均質化プロセスの品質、安全性、速度と使いやすさに新しい基準を
設定した。
インシュリン、ヒト成長ホルモン、インターフェロン、エリスロポエチン
（赤血球生成促進因子）など生物医薬品を自己注射するための医療用具。
インジェクション・ペン、オートインジェクター、ペン・ニードルの製造
及び／または開発。
Swiss Science & Technology Office
Embassy of Switzerland
Minami-Azabu Minato-ku Tokyo 106-8589
生物医薬品の日本国内製造業者に、同社の器
具の基盤となる製品ラインに基づいた注射器
具の供給と考えられるカスタマイズ。
日本市場に同社の「ペンファイン・ユニバー
®
サルクリック（Penfine universal click™）」
を流通・販売する代理店を探している。
Tel: 03-5449-8400
Fax: 03-3473-6090
Mailto: [email protected]
Prepared by Dr. Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché, Embassy of Switzerland, email: [email protected]
Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaf t
Confédératio n suisse
Confederazione Svizz era
Confederaziun svizra
Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
State Secretariat for Education and Research SER
Note on Biotechnology in Japan
Japan-Swiss Collaboration in Biotechnology
• Swiss-Japanese Meeting on Biotechnology and Bioprocess Development. One of the oldest bilateral meeting
(already active for 20 years), which enjoys much interest from both sides, is hosted by the Swiss Coordination
Committee for Biotechnology (SCCB) and the Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW). Main driver:
Prof. Oreste Ghisalba, CTI/KTI.
• Memorandum between the “Swiss Biotech Association“ (SBA) and the “Japan Bioindustry Association“ (JBA).
Until now, Switzerland is the first and only foreign MoU partner of JBA.
• Swiss Biotech Pavilion at BioJapan 2007. For many years, this activity has proven to attract much attention from
Swiss participants (companies, promoters, etc.).
• Bioclusters Hokkaido, Toyama and Kobe visited Switzerland and have strong interest in collaboration.
• Annual “Swiss Biotech Partner” list for Japan.
• As biotechnology is a top field in both countries, there exists many scientific research and student exchange
activities.
World's Second Largest Biotechnology Market
Japan's biotechnology market was estimated at 1.76 trillion yen in 2005, making it the second largest in the world,
following the U.S. The market is expected to continue growing sharply, and reach the 25 trillion yen level by 2010,
due to such factors as the graying of society and growing health consciousness.
Japan boasts one of the world's most competitive bio-industries, leading both the U.S. and Europe in such key areas as gene analysis, genetic recombination, protein engineering, sugar chain engineering, bioinformatics,
and genome drug creation. A high share of patent applications were submitted in fields such as glycotechnology,
microorganisms and enzymes, biochemicals, and bioinformatics. Glycotechnology is particularly strong with Japan accounting for 46% of the biotechnology patents filed in this field. The nation is devoting substantial resources
to strengthen universities and R&D facilities, increase bioventure startups, as well as to develop bio-clusters and
human resources.
Patent applications on life science by applicants'
nationality between 1991 and 2000
Numerous Japanese corporations are engaged in biotechnology research, from drugs to foods. R&D in biotechnologybased products requires a significant investment of money
and time. The effective utilization of R&D, the reduction of
time from clinical development to drug approval, and the development of global sales channels for the newly-developed
drugs are crucial to a company's success.
Thanks to new innovations and deregulation, the Japanese
Patent applications on life science by
Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007, September 19-21, 2007 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché
Page 37 of 71
Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaf t
Confédératio n suisse
Confederazione Svizz era
Confederaziun svizra
Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
State Secretariat for Education and Research SER
1
market enjoys continuous growth.
sector/applicants' nationality between 1991 and 2000
Biotechnology-based sectors that are considered particularly promising are drug development, medicine/healthcare,
and the bio-services sectors.
• Medicine and healthcare
In the field of medicine and healthcare, the focus is on regenerative medicine and gene therapy. The infrastructure for market formation is steadily improving, with the establishment of domestic guidelines and regulations on the manufacture of cultured cells as drug products and the clarification of a price setting system that includes health insurance coverage.
• New drug development
At present, bio-pharmaceuticals have accounted for about 5
to 10% of approved drug products. It is estimated, however,
that by 2010 close to 30% of all drugs approved will be biopharmaceuticals.
Future bio-pharmaceuticals are likely to focus not only on
developing newly discovered and created active proteins for
use with drugs, but also on developing drug delivery and
formulation technologies. Although regulatory trends can be
a major factor in the development, it is expected that new
drugs that are safe and have outstanding therapeutic effects
will be created through the further utilization of biotechnology.
• Bio-services
The size of the bio-services market in 2005 was approximately 46.3 billion yen. The largest sector of the bioservices market is training and human resources, which accounted for 47.4% of the market.
Biotechnology-based pharmaceuticals2
as a share of all approved drugs
Other major subsectors include synthesis services (29.5%), mapping and analysis services (15.2%), and mapping and purification services (7.9%) (Source: Yano Research Institute Ltd.). The market for custom-made DNA
chips is also showing high growth potential.
• Bio-devices
Universities and research facilities conducting proteomics research have a growing demand for bio-devices
such as mass spectrometers and protein analysis equipment. Biotech researchers are now shifting from genomics to proteomics, in accordance with ongoing national projects. In recent years, cell analysis has advanced,
enabling systematic and comprehensive observation of DNA and proteins, as well as the analysis of oligosaccharides, which play a role in stabilizing proteins, among other functions.
Biotechnology Policy
Biotechnology Strategy Guidelines
The government has made clear its commitment to developing biotechnology as a national strategy for the welfare
of its citizens as well as from the viewpoint of national competitiveness, the national economy, security and bioethics. In 2002, the government clarified its policies on biotechnology in the Biotechnology Strategy Guidelines, a
report detailing specific strategies it should implement to foster growth in Japan's biotechnology sector. The guidelines emphasize the importance of biotechnology, along with IT, as a top priority technology for Japan, which depends on its intellectual assets for its survival.
Implementing the Biotechnology Strategy Guidelines
• Economic support for Research and Development
1
Note: The data covers patent applications between 1991 and 2000, searched and retrieved through WPINDEX (STN).
Source: "Survey report on technology trends of patent applications regarding life science," Japan Patent Office (April 2003)
2
Note: Data after 2003 are assumptions.
Source: Policy Research Report No. 5, "Development of bio-pharmaceuticals in Japan" (Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Office of Pharmaceutical
Industry Research)
Swiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007, September 19-21, 2007 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché
Page 38 of 71
Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaf t
Confédératio n suisse
Confederazione Svizz era
Confederaziun svizra
Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
State Secretariat for Education and Research SER
Rather than simply increasing the scale of expenditures, the government is strategically allocating its investment
in such priority areas as basic research and the building of world-class research facilities and equipment. In
2005, the R&D expenditure for Life Science reached JPY 2,353 billion .
• Improvement of application and approval procedures for new drugs and medical equipment
Applications for approval of new drugs and medical equipment for which there is a substantial medical need
are put on a fast track in order to expedite the approval process. In particular, products that have already been
approved overseas and have strong evidence of effectiveness and safety will be approved more quickly.
• Enhancement of research resources
The government has launched a comprehensive new research-support project called the National Bioresource
Project, which is designed for the systematic collection, preservation and supply of strategically important bioresources, including test animals and plants, human embryo stem cells, and gene materials. The goal of the
project is to develop one of the largest collections of bio-genetic resources in the world by 2010.
• Creating a market open to international companies
To improve Japan's international competitiveness in the pharmaceutical industry, the Ministry of Health, Labor
and Welfare (MHLW) has established a "Pharmaceutical Industry Vision," which sets forth the government's
basic stance of attracting international companies to Japan. The goal is to make the Japanese market an attractive environment where companies from all over the world could compete, engage in research, and produce and
sell products regardless of whether they were funded by international or domestic capital.
Most recent biotechnology-related regulations
1998
1999
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Technology Licensing Organization Law (TLO Law)
Japanese version of the Bayh-Dole Act (Article 30, Law on Special Measures for Industrial Revitalization)
Ethical Guidelines on the Human Genome and Gene Analysis Research
Entry to Japan: Actelion Pharmaceuticals Japan Ltd. (Switzerland),
Intellectual Property Basic Law
Guidelines on the Establishment and Use of Human Embryo Stem Cells
Guidelines on the Clinical Research on Gene Therapy
Partial enforcement of the revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Law (improved measures to ensure the safety of
bio-derived products and post-marketing safety measures, as well as introduction of clinical trials implemented under the initiative of medical institutions)
Ethical Guidelines on Clinical Research
Law Concerning the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biological Diversity through Regulations on the
Use of Living Modified Organisms
Establishment of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PDMA)
Full-scale enforcement of the revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Law (PAL)3
Reexamination of the approval/permission system. Establishment of a registration authorization institute,
strengthening after-market safety measures.
Bioventure Startups and Clusters
The rise of bioventure startups in recent years is an indication of the growth of biotech business in Japan. The
number of such startups reached 586 in 2006. After regulations prohibiting academics at national universities from
concurrently serving as executives for private companies were eased, many innovative biotechnology companies have been created to commercialize technologies developed by universities.
Although technology developed at Japanese universities is not inferior to that in Europe or the U.S, the universities
in the past lacked entrepreneurs who could commercialize it. In response, the government set the goal of launching
1,000 university-created venture companies by 2004, and introduced new reforms that would assist in making this
a reality. The government also aims to list 100 university-originated Initial Public Offerings (IPO's) by 2010.
3
Recent revisions in the PAL have made it easier for international firms to market their pharmaceuticals in Japan. These revisions, which took effect last April, simplify the process under which international companies gain approval for import and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. Similarly, the process of obtaining a manufacturing and marketing license has been integrated and simplified. As a result, international firms will now need only one license to conduct manufacturing and marketing activates in Japan. Additionally, companies with this license can now outsource all manufacturing processes to domestic and overseas manufacturers. This
change helps open up new business opportunities for foreign affiliated manufacturers that would like to boost efficiency by lowering manufacturing costs and for
foreign affiliated venture firms.
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No. of companies
2003
387
2004
464
Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
State Secretariat for Education and Research SER
2005
531
2006
586
Number of bioventure companies is increasing4
To help achieve this goal the government is providing
financial support for the creation of corporations, research and development, and development of human
resources.
• Industrial Clusters
The Industrial Cluster Plan was launched in April 2001 with the aim of strengthening the capabilities of regional
areas to develop new technologies and products, and fostering the growth of established companies and startups. Among Japan's 17 regional development projects, eight focus on developing bioindustries. By taking
advantage of the unique characteristics of each of the regions, these projects have encouraged active exchange
and collaboration by corporate managers, engineers, and administrators.
4
Source: "2005 Bioventure Statistics Survey Report," Japan Bioindustry Association
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Biotechnology Digest from Japan
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January 2007 – December 2007
December 2007
Stem Cell Breakthrough
(December 01, 2007)
A Kyoto University research team has successfully produced induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from skin cells of humans and
mice without using cancer-causing oncogenes. Prof. Shinya Yamanaka's team had previously produced iPS cells by having
viruses ferry four genes into adult human skin cells. However, one of the four genes was the oncogene c-Myc, meaning the created iPS cells would have increased potential to develop cancer-inducing properties. By excluding c-Myc, the genes developed
at a slower rate, but the research team confirmed that a very small quantity of iPS cells had been produced.
Soybeans To Reduce Risk Of Stroke, Heart Attack
(December 02, 2007)
Women who eat a lot of soybeans are less susceptible to strokes, heart attacks and other medical conditions, according to a
research team at the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry. Isoflavone, which is found in soybeans, apparently prevents the hardening of arteries--a risk factor associated with strokes and other medical conditions. The team found the incidence of strokes
and heart attacks among women in the group with the largest amount of isoflavone was 39 percent that of the group with the
lowest amount.
Lung Cancer Drug To Enter Japanese Market
(December 03, 2007)
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. will begin selling the cancer drug Tarceva in Japan for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Tarceva is already being sold by Chugai's Swiss parent Roche in Europe and North America. Tarceva is a so-called targeted
therapeutic that works by binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor on the surface of cancer cells to suppress proliferation
and metastasis.
Protein Related To Allergies
(December 04, 2007)
A team from the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (Riken) has discovered a new protein related to the development
of allergies that could help in developing more effective treatments. Symptoms of allergies appear when histamine is secreted
by a certain cell after an antigen enters the body and stimulates the cell. Histamine is secreted when calcium in this cell reaches
a certain level. What the Riken team found is that the concentration of calcium is dependent on the presence of a protein called
stromal interaction molecule (STIM1).
Cost-Effective Custom Test Plates For Cells
(December 07, 2007)
A research team from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has developed an easy and
inexpensive technique for preparing plates of cells assembled in any desired arrangement for testing purposes. The method
combines albumin with a special compound to yield a transparent film that enables cells to adhere to it once exposed to ultraviolet light. By masking the film during the UV exposure session, the film can be tailored to carry cells in any defined pattern of locations.
More Penetrating Skin Whitening Product
(December 12, 2007)
Kanebo Cosmetics Inc. has developed a way to double the skin-penetrating capacity of magnolignan, a compound for skin whitening products that inhibits the activity of the enzyme which catalyzes the production of melanin. By adjusting the ingredients of
the carrier oil, Kanebo was able to develop a formulation of magnolignan that penetrates below the keratinous layer to the true
skin, where the cells that activate melanocytes live.
Kyoto University To Invest In Stem Cell Research
(December 14, 2007)
Following the major breakthrough by Professor Shinya Yamanaka’s research team, Kyoto University plans to spend more than
20 billion yen over the next 10 years to expedite research on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which that have the potential
to become the cells of any kind of tissue in the body. The university intends to build a new research laboratory in two years,
hoping to attract experts from across the nation to engage in studies there, such as how to grow iPS cells into nerve cells, as
well as conduct safety tests and clinical trials.
Repairing Heart With Muscle Cell
(December 16, 2007)
A medical team at Osaka University Hospital has succeeded in restoring function to the heart of a patient with severe cardiac
disease using muscle cells taken from one of the patient's thighs. It is the first time in the world that a patient waiting for an organ transplant has been successfully treated using their own cells. The team extracted myoblast cells from the muscle tissue,
cultivated them and formed them into sheets which were then wrapped around the diseased heart.
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Stem Cell Hope After Breast Surgery
(December 17, 2007)
For the first time, doctors have used stem cells from liposuctioned fat to fix breast defects in women who have had cancerous
lumps removed. In the study, led by Dr. Keizo Sugimachi of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, half of the fat was reserved as the
main implant material; the rest was processed to extract stem cells and combined with the reserved fat to be injected around the
breast defects. There was a statistically significant improvement in breast tissue thickness at one and six months after treatment.
Japan Aims Global Leadership In iPS Cells
(December 18, 2007)
Japan has begun arming for an R&D assault on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells), hoping to build on the foothold established by Kyoto University Prof. Shinya Yamanaka, who first reported the successful creation of human iPS cells from adult skin
cells. When it comes to the development of new drugs, Japan knows it has a problem of lagging behind the West. This time the
government intends to get it right and is now rushing to implement policies to support the creation of a system of research for
iPS cells.
Safe Syringe For Vaccination
(December 19, 2007)
The Medical Center for Translational Research at Osaka University, has invented a new-design syringe that renders vaccination
safe and simple. The syringe consists of a tabular-shaped plastic vaccine container to which a needle is attached. Because it is
easy to handle, it can be used by non-medical workers. When the syringe is put back in the box after injection, it is hard to take
it out again, thus preventing unintended reuse of the needle. Since the syringe is pre-filled with vaccines, infection by its reuse
can be prevented.
Green Tea Reduces Advanced Prostate Cancer Risk
(December 20, 2007)
A new study indicates that men who drink at least five cups of green tea a day stand half the risk of getting advanced prostate
cancer compared with those who drink less than one cup a day. The research team tracked 50,000 men aged 40 to 69 for an
average of 12 years. While green tea had an impact on the advanced form of the cancer, no correlation was found with the localized form that remains within the prostate gland.
Heart Failure Treatment Device
(December 25, 2007)
The National Cardiovascular Center and Mems Core Co. have created the prototype of a device that treats heart failure by
stimulating nerves that support heart palpitation. The device has a polymer tube with a terminal on the side that encloses a total
of 12 tungsten needles made using MEMS processing technology. The device is inserted into the vagus nerve in the neck and
the sympathetic nerve below the knee. The treatment method involves stimulating the nerves for around 10 seconds after observing nerve activity for several dozen seconds.
Protein Governing Rice Immunity Response
(December 25, 2007)
Researchers led by professor Ko Shimamoto of the Nara Institute of Science and Technology have discovered a protein that
governs plant immunity response in rice plants. Os Rac1 acts on oxygen in cell membranes in the rice plant to promote the synthesis of reactive oxygen, a representative immunity response. Os Rac1 may also bond with at least two other types of proteins
to activate various types of immunities to a variety of viruses. The discovery could lead to the development of more diseaseresistant rice plants.
November 2007
Clinical Tests For Cancer Vaccine
(November 03, 2007)
The National Cancer Center Hospital is to conduct clinical tests of a cancer vaccine for difficult-to-treat pancreatic and biliary
tract cancer patients. Cancer vaccine therapy aims to increase the number of immune cells that can recognize cancerous cells
as being foreign substances by injecting part of a protein-based substance into the body. The hospital will work with about a
dozen patients suffering from pancreatic cancer and biliary tract cancer for whom surgery is not an option.
Rights To Cell Culture Technology
(November 05, 2007)
3DMatrix-Japan, a developer of cell culture technology for regenerative medicine, has obtained the international marketing
rights to technology developed by the U.S. firm 3-DMatrix. The Japanese firm plans to promote clinical development and sales
of R&D assays for the technology overseas as well. The culture technology uses three types of peptide molecules into which
three types of amino acid are combined using a special method. Under certain circumstances, peptide molecules are changed
into a gelatinous material that can be applied to regenerative medicine.
New Anti-Platelet Agent
(November 06, 2007)
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Daiichi Sankyo Co. announced that its anti-platelet agent produced better results than a rival drug in a large-scale clinical test
conducted jointly with U.S. pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly and Co. The head-to-head clinical test targeted 13,600 patients across
the full spectrum of acute coronary syndrome. While an increased risk of significant bleeding was observed in 20% of the patients, Daiichi Sankyo’s agent showed higher effectiveness overall. If the approval is successful, products based on the agent
will likely hit the market as soon as late next year.
Study On Smell Mechanism
(November 07, 2007)
The University of Tokyo' has created genetically-modified mice that are shorn of their ability to sense dangerous smells. The
mice were engineered to lack specific nasal receptors that respond to the scent of rotting food or predators, in a project designed to help understand the mechanisms of smell. However, the mice could be conditioned into realizing that these smells
meant danger. The researchers believe that the findings explain important differences in the olfactory bulb, the part of the forebrain where odours are perceived.
Prostate Cancer and Immunosuppressant Drugs
(November 08, 2007)
Astellas Pharma Inc. has moved into phase II clinical trials on two candidate drugs, a treatment for prostate cancer and a compliment to an immunosuppressant drug. The prostate cancer drug is an injection preparation that inhibits cancer cell proliferation
by binding to certain receptors in the brain to reduce the secretion of male hormone. The transplant drug can help dampen the
immune response to prevent organ rejection. The drug is a chimeric protein developed using genetic engineering.
New Oral Vaccine
(November 10, 2007)
Tokyo University's Institute of Medical Science has developed a new vaccine that can be taken orally and absorbed through the
intestinal mucous membrane. This breakthrough is expected to be used for the next generation of vaccines to tackle AIDS and
influenza. Researchers combined a special protein with vaccines for tetanus and botulinum and gave them mice orally. They
found that the vaccine stimulated the immune system to produce enough antibodies to give it effective protection against disease.
Obstacles For Generic Drugs
(November 10, 2007)
Certain obstacles could prevent the widespread use of generic drugs for prescriptions even if the government introduces measures aimed at promoting them. Until now, many hospitals and medical institutions have been reluctant to offer generic drugs,
and while they have often cited concerns over quality and their ability to procure steady supplies, the real reason is that generics
are not as profitable as brand-name products. As a result, manufacturers of brand-name drugs believe that the shift to generics
will be gradual even if the Health Ministry adopts the new prescription form.
Genetic Engineering Enhances Antibody Drugs
(November 14, 2007)
The Tokyo University of Science has developed a way to enhance the activity of antibody drugs by elongating the molecule using genetic engineering. The university group used genetic engineering to insert peptide molecules into the heavy chains to
elongate the base. Since the base is where macrophages and other cells of the immune system attach to antibody molecules,
elongating the base facilitates the accumulation of immunocytes in the area of the cancer or other target of the antibody drug.
Tests showed increased activity and stronger affinity for target antigens.
10% Of Hospitals Stop Delivering Babies
(November 16, 2007)
At least 129 hospitals throughout the country have stopped delivering babies since last spring reflecting the increasing shortfall
of obstetricians. The number of hospitals dealing with deliveries decreased by about 10% in a 19-month period. The hospitals’
main reasons for ceasing to provide delivery services were: universities withdrawing doctors, doctors quitting, and programs
reassigning doctors to areas with shortages of obstetricians.
Device Displays Drug Reaction Path
(November 19, 2007)
Bioventure Articell Systems Corp. has developed a system that can display a diagram of the chain of command in human genes
and predict exactly which gene will become active or inactive by the administration of medication. The device can predict about
80% of a drug reaction pathway. Using the new system, the company studied the effectiveness of a drug for pancreatic cancer
together with the National Cancer Center Hospital and was able to clarify the mechanism of how the drug works.
New Skin Color Related Cells
(November 19, 2007)
Kao Corp. has discovered that melanocytes are not the only cells involved in determining skin color. Human skin color varies
between races and individuals because of the amount of the skin-color pigment melanin made by melanocytes. Yet Kao has
discovered that another group of cells known as keratinocytes affect the activity of melanocytes and so also play a role. Since
keratinocytes are found above melanocytes near the surface of skin, Kao intends to pursue this finding in hopes of developing
new skin-lightening cosmetics.
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Metabolic Syndrome Checks Over Cancer Screening
(November 20, 2007)
The government’s diagnostic system to combat cancer is at the breaking point especially since new legally required checkups
focused on the prevention of metabolic syndrome are to begin in April, threatening to cause a drop in the number of people being screened for cancer. The result of this is that many experts are unhappy that anticancer measures are being pushed down
the list of priorities to make way for other lifestyle-related illnesses.
Stem Cells Made From Human Skin
(November 21, 2007)
A team of researchers led by Prof. Shinya Yamanaka at Kyoto University has succeeded in cultivating stem cells from human
skin, potentially paving the way for growing transplant tissues and organs from a patient's own cells. The researchers created
stem cells by culturing adult skin cells after four genes were transplanted in them using special viruses. The manipulated cells
have grown into various types of cells while maintaining their undifferentiated character, making them similar to embryonic stem
cells. The breakthrough addresses two issues of embryonic stem cells, namely the transplant rejection risk and the ethical concerns related to the use of human embryos.
Artificial Viral Vector For Gene Therapy
(November 27, 2007)
A research team at Hokkaido University has developed an improved artificial viral vector for safely delivering genes into cells for
gene therapy. Artificial viruses are being developed as an alternative to using real viruses, whose safety has come into question,
but these kinds of vectors have yet to work effectively. The new artificial virus can deliver genes into cells with more than 100
times the efficiency of anything developed to date. It is made from a 100nm-diameter capsule that is surface-treated to bear
molecules that facilitate the capsule's entry into a cell.
October 2007
Stem Cell Experts Towards Artificial Organs
(October 01, 2007)
Before doctors are able to use stem cells to repair damaged tissues and organs and treat problems like heart disease and Parkinson's disease, medical scientists need to learn how to make stem cells grow and proliferate in the needed ways at the necessary sites inside the body, and they need to know how stem cells behave when they are introduced into the body. Researchers
at the National Cardiovascular Center Research Institute are developing a technology using medical resonance imaging (MRI)
to track the movement of stem cells after they are transplanted into the body.
Continued Development Of Cholesterol Drug
(October 02, 2007)
Roche Holding AG will soon decide on the next step of development of an investigational drug to increase the level of good cholesterol. The drug is currently in the second of three phases of clinical development, with data from this phase possibly becoming available as early as this year. Data available so far has shown good tolerance and efficacy. The company gained the marketing rights for the drug through an agreement with Japan Tobacco Inc.
Genetic Cancer Therapy
(October 07, 2007)
The Genome Center of the Institute of Medical Science of Tokyo University has succeeded in suppressing the growth of cancer
cells in mice by injecting into tumors a gene that inhibits the function of carcinogenic oncogenes. The group used a technique
known as RNA interference that effectively mutes RNA, which carries oncogene genetic information through cancer cells. Mice
were injected with the RNA, and developed only half the number of tumors developed compared to a control group that did not
receive the injections. The study also found some of the cancer cells in the mice that were injected with the RNA actually died.
Amino Acid Mutation Boosts Growth Of Influenza
(October 08, 2007)
Tokyo University has identified an amino acid mutation in an avian influenza virus which is believed to be the vector for a possible human influenza pandemic. The research team compared protein substances from two varieties of the avian influenza's
H5N1 strain taken from infected people, and found an amino which is closely connected to the growth of the virus in humans'
nasal membrane. In subsequent tests, the researchers were able to create a number of viruses in mice's nasal membrane more
than 10,000 times bigger than in those infected with ordinary avian flu.
First Tissue Engineering Product Approved
(October 09, 2007)
The bio-venture Japan Tissue Engineering Co. became the first company in Japan to receive Health
Ministry approval to make and market a product in the promising new field of regenerative medicine in
the field of tissue engineering. The government green light is for the treatment of burns using cultured
autologous epidermis - skin taken from a burn patient, cultured into large sheets and supplied back as
graft tissue for that same patient.
Government Doctors Dispute Merits Of Cancer Tests
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(October 09, 2007)
The Japanese Urological Association is fighting a battle with a study panel of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry over
whether a common test for prostate cancer should be recommended for use in group examinations. The panel recently drew up
draft guidelines that dropped a previous recommendation of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, used to detect prostate
cancer in the early stages, as part of mass screening for the disease. The doctors association criticized the decision and has
started drawing up its own guidelines for group examinations.
Bio-Engineered Mackerel To Produce Tuna
(October 09, 2007)
The Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology has succeeded in getting parents of the
masu trout type, that were transplanted with rainbow trout's sperm and egg successfully, to
reproduce rainbow trout. The team ultimately aims to bio-engineer mackerel to carry tuna sperm and
eggs so their mating process produces tuna. But the transplantation procedure involves pricking cells
with a syringe needle, which makes the bio-engineering difficult due to the high weakness and
sensitivity of saltwater fish such as mackerel.
Vaccine Against HIV Infected Cells
(October 09, 2007)
Dnavec Corp. has developed a nasal-spray vaccine which is aimed at increasing the number of immune cells available to attack
cells infected by HIV. In tests that the group conducted using monkeys, HIV did not propagate among 60% of subjects given the
vaccine prior to being exposed to the virus. Clinical tests involving several dozen healthy people are expected to be organized
through the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative according to a basic agreement that has been struck with the Japanese group.
The consortium, also including University of Tokyo and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, hopes to commercialize the
vaccine around 2015.
Decline In Children’s Fitness
(October 09, 2007)
The physical fitness of primary school students declined after peaking in fiscal 1987, and has
remained at low levels over the last 10 years, according to a survey by the Education, Science and
Technology Ministry. The survey of physical strength and athletic ability was conducted on about
74,000 people aged between 6 to 79. Among 11-year-old sixth-graders, the average time required for
boys to run a 50-meter sprint was 8.89 seconds - 0.29 seconds slower than 20 years ago. Girls could
throw a softball 17.24 meters on average - 3.08 meters less than in 1987, and 0.59 meters less than
in 1996. The ministry suggested that the decline was due to the increasingly sedentary lifestyles led
by the children of today.
Sensor Chip For DNA Detection
(October 10, 2007)
The Nara Institute of Science and Technology has developed a new kind of sensor chip that can be used to identify target DNA
in samples without the need for any special optical equipment. The chip identifies DNA using two kinds of picture elements, one
to detect fluorescence and another to measure electric potential changes. A liquid sample is poured on to a sheet of glass and
allowed to dry. The device is then exposed to light, which triggers fluorescence. Measuring this fluorescence is a way to determine whether the sample contains the desired DNA.
Reluctant Brain Death Declarations At Hospitals
(October 12, 2007)
The School of Medicine at Showa University conducted a survey on brain death in 1,634 major hospitals, including critical care
centers. Results showed that the reluctance of hospitals to declare a patient as brain dead on the premise that their organs will
be donated is being seen as a major cause behind the shortage of organ donations from brain-dead patients. Of 30,856 cases,
there were 5,496 cases in which patients apparently suffered from cardiac arrest after brain death, but only 1,601 cases in
which doctors clinically declared a brain death.
Redefinition Of Metabolic Syndrome Criteria
(October 14, 2007)
The Japan Society for the Study of Obesity plans to discuss whether to change the criteria of abdominal circumference to identify metabolic syndrome because the country's criteria is much stricter than those of other countries. Experts are worried that
healthy people are being wrongly diagnosed as having the syndrome because of the overly strict criteria. Currently, by Japanese standards, men with an abdominal circumference of 85 centimeters or more and women with 90 centimeters or more are
considered to have the syndrome if they also show abnormalities in more than two indicators.
Insufficient Transplants For Heart Patients
(October 17, 2007)
According to the Japanese Circulation Society, about 72% of all heart disease patients who applied for a heart transplant since
1997, when organ transplants from brain-dead donors were legalized, did not get transplants and 57.9% have died. The society
conducted a study on 378 heart disease patients who applied for a heart transplant between 1997 and 2006. Their average age
was 32.3.
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Withdrawal Of Drug As Depression Medication
(October 19, 2007)
The psychotropic drug Ritalin will no longer be available as an agent for treating depression, given industry concerns that the
drug is addictive and abused due to its amphetamine-like effects. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare approved the removal of depression from the list of symptoms that the drug targets. The panel thus decided to instruct the manufacturer Novartis Pharma to take measures that can promote proper prescription of Ritalin and tighten its supervision of the distribution process.
New Treatment For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(October 24, 2007)
Drug development venture R&R Inc. has begun work on a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome that is based on a serotonin
receptor blocker. R&R will begin clinical trials during fiscal 2007 on a compound that blocks the receptor for serotonin, reducing
the activity of the large intestine enough to stop diarrhea without causing severe side effects. The company will receive funding
support from the National Institute of Biomedical Innovation.
Clinical Trials For Regenerative Cornea Therapy
(October 25, 2007)
Bioventure CellSeed Inc. is preparing for clinical trials in France of its technology for regenerating cornea tissue. Working in cooperation with the Hospices Civils de Lyon, CellSeed will collect data on a procedure to repair damaged corneas. It will take cell
samples from the mucous membrane of a patient's mouth, culture them to create a sheet of cells, then attach this sheet to the
eye to help regenerate cornea tissue.
Agent Improves Penetration Of Cosmetics
(October 26, 2007)
Nippon Fine Chemical Co. has developed an oil-based agent that helps hair care products and lotions penetrate hair and skin
more easily. The new agent has a three-dimensional molecular structure, composed of dicarboxylic acid, which increases moisture retention and lubrication, and ethoxydiglycol, which makes dissolution in water easier. It widens the molecular bonds in intercellular fats in the skin and hair, thereby creating gaps that make it easier for proteins and other active ingredients in cosmetics and lotions to penetrate.
Subsidies To Support Interferon Treatment Of Hepatitis C
(October 28, 2007)
The government intends to double the number of hepatitis C patients who receive interferon therapy from the current figure of
50,000 to 100,000 by providing subsidies to help cover the cost of treatment. Interferon therapy is generally effective for about
60% of hepatitis C patients, and can cure about 90% of those suffering from a particular strain of the virus. However, due to the
high cost, many hepatitis C patients are unable to take advantage of the therapy.
Production Of Microscopic Tubes For Painless Needles
(October 31, 2007)
Tokai University has developed a way to fabricate metal tubes that are as small as 50 microns in outer diameter and 25 microns
inside, aiming to produce painless syringe needles. In the procedure, titanium is sputtered onto a copper wire which is then
melted and removed, leaving just the titanium behind in the shape of a hollow tube. The university group further plans to make
the microscopic tubes in different shapes to see which shape is best as a painless syringe needle.
September 2007
HCV Virus Increase Mechanism Researched
(September 05, 2007)
Kyoto University has announced a success in elucidating the mechanism of an increase in the production of the hepatitis C virus
that is a causative agent of chronic liver diseases. The researchers used HCV to infect culture cells originating from human hepatic cells and examined ways for HCV to multiply. Results showed that lumps of neutral fat called the lipid droplet (LD) within
the cells began to increase in volume when the culture cells were infected with HCV. New viruses were then formed on the LD
surface. The team thus found that protein called the core of virus protein played an important role in increasing the production of
HCV.
Funding Towards Hepatitis Therapy
(September 06, 2007)
The government will consider in the budget framework for the next year the inclusion of funds to offer public help for the notoriously expensive interferon therapy used to cure hepatitis C patients. The number of people in the nation infected with the virus
is estimated at 1.5 million. The draft proposal also includes funds to help cover treatment for hepatitis B and liver cancer, which
often develops from hepatitis. The annual expense for a therapy is about 3 million yen per person, of which about 800,000 yen
is currently borne by the patient.
Prostate Cancer Screening Test Questioned
(September 11, 2007)
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The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has compiled draft guidelines that do not recommend use of the standard test for prostate cancer by municipal governments. Even though the Specific Antigen screening test helps detect prostate cancer at an earlier stage, it is currently unclear whether the early detection of prostate cancer helps decrease death rates. The guidelines are
likely to urge the municipal governments that use the PSA test to review their current mass medical checkup systems.
Global Research On Infectious Diseases
(September 13, 2007)
The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (Riken) is creating an international foundation to prevent and treat infectious
diseases in conjunction with other domestic and overseas research institutes. Japanese researchers in the project groups are
permanently stationed in countries where bird flu, malaria and other infectious diseases are breaking out. The goal of the projects is to establish regional responses to regional health crises.
Coats With Anti-Allergy Fabrics
(September 14, 2007)
Sanyo Shokai Ltd. plans to expand its line of men's coats made with fabrics that help fight hay fever. In response to success of
coats made with a fabric from Komatsu Seiren Co. that works to suppress the action of pollen allergens.
The company will additionally make coats using anti-allergy fabrics from Toray Industries Inc., Unitika Ltd. and Teijin Ltd., and
will more than triple the selection to 10 lines of coats.
Trout Spawned From Different Species
(September 14, 2007)
The Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology has successfully created rainbow trout by pairing the eggs and sperm
from modified Asian masu salmon. This marks the first time that one species has been created using a different species as the
source of both eggs and sperm. The researchers used a procedure known as spermatogonial transplantation on fry to introduce
cells from rainbow trout that develop into sperm, or also eggs. This research holds the promise of finding a method for using
common fish to produce valuable, scarce species.
Cell Culture Dish For 3D Growth
(September 18, 2007)
Nanotechnology venture Scivax Corp. has designed a culture dish that encourages cells to grow together in a 3D clump, which
is far more natural than the current flat cultures. The new culture dish will help pharmaceutical companies gain a clearer idea at
the cellular level of the promise of new candidate drugs, helping them improve the efficiency of their drug development process.
The plate has a roughened surface with nanometer-scale peeks and valleys that give cells something to grab hold on with their
pseudopods. This footing allows cells to take on a more 3-D shape and grow on top of one another in masses.
Antimicrobial Material Protects Fish Eggs
(September 21, 2007)
Fish eggs used to be protected by an antimicrobial agent known as malachite green, until it was banned in 2005. Kobe Steel Ltd.
now released Kenifine, a nickel-alloy plating material that kills microorganisms and can protect the fish eggs. Kenifine is an alloy
based on nickel combined with various low-toxicity nonmetal elements. A variety of different materials have antimicrobial properties, but Kobe Steel focused on alloy plating because the process imparts corrosion resistance and wear resistance in addition
to excellent microbial resistance, and can be mass-produced cheaply.
Food Companies Expand Applications
(September 24, 2007)
Food companies are using the technological expertise developed by their core operations to expand peripheral businesses in an
effort to offset the negative effects that the country's low birthrate and aging population are having on the food market. Q.P.
Corp. plans to spend 1 billion yen to expand its facilities in Goka, for producing hyaluronic acid, which is used for cosmetics, hair
care products and drugs. Nisshin Engineering Inc. has succeeded in producing a nanosize platinum powder, which can be used
as a catalyst to purify exhaust emissions. Further, S&B Foods Inc. has begun studying the feasibility of using the extremely hot
SB Capmax peppers in its health-care businesses.
Portable DNA Analysis Device
(September 25, 2007)
NEC Corp. has jointly developed with Aida Engineering Ltd a portable compact device that will allow police to complete a DNA
analysis in about 25 minutes. The device is the first portable device of its kind and will help police speed up the early stages of
investigations. Currently, it takes between one day and a week to complete a DNA analysis, performed at a forensics lab.
Modified Adenovirus Effective For Gene Therapy
(September 27, 2007)
The University of Tokyo Institute of Medical Science and Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. have jointly developed a modified
form of adenovirus that works six to ten times as long as a delivery vector for genes introduced into the body for gene therapy.
The new viral vector remains functional for more than six months, compared with a standard adenovirus vector's maximum of
four weeks. The team conducted a study of adenovirus DNA and determined that the immune response, which normally attacks
the vector, is triggered by a viral capsule protein encoded by a gene called pIX, and found a way to turn this gene off.
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Green Tea Compound Promotes Fat Metabolism
(September 27, 2007)
Kao Corp. has conducted clinical trials confirming that catechins, a type of compound found in green tea, promote the metabolism of fats in the body and also lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol. In tests, many individuals of a group consuming
large daily amounts of catechins lost more than 10 sq. cm in abdominal body fat as measured by a cross-sectional scan. Bad
LDL cholesterol levels declined by several percent and blood pressure dropped. In experiments with mice, the company discovered that a diet high in catechins resulted in a roughly 30% increase in the expression of a gene that codes for an enzyme involved in the burning of fat.
Japanese Encephalitis Antibody Found In Dogs
(September 27, 2007)
Some 10% of family dogs, mostly kept indoors, have the antibody to the Japanese encephalitis virus. The results indicate it may
still be possible for people to become infected with the virus since Japan has effectively suspended vaccinations against the
illness since 2005 due to side effects. The research group examined the blood of 100 pet dogs at animal hospitals in and
around Yamaguchi Prefecture between 2005 and 2006. 17 had the antibody to the mosquito-born disease.
Increase Of DNA Testing Prices
(September 28, 2007)
Prices of DNA testing services are on the rise, with services to establish paternity or maternity costing three to five times what
they did around 2005. The uptrend began after a government guideline called for more complex procedures to ensure protection
of genetic data, involving obtaining an individual's consent before handling his or her genetic information. Higher prices are discouraging individuals from using DNA testing. Meanwhile, testing companies are now coming up with new services.
August 2007
Genetic Modification Supports Skin Transplantation
(August 01, 2007)
The National Defense Medical College and Keio University have developed a way to accelerate the attachment of skin grafts
when skin is transplanted to treat wounds or diseases. The procedure involves the genetic modification of the tissue before
transplant. After skin has been grafted, the patient is given injections and the transplant site is treated with compounds that
promote attachment of the graft. In conjunction with this regular protocol, the new technique accelerates the attachment and
healing and reduces risk of infection.
Joint Association Towards Vaccine R&D
(August 03, 2007)
Four institutes that conduct advanced research into vaccines are to collaborate and establish an association of institutes this
autumn in an attempt to speed up the development of vaccines in Japan. The association will be made up of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo University's Institute of Medical Science, Osaka University's Research Institute for Microbial
Diseases and the National Institute of Biomedical Innovation. It will strive to promote development by having a consistent strategy with companies and institutes regarding key research, including finding the most suitable ways to administer vaccines and
studies of substances that strengthen immune reactions and vectors that carry bacillus genes.
Brain Research With Help Of Shogi Players
(August 04, 2007)
Riken, the government-affiliated research institute, will team with Fujitsu Ltd. and the Japan Shogi Association to study the brain
activities of champion shogi players as they study the board and plot their moves. Riken hopes that studying the brain activities
of professional shogi players will lead to a breakthrough in understanding how the brain synthesizes information to produce
hunches and flashes of insight. The institute plans to use electrodes to record brain wave patterns and functional magnetic
resonance imaging techniques to measure localized brain activity while shogi players study the board.
Gene Test To Assess Impact Of Chemotherapy Treatments
(August 06, 2007)
Jichi Medical School has developed a promising gene test to profile patients with a type of leukemia due to refractory anemia to
predetermine whether chemotherapy has a chance of working. The research team analyzed a set of genetic data derived from
information collected on more than 800 patients, and identified four genes that appear related to the efficacy of chemotherapy
for this kind of leukemia. The team now plans to study 1,000 cases in order to improve the reliability of the test.
Device Automates Protein Analysis
(August 07, 2007)
The Research Center for Advanced Bionics has collaborated with Sharp Corp. and Toppan Printing Co. to develop a device for
protein analysis that automates the entire process of 2-D gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Immunoblotting is a process
that identifies the molecules by the way they behave in antibody-antigen reactions after they have been transferred off the electrophoresis gel by a procedure known as blotting, which normally requires a skilled techinician. The new device automates this
procedure, combining electrophoresis and immunoblotting in an integrated process for protein analysis. Eliminating the need of
a techinician promises to boost the reproducibility of the tests and will make the procedure available to hospitals for screening of
samples from patients.
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Regenerative Medicine
(August 07, 2007)
The dream of developing practical regenerative medicines, which restore bodily functions that have been lost, is becoming a
reality, with several start-ups possessing promising new technology. Japan Tissue Engineering Co. is applying for government
authorization to produce and sell skin for use in treating serious burns. The decision is being closely watched because if the
request is granted, the skin could be used on the front lines of medicine. Regenerative medicine is easy for start-up companies
to pick up because there is little risk of side-effects owing to the fact that the patient's own cells are used.
Fourth-Generation Cloned Pigs
(August 09, 2007)
Geneticists at the Meiji University have created the world's first fourth-generation cloned pigs, an
achievement that could help scientists in medical and other research. The researchers found that a
large mammal can be cloned for multiple generations — in this case, the clone of a clone of a clone of a
clone — without degradation. Earlier attempts to clone animals for several generations were
problematic, probably because genetic material in the nucleus of the donor cell degraded with each
successive generation.
Artificial Blood Vessel To Disintegrate In Body
(August 10, 2007)
In heart bypass surgery much of the focus is on artificial vessels that substitute for the real thing. However,
one research team in Japan is taking a different tact: their blood vessel is designed to gradually disintegrate
in the body even as cells migrate inward from both ends. Eventually there is no trace left of the artificial
vessel, but in its place is a real one. The vessel is coarse like a terry cloth towel, and like a bendable straw
it will not crimp and obstruct the flow of blood if folded. Made from the same material used for dissolvable
suture thread, the artificial blood vessel is gradually absorbed into the body.
In Vitro Diagnostic Test For Bird Flu
(August 11, 2007)
Eiken Chemical Co. plans to apply for Health Ministry approval to manufacture and market an in vitro diagnostic for the highly
pathogenic H5 avian flu virus. The manufacturer is developing a test that can determine infectivity in around 90 minutes using a
mucus sample from the patient's throat or nose. The virus is detected with a gene test using the firm's proprietary LAMP method
of DNA amplification. It is thought that an in vitro diagnostic test that provides results quickly will help prevent the spread of the
virus.
Organic Food Brand Combats Worries
(August 12, 2007)
Food companies and major supermarkets are stepping up the production and sale of organic food products amid growing concerns about food safety in Japan. Seventeen food processors, including Itoham Foods Inc. and Nippon Flour Mills Co., will
jointly develop and market organic food products under the "Organic Guild" brand. Rice, seasonings, coffee, ham, confectionery,
tea and other items will be sold under the unified brand, with a release of a total 100 or so items planned for the near future. The
companies will be required to obtain "organic JAS" certification from the Agriculture Ministry for all products.
New Antioxidant Yeast
(August 14, 2007)
Kirin Holdings Co. and the Keio University Institute of Advanced Biosciences have discovered a strain of brewer's yeast that
processes large amounts of sulfurous acid, an antioxidant, without synthesizing hydrogen sulfide, which normally produces an
unpleasant smell. Studies revealed that brewer's yeast strains synthesize large amounts of hydrogen sulfide when processing a
tiny number of metabolites of the amino acid asparagine. Using this information, the research group selected yeast with large
amounts of asparagine metabolites. The result was a brewer's yeast that synthesizes around 150% more sulfurous acid without
yielding any hydrogen sulfide. Kirin will use this yeast to brew its beers.
Microorganisms Inside Rice Boost Resistance
(August 15, 2007)
Mayekawa Mfg. Co. and Riken have jointly discovered a trio of microorganisms living inside rice plants that bolster resistance to
disease and insect pests by heightening immunity. This effect can be exploited to grow rice with less use of chemicals. The microorganisms are three endophytes that live harmlessly among the cells in plants. Rice inoculated with these endophytes
showed resistance to rice blast disease. The researchers conducted tests that showed they also boosted resistance to insects.
Field tests with an agricultural co-op in Hokkaido showed that rice grown without agrochemicals had greater immunity and better
harvests when exposed to the endophytes.
Smallest Balloon Catheter For Angioplasty
(August 16, 2007)
Kaneka Corp. has developed and begun marketing the world's smallest-diameter balloon catheter for angioplasty to open up
clogged blood vessels. The guiding catheter is 1.66mm in diameter, or five-sixths the size of conventional devices and the actual balloon segment is roughly four-fifths the normal size. With this technology, less X-ray contrast fluid needs to be pumped up
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the catheter to expand the balloon, reducing the strain on the kidneys. Further, smaller insertion cuts are needed, reducing
bleeding and the risk of complications.
Organic Japanese Food Popular Item Abroad
(August 18, 2007)
As more Europeans opt for healthier diets, demand for organic Japanese food has grown phenomenally over the last few years
according to a major importer who was recently commended by the Japanese government for his efforts. The demand has been
buoyed by TV programs in Britain extolling the virtues of traditional Japanese food. As with British food, consumers are increasingly looking for the organically grown option, free from pesticides and other chemicals.
Reality For Regenerative Medicine
(August 20, 2007)
A vision of practical regenerative medicines, which restore bodily functions that have been lost, is
becoming a reality, with several start-ups boasting promising cutting-edge technology. However,
companies still face many roadblocks - much of it in the form of government red tape - in their efforts
to bring their products to market. At present, major pharmaceutical companies have made few forays
into this field and most companies involved in regenerative medicine are start-ups.
More Efficient Antibody Drug
(August 20, 2007)
Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co. has developed a second way to enhance the efficacy of antibody drugs. In
the new technique the partial gene sequence for the IgG3 antibody is spliced into the gene sequence for IgG1, resulting in an
antibody that is 10 times more effective. The company plans to combine its two antibody technologies to develop drugs against
lung and other cancers. If development goes smoothly, the company expects to have an antibody drug ready for clinical testing
after three years.
Silicon Beads Recover Molecules From Blood Samples
(August 20, 2007)
Sumitomo Bakelite Co. has developed processed beads that can be used to recover molecules from biological samples. The
beads are made from silica and are 5-60 microns in diameter. The company's special surface-processing technology chemically
coats the silica with a macromolecule that prevents the beads from randomly binding with DNA, proteins, sugars and other
molecules in the sample. Specific probe molecules are attached to the beads and the beads are then placed in blood or other
sample fluid. The probe molecule can be a drug, an antibody, a fragment of DNA or any other compound of interest.
Bimaternal Embryos
(August 21, 2007)
The Tokyo University of Agriculture has successfully generated healthy mice at a high frequency without any male participation.
The team reported that the bimaternal embryos developed at a success rate of 30%, which is equivalent to the success rate of
in vitro fertilization of normal embryos using male sperm. The researchers injected the nucleus of the modified cell into another
ovum and implanted it in a mouse serving as a surrogate mother. Out of some 90 samples, the team confirmed that 42 viable
female mice were born.
Portable Device Monitors Fetus’ Movements
(August 21, 2007)
The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience has prototyped a device that can be worn at home by pregnant women to
continuously monitor the movements of their fetuses, as a decrease of fetal movements is a sign of trouble. Fetal death occurs
in 0.3% to 0.5% of all pregnancies. The device reads the signals from a pair of acceleration sensors, one attached to the abdomen and one attached to the thigh. Data for up to eight hours can be recorded to a memory card.
Vaccine For Hepatitis C In Trial Phase
(August 22, 2007)
Toray Industries Inc., together with the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Neuroscience, has produced a test vaccine that is effective in preventing the spread of the hepatitis C virus. The group produced on a
trial basis a vaccine made of a virus that was rendered noninfectious by ultraviolet light. A substance that can curb infection by
slowing virus growth was then created in mice receiving the new vaccine.
Efficient SNP Profiling For Gene Sequence Identification
(August 23, 2007)
Tohoku University has developed a simple, quick and relatively inexpensive way to identify the variations in gene sequences
known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from saliva samples. SNP profiling is considered a promising way of determining how individuals will react to different medications. In the new procedure, the sample is processed to amplify the DNA,
which is then placed on test paper, pretreated with reactants for the SNPs in question. The tests reveal which gene variation the
patient has. The entire process takes around an hour and requires no special expertise.
Highly Sensitive MicroRNA Analysis
(August 23, 2007)
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A University of Tokyo research team has developed a method for analyzing microRNA that is over 100,000 times more sensitive
than existing procedures. In the new method, the blood or other liquid sample is first passed through a column packed with a
special resin material to separate out the RNA molecules, and then the microRNAs are classified and quantified using mass
spectrometry. Because the procedure is so sensitive, it can be used to analyze in detail the ways in which different microRNAs
increase in patients with specific diseases.
Kit For Fast Angiotensinogen Assay
(August 23, 2007)
Diagnostic reagent producer Immuno-Biological Laboratories Co. has developed an assay kit for angiotensinogen, with the advantage that this assay is faster and easier than the conventional procedure of liquid chromatography. Angiotensinogen is the
precursor of the angiotensin proteins that cause blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise. The kit comes with reagents and a special plate pre-coated with antibodies to angiotensinogen. Results are quickly obtained, indicating the quantity
of angiotensinogen present.
Antibody Drugs For Cancer Treatments
(August 24, 2007)
Eisai Co. is accelerating its development of antibody drugs, hoping to leverage the technologies of U.S. subsidiary Morphotek
Inc. to spur growth in the field of cancer treatment. The company is conducting safety and efficacy tests on a component to treat
pancreatic cancer, mesothelial cancer, small-cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer. For patients with pancreatic cancer that have
not responded to other drugs, the component has demonstrated the ability to halt the advance of cancer for seven months.
Phase I clinical trials for further two antibody drugs for cancer treatment are planned.
End-Of-Life Care Guidelines
(August 26, 2007)
The ethics panel of Nippon Medical School in Tokyo has compiled interim guidelines for ending life support for hopelessly sick
or injured patients under certain conditions. The school will begin using the guideline at its four affiliated hospitals. The guidelines contain provisions allowing ethics boards at each hospital to determine whether removal of artificial respirators is warranted on a case-by-case basis. The government's current end-of-life care guidelines, drafted this year, do not touch on where
to draw the line between discontinuing life-sustaining medical treatment and the criminality of such measures.
Study On Alzheimer’s Disease
(August 27, 2007)
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry plans to conduct from a study into dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease, with the
goal of producing a usable antidementia drug within 10 years. More than half of all dementia cases reportedly are caused by
Alzheimer's. Within the first five years the ministry aims to learn how the disease forms and progresses, and to develop early
diagnostic methods. The study will be divided into four topics--prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and nursing care. The ministry intends to ask for about 500 million yen for the study in its budgetary request for 2008.
Inkjet Printing For Artificial Blood Vessels
(August 29, 2007)
Tokyo Medical and Dental University has used inkjet printing technology to fabricate a prototype of an artificial blood vessel. The
structure is a tube made from endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, held in place by a gel. The prototype was made using a
special inkjet printer developed by the Kanagawa Academy of Science and Technology. The head of the printer injects a combination of cells and gel in a spiral pattern into a solution of calcium chloride. Upon contact with this solution the gel solidifies to
hold the cells in the shape of a tube. The procedure could eventually lead to the mass production of artificial blood vessels.
July 2007
Pharma Company And University Join For R&D
(July 03, 2007)
Astellas Pharma Inc. and Kyoto University will work on a 10-year joint research project to develop next-generation immunoregulation technologies and drugs. A research center at Kyoto University's Faculty of Medicine will be established, manned with 50
researchers, aiming to develop at least three drugs that reach the clinical testing phase during that period. As part of a program
funded by MEXT, the project will receive 300 million yen annually from both the government and Astellas.
Origin Of Human Stomach Bacteria
(July 03, 2007)
Japanese scientists have found that some of the nastiest bacteria that thrive in the human gut and make us sick may have
evolved from ancestors living deep under the sea. They analyzed the genetic sequences of two well-known disease-causing gut
bugs and compared them to two closely related but harmless bacteria found deep on the ocean bed. The bacteria had many
similar genes which enabled them to grow in extreme environments and also few DNA repair genes, allowing frequent mutations to occur, and adapted quickly to changing conditions and to the immune response of a symbiotic host.
Device Breaks Down Medical Waste
(July 04, 2007)
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Shiga University of Medical Science and Kusatsu Electric Co. have developed a device that can dissolve and render medical
wastes harmless. The device is able to disintegrate infectious waste into water and carbon dioxide with titanium oxide heated to
about 500 C serving as a catalyst. The device can process a cardboard box with a 40-liter capacity and containing 5 kg of medical refuse in about 30 minutes, and is more environmentally friendly compared to conventional incineration methods.
Efficient Boron Neutron-Capture Cancer Therapy
(July 05, 2007)
The Gakushuin University has developed a technique increasing the efficacy of boron neutron-capture therapy for cancer. The
method is being tested to treat brain cancer and skin cancer using neutrons obtained from an experimental nuclear reactor operated by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency. By combining boron with lipid molecules to create liposomes, the molecules accumulate around cancer cells, thus a greater proportion of boron ends up in the area of the tumor. A beam of neutrons cause the
boron molecules to emit alpha particles, which kill the cancer cells.
New Quinolone Antibiotic
(July 09, 2007)
Toyama Chemical Co. plans to market a new type of quinolone antibiotic. The compound has a wider antibacterial spectrum
than conventional quinolone antibiotics and fewer side effects. It was granted Health Ministry approval for pneumonia and other
respiratory infections as well as middle-ear and other otolaryngologic infections. Toyama also intends to collaborate with Astellas to conduct clinical trials with the goal of broadening the indications to include urinary tract and skin infections.
Drug Prevents Hair-Loss During Chemotherapy
(July 09, 2007)
Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine has found that a form of antibiotic could prevent cancer patients from losing hair during
chemotherapy. The drug reduced hair loss by 70% when used on rats also given etoposide anti-cancer drugs. No clinical tests
are yet in sight, but one possible use for humans would be to apply it to the head in the period when hair loss is most likely to
occur during chemotherapy.
Drug For Efficient Bacteria Detection
(July 11, 2007)
Eiken Chemical Co. is accelerating development of drugs that use its technology for increasing specific genes. The company is
planning to market two types of diagnostic drugs that detect mycoplasma and Legionella, bacteria that cause pneumonia.
Genes in pneumonia-causing bacteria collected from patients' throats can be amplified using technology known as the LAMP
method and can be detected in around an hour and a half. Eiken aims to boost sales of specialized examination equipment
compatible with the LAMP method.
Increase Use Of Generic Drugs
(July 11, 2007)
Aiming to lessen the budgetary burdens of health care, the government plans to double the use of generic medicines by the end
of 2012. The plan, if realized, would reduce the market for newly developed medicines to the tune of nearly 1 trillion yen a year.
Currently, about 16.8% of all medicines prescribed by medical institutions are generics. The government's Basic Policies for
Economic and Fiscal Reform 2007 incorporated the goal of expanding this figure to 30% or more by the end of 2012.
Assisted Reproduction
(July 16, 2007)
Eighty-four women from 160 infertile married couples who used sperm or ova donated by third parties to conceive have given
birth to a total of 124 babies. The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry's council on health and science approved such treatment
in 2003. Nevertheless, the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology does not endorse the treatment. The Science Council of
Japan is discussing the issue of assisted reproductive technology in an attempt to develop regulations to control such methods
of assisted reproduction.
Early Cancer Detection
(July 17, 2007)
Chemical maker Adeka Corp. and Setsunan University have developed a technology that can detect colon cancer at an early
stage, when the cancer cells are only 2mm in diameter. The researchers focused on finding cancers by using a particle containing a substance that sticks to sugar chains specific to cancer cells. The particle also contains a fluorescent substance that
makes it easy for doctors to discover cancerous cells in patients using an endoscope.
Enzyme Linked To Obesity
(July 17, 2007)
The Osaka Bioscience Institute and Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences have found that a certain enzyme becomes
more active when fat cells inside the body store fat. When the activity of a synthetic enzyme prostaglandin D2 was suppressed
in mice during experiments at the cellular level, the amount of fat accumulated was dramatically reduced. The discovery might
lead to the development of a drug that prevents obesity
Interdisciplinary Research At New R&D Center
(July 18, 2007)
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Kyoto University and Astellas Pharma Inc. of Tokyo will create a joint new drug development center on the campus of the university's Faculty of Medicine. By combining the results of the university's immunology research and Astellas' drug-making technology, the center will try to efficiently develop new drugs, including immunity-activating agents, drugs for autoimmune diseases
and immune-suppressing drugs for organ transplants and regenerative medicine. The project has been adopted for a program
of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, calling for the establishment of bases for the production
of innovation through advanced interdisciplinary research.
High-Precision Analysis Of Trace Metals In Body
(July 18, 2007)
Chiba University has developed a high-precision analysis method that enables trace metals in the body to be measured in samples of just 200 nanoliters, roughly 1/200 as much as normally required. Chromatography separates the elements of the sample,
which are then transported with a very efficient device to a machine for elemental analysis. The new analysis technology facilitates the use of cell cultures to study the important roles that trace metals play in the body.
Artificial Collagen As Superior Moisturizer
(July 18, 2007)
PHG Corp., an offshoot of the Nara Institute of Science and Technology, has developed a way to process artificial collagen into
a sheet that can be placed on the face and used as a beauty mask. The sheet is derived from plant amino acids, and melts
away after having been placed on the face for some tens of seconds. The artificial collagen has better moisturizing properties
and a more stable molecular structure than animal-derived natural collagen and it does not require the addition of preservatives.
Blood Substances Linked To Allergy
(July 19, 2007)
Tohoku University and cosmetics firm Haba Laboratories Inc. have discovered five different low-molecular-weight substances
that are present in persons suffering from hay fever allergies. Researchers found four substances present in three to nine times
higher concentrations in hay fever sufferers during hay fever season compared to nonsufferers and compared to hay fever sufferers in non-hay-fever seasons. The findings may be useful for allergy diagnosis and medicine development.
New Stem Cell Cultivation Method
(July 19, 2007)
Keio University has found that stem cells for repair of damaged corneas can be grown in greater numbers if cultured in a lowoxygen environment. The strategy involves culturing the cells so that they differentiate into corneal epithelium, then transplanting this tissue into the patient. The university group cultured the stem cells in a 2%-oxygen environment rather than the typical
20% environment. This yielded twice as many stem cells after two weeks in culture.
Drug Compound Search Device
(July 20, 2007)
Scientific equipment wholesaler As One Corp. has developed a device that significantly accelerates the search for drug candidate compounds. The new device uses recombinant yeast to screen for proteins that interact with a specific protein known to be
associated with the disease in question. The device itself comprises a CCD camera and a chip that is separated into a grid of
250,000 wells, each big enough to hold just one yeast cell. If the disease-related protein reacts, the yeast cell will light up.
Aid To Prevent Lifestyle Illnesses
(July 24, 2007)
The government will begin supplying preventive medicine to developing countries, where the Westernization of diet has led to
an increase in lifestyle-related illnesses caused by obesity. It plans to donate about 100 million yen annually to conduct surveys
of these illnesses through the World Health Organization. The government also plans to give bilateral aid to some countries,
mostly in Asia, for the same purpose.
Shortage Of Physicians
(July 26, 2007)
A health report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) indicates Japan is suffering a serious physician shortage and underdeveloped preventive medical care. The number of physicians per 1,000 people in Japan was
two in 2004, 27th among the 30 OECD industrial countries and below the OECD average of three. The number of doctor consultations per capita in Japan was 13.8, the highest among 28 countries for which such data are available.
New Antibody Drugs
(July 27, 2007)
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. will develop antibody drugs in collaboration with bioventure Chiome Bioscience Inc., a spinoff of the
research institute Riken. Chiome Bioscience has a proprietary technology using chicken immunocytes grown in cultures to create antibodies in just a week. Chugai will use Chiome's technologies to develop antibodies against a variety of disease marker
proteins. These antibodies will form the material basis on which to proceed developing other antibody drugs, with a focus on
diagnostics and therapeutics for cancers and immune disorders.
Rice Sprouts Show Benefit Against Diabetes
(July 27, 2007)
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Cosmetics marketer Fancl Corp. has conducted animal studies with a medical college in the U.S. that suggest something in rice
sprouts can ease the symptoms associated with diabetes. The researchers studied transmission speeds in the neurons of diabetic rats after a three-week diet of either white rice, brown rice or rice sprouts. Neural transmission speeds of diabetic rats fed
white or brown rice were 30% slower than normal mice, but the rats fed rice sprouts showed a slowdown of only 10%. The
benefit may be linked to changes in the sprouts’ glycolipids.
June 2007
Revised Infectious Diseases Law
(June 01, 2007)
The revised Infectious Diseases Law is to go under effect, with the government empowered to monitor bioagents dealt with by
researchers and medical institutions. Bioagents that can become biological weapons are categorized into four types. Institutions
possessing bioagents of the first, second and third categories, such as anthrax and rabies virus, are required to meet government-set standards concerning storage and security, and register the bioagents with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry.
New Cancer Antibody Drug
(June 04, 2007)
Daiichi Sankyo Co. has begun phase I clinical trials in Japan on an antibody drug for the treatment of solid cancers. The drug
binds to the EGF receptor on cancer cells, blocking the receptor so they do not receive a signal that promotes proliferation. The
company plans to test it against a variety of solid tumors to determine what cancer the drug is most effective against. It will then
proceed into phase II trials with a focus on this application. Meanwhile, the company is progressing with development of another
antibody drug that binds to the DR5 receptor on cancer cells and triggers cell suicide.
Body Cells Of Mice Reprogrammed To Embryonic State
(June 07, 2007)
Kyoto University and two other independent teams of scientists have succeeded in creating "chimaeric" mice using body cells
that were reprogrammed to an embryonic state without using eggs or destroying embryos. The scientists placed reprogrammed
skin cells into other mouse's fertilized eggs and succeeded in creating chimaeric mice with two types of cells with reproductive
functions. Nevertheless a drawback, 20% of chimaeric mice developed thyroid cancer.
Estrogen Supplement As Gel
(June 07, 2007)
Shiseido Co. has developed a gel formulation of estrogen for treating menopausal symptoms. The gel will be marketed in partnership with Nihon Schering KK, active in the market for birth-control medication. Distinguishing it from conventional estrogen
supplements, the gel is simply spread on the skin in periodic applications to provide a steady level of estrogen in the blood. In
this way, less damage is done to organs than by pills and a gel is less irritating than skin patches
Cancer Drug Enters Market
(June 08, 2007)
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. will start selling its Avastin cancer drug in Japan this summer. The drug was developed by Swiss
firm Roche Holding AG's Genentech Inc. for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The Japanese government has recently approved on its sale.
Cancer Diagnostic System
(June 08, 2007)
Hitachi High-Technologies Corp. will collaborate with the National Cancer Center to develop a cancer diagnostic system. Focusing on cancers of such tissues as the stomach and large intestine, blood samples will be studied to identify proteins contained in
the blood that can serve as markers for the disease. A mass spectrometry system will be developed as a diagnostic tool that
can identify and quantify these protein markers in the samples for the early detection of cancer.
Oral Cholera Vaccine
(June 11, 2007)
Japanese researchers developed a rice-based oral vaccine that requires neither refrigeration nor injection. This type of vaccine
is considered a cost-effective and practical way to combat infectious diseases on a global scale. The vaccine expresses a subunit of the disease-causing cholera toxin, causing the immune system to release very specific, neutralizing antibodies. The vaccine is absorbed through the mucosal tissues and is resistant to digestion by gastric juices in the stomach.
Fast Gene Analysis System
(June 15, 2007)
Yokogawa Electric Corp. has developed a fully automated system for gene analysis that provides results in just two hours. The
machine’s cartridge houses a microreactor with many tiny fluid channels where the sample of blood or other tissue is subjected
to a series of steps to break apart the cells and extract and amplify the DNA. The DNA is then transferred to a chip, where
genes of interest can be detected using a reader based on laser microscope technology.
DNA Chip For Cancer Detection
(June 15, 2007)
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Daiichi Pure Chemicals Co. has applied for approval to manufacture a DNA microarray for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer.
Developed in partnership with Toshiba Corp. and Toshiba Hokuto Electronics Corp, it is to be the first DNA chip created in Japan for identifying a specific illness. After taking cell samples from the cervix of the uterus, extracting the DNA and placing it on
the chip, detection of a virus that can cause the cancer takes only up to 15 minutes.
Cancer Drug With Reduced Side Effects
(June 17, 2007)
Ebara Corp. has developed a new drug delivery system that enhances the efficacy of cancer treatment. The drug can be precisely delivered to cancer cells through holes in the walls of blood vessels they help form that are 200 nanometers in diameter.
The new method reduces side effects by decreasing the amount of drugs that enter normal blood vessels and circulate around
the body. The company aims to create a technique for mass-producing cancer medications.
Drug Triggers Abnormal Behavior
(June 18, 2007)
According to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, the number of people confirmed to have behaved abnormally after taking
the flu prescription drug Tamiflu has risen to 211 cases. The additional cases were found among 1,377 reports on abnormal
behavior suspected to have been caused by Tamiflu since the drug went on sale in 2001. Of them, 71 people died, 8 of them
died after behaving abnormally, and 12 died suddenly. Experts say a possible reasoning may be that Tamiflu suppresses the
central nervous system.
New Oil-Soluble Enzyme
(June 19, 2007)
The Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed an enzyme that provides a more efficient way to manufacture synthetic proteins, polymers and other molecules for medical applications. The new enzyme is a modified form of a watersoluble enzyme that can catalyze the synthesis of a variety of products. When the enzyme is combined together with starting
ingredients in a solution of both oil and water, it catalyzes reactions in the oil, and the resulting water-soluble products migrate to
the water layer, where they are easy to separate.
Edible GMO Rice With Alzheimer’s Vaccine
(June 19, 2007)
A government-affiliated agricultural research institute in Morioka is growing special rice plants that are not intended for agricultural or food research purposes but for developing an edible vaccine against Alzheimer's disease. Using a gene-engineering
technology, the researchers implanted in the rice plants amyloid beta, a protein believed to cause the deadly disease. Once the
rice is eaten, it triggers the human immune system to create an antibody against amyloid beta, thereby staving off the onset of
Alzheimer's.
Alzheimer’s Drug Market To Widen
(June 19, 2007)
Pharmaceutical companies are speeding up development efforts towards production of a competitor against Eisai Co.'s Aricept,
currently the only Alzheimer's treatment available in Japan. New drugs also aim at working directly on the causes of Alzheimer's,
different to Aricept which targets only the symptoms. The Japanese units Eli Lily Japan KK and Wyeth KK have started development of a new antibody drug, while GlaxoSmithKline KK is advancing effects of existing drugs, and Novartis Pharma KK is
designing a new drug aiming to alleviate symptoms of the illness.
Stem Cell-Derived Kidneys
(June 19, 2007)
The University of Tokyo has generated functioning kidneys in three mice, which represents a significant step toward stem cellderived kidneys for humans. Mouse embryos engineered to lack a critical gene needed to grow their own kidneys were injected
with stem cells before implantation into surrogate mothers. When the mice were born, they had functioning kidneys. Nevertheless, experts say stem cell-derived kidneys for humans are still at least a decade away.
Committee To Promote International Biological Studies
(June 20, 2007)
The Kansai Bio Promotion Council will launch a 'Bio Cluster Linkage Committee' to promote partnerships between clusters of
biotechnology-related industries in the Kansai region and their foreign counterparts. The committee will serve as an coordinator
for sending foreign countries information on such 'bio clusters' in a total of 8 prefectures. It aims to promote joint biological studies in Japan and foreign countries and help use the results of such studies for business purposes.
Magnetism To Guide Medication Delivery
(June 22, 2007)
Tokyo Women's Medical College and Hitachi Medical Corp., with collaboration of Osaka University, Kyoto University and Hitachi
Ltd., are utilizing magnetism to develop the fundamental technology towards delivering medicine with high precision inside the
body. Using a powerful superconducting magnet and a guidance procedure originally developed for brain surgery, the group has
demonstrated with animal experiments that tiny iron beads injected into the body can be gathered to specific sites like the liver
in amounts 28 times as much as normal when guided there using magnetic force. The success holds out promise for a new
method of targeted therapy to treat various cancers.
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Alzheimer's Drug Effective Against Glaucoma
(June 22, 2007)
Tokyo Medical and Dental University has found that a medicine designed for treating Alzheimer's patients has been found to
work for treating glaucoma. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve that gradually reduces vision and is the primary cause of
eyesight loss in Japan. The study group observed that the optic nerve of mice were damaged when glutamic acid accumulated
on their retinas. The scientists administered shots of Alzheimer’s drug Memantin, which significantly helped prevent loss of sight
in mice with glaucoma.
Health Foods Hinder Hepatitis C Prognosis
(June 25, 2007)
According to researchers from Mie University, some health food products containing turmeric, chlorella and other substances
can hinder the prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis C liver disease, because the additives include iron levels that exceed
the recommended daily average. Iron accumulates in the liver of patients with the disease. Further, an excessive intake can
create oxidized cells, which destroy liver cells or contribute to the development of liver cancer.
Optical Topography To Control Devices
(June 28, 2007)
A new technology developed by Hitachi Inc. lets you control electronic devices simply by reading brain activity. The brain-machine interface analyzes slight changes in the brain's blood flow and translates that motion
into electric signals. For example, by doing simple calculations, activity is measured in the brain's frontal
cortex and an electronic train can be started. The technology is called optical topography and sends a small
amount of infrared light along the brain's surface to map out changes in blood flow.
Tests On New Drug Against Skin Condition
(June 29, 2007)
Mochida Pharmaceutical Co. plans to begin clinical trials on a topical treatment for actinic keratosis, a skin
condition that can become cancerous if left untreated. Currently, the only cure in Japan is to undergo surgery. The company plans to test is imiquimod, developed by the U.S. firm 3M Co. for the treatment of genital warts and actinic
keratosis. With development of the new drug, Mochida plans to strengthen is position in the dermatological field.
May 2007
Bird-Flu Virus Vaccine
(May 03, 2007)
Hokkaido University and Shiga University of Medical Science have developed a new vaccine against the highly virulent H5N1
strain of bird flu virus and confirmed its effectiveness. The researchers produced the vaccine using a combination of attenuated
viruses instead of a single, highly virulent virus. The vaccine was made by isolating H5N1 from the attenuated H5N2 and H7N1
viruses and succeeded in weakening H5N1’s infectability through genetic recombination. The development could pave the way
for the rapid production of a vaccine against a new type of virus emerging from the mutation of bird flu strains.
R&D Center For Drug Development
(May 04, 2007)
Nihon Generic Co. will establish an R&D center in the city of Tsukuba in order to develop its own drugs. The Nihon Chouzai Co.
unit currently sells about 180 generic drugs, which it purchases from pharmaceutical makers. The company has already acquired property from Ueno Fine Chemicals Industry Ltd.. Nihon Generic plans to convert the facility into an R&D center with
analysis and production divisions. The company plans to have a lineup of 500 self-developed products in five years.
Efforts Towards Biodrug Market
(May 07, 2007)
With a new cancer drug and other products heading out of the pipeline, Amgen has launched a serious effort to develop Japan's
market, and the company is drafting a large team of medical representatives to promote its medicines to doctors. It has also
begun looking to partner with other drug companies that have strong sales networks in place. Amgen is searching for a leading
pharmaceutical company with a powerful sales machine as a marketing partner for Denosumab, a drug under development for
the treatment of osteoporosis.
Gene Therapy For Parkinson’s
(May 07, 2007)
Doctors at Jichi Medical University hospital have carried out what they claim to be Japan's first gene therapy to alleviate the
symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Current drugs are less effective for patients with advanced forms of the disease. To make an
effective drug for such patients, the doctors created a "vector" using nonpathogenic viruses, designed to carry specific genes
into the cells of the patients. They used it to insert genes into patients' DNA that encode the production of an enzyme which
creates dopamine.
Skin Patch For Virus Vaccine
(May 08, 2007)
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A start-up firm set up by Kyoto Pharmaceutical University has developed a vaccine for viruses in the form of a skin patch. Protein on the surface of a cold virus is applied to the special patch, which also contains a chemical compound that temporarily
expands the space between external skin cells. Antibodies are formed when the immune system reacts to the protein entering
the body through the skin cells. The effect of the vaccine has already been verified in tests on animals. The vaccine could make
it less painful for children to be vaccinated and also be used in developing countries to protect against infectious diseases.
Drugs For Lifestyle-Related Diseases
(May 10, 2007)
Pharmaceutical companies are accelerating the development of drugs that treat lifestyle-related diseases. Tanabe Seiyaku Co.
is researching the efficacy of a diabetes drug with less side effects than conventional drugs. Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. plans
to complete the clinical trials of a cholesterol drug, which is claimed to reduce the side effects often found in existing drugs. Daiichi Sankyo Co. will shortly finish clinical trials of an anti-platelet agent that prevents blood clots. Eisai Co. will start developing
and selling a candidate drug for diabetic neuropathy.
Cancer-Related Gene For Blood Vessels
(May 10, 2007)
Osaka University has recently succeeded in synthesizing new substances, which produce blood vessels and have a strong bactericidal effect, from a cancer-related gene segment. It is the first case in which researchers have shown that cancer-related
genes can have a variety of functions depending on how they are used. The team put 10 million genes and gene fragments
taken from human cardiac cells separately in cultured blood vessel cells and detected the gene fragments that most effectively
increase blood vessel cells. They then synthesized new substances consisting of only 30 amino acids that produce proteins on
the surface of cancer cells.
Young BSE-Infected Cows Safe For Humans
(May 10, 2007)
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry have shown that tests fail to identify any danger to humans from young cows infected
with mad cow disease. The researchers injected 11 mice with brain fluid from two young infected cows in Japan and found that
the mice had not developed the disease, known as BSE. The 21- and 23-month-old cows were identified as infected with BSE in
2003. The test results indicate that humans may not be infected with the disease by eating meat from BSE-infected cows older
than 20 months.
Femtosecond Laser For Eye Surgery
(May 11, 2007)
A U.S. subsidiary of Aisin Seiki Co. has collaborated with the medical equipment division of Germany's Carl Zeiss AG to develop a femtosecond laser system for the vision correction procedure known as Lasik surgery. In Lasik surgery, the first step is
to cut into the cornea to create a flap of tissue that can be lifted out of the way to expose the lower layers for laser treatment.
The system developed by the companies uses a femtosecond laser to cut this flap of tissue. Already approved of in the US,
plans are to market the system in Europe and Japan as well.
Lives Saved By Centralizing Cancer Care
(May 13, 2007)
According to results of the nation's first relevant research, cancer patients will more likely survive for five years after their initial
treatment if they are treated at hospitals that have handled more cancer cases. The results indicate that high-quality cancer
treatment is best achieved by concentrating treatment in hospitals with such experience. The researchers also took into consideration patients' sex, age and seriousness of their condition and compared the "risk of death" within five years after treatment. The risk of death from esophagus and ovarian cancers also was higher at hospitals with less experience treating patients
with such cancers.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
(May 14, 2007)
Nippon Kayaku Co. applied to the Ministry of Health to add treatment of ovarian cancer to the indications for Hycamtin, a treatment for lung cancer. Nippon Kayaku has acquired the rights to the drug and is now conducting clinical trials for use in treating
ovarian cancer. Hycamtin is an injection made from an extract of a plant grown in China and controls the propagation of cancer
by inhibiting DNA synthesis in cells. It is currently used to treat ovarian cancer in around 80 countries.
Catalyst For Efficient Drug Production
(May 14, 2007)
The University of Tokyo and Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. have developed a new catalyst for synthesizing pharmaceutical
compounds in a way that favors their most useful forms. Setting the new methodology apart from common ones, the catalyst
does not need to act on hydrogen in the molecular structure of the drug compound to drive asymmetric synthesis. This opens
the door to the development of a variety of new drugs that until now have been difficult to manufacture.
Metabolic Syndrome No Impact On Mortality
(May 15, 2007)
Jichi Medical University has found that Metabolic syndrome does not seem to have much impact on the rate of mortality. The
research team collected medical examination data on 914 men and 1,262 women from 1992 to 1995. People with metabolic
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syndrome were only 1.09 times more likely to have died within the period than those without the syndrome, after allowing for the
effects of age and health habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking. The difference is considered statistically insignificant.
Zinc Plays Major Role In Immune System
(May 16, 2007)
Osaka University and the Institute of Physical and Chemical Science (RIKEN) have found that the trace amounts of zinc in our
bodies serve to transmit information within the body's immune cells. The team focused on how zinc works within mast cells,
which play a major role in the immune system. The scientists observed the effects of stimulating the mast cells, which consisted
in large amounts of zinc releases. According to the researchers, when the mast cells become active, they emit inflammatory
material. Zinc is believed to be connected to the gene regulation that produces the material.
New Packaging Of Protein Drugs
(May 17, 2007)
Bioventure NanoCarrier Co. has taken its proprietary drug delivery system based on micellar nanoparticles and modified it to
administer protein drugs. Using these nanoparticles, the company can package protein drugs such as G-CSF in a way that does
not lower the medication's efficacy. NanoCarrier's nanoparticles are molecular micelles, comprising an inner layer of hydrophobic molecules that encapsulate the drug and an outer layer of hydrophilic molecules that do not trigger an immune response and
are not excreted by the kidneys.
Oral Treatment For Pulmonary Hypertension
(May 18, 2007)
Kaken Pharmaceutical Co. will market a reformulated version of its oral medicine Procylin for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. The company has developed a slow-release form of Procylin for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension that can keep
the arteries that supply the lungs dilated for many hours. This disorder is now treatable only by opening a hole in the body and
inserting a pump to administer a constant stream of liquid medicine. Kaken's oral formulation thus is much less of a burden on
the patient.
Reorganization Of Geriatric Care
(May 18, 2007)
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry will enhance medical services for the aged at additional health service facilities to be
established as part of its reorganization of geriatric care. In order to reduce nursing and medical costs for the elderly, the government has decided to stop providing nursing services at hospitals and reduce the number of elderly patients receiving chronic
care at hospitals by 2011. As a consequence, the ministry plans to map out details of services to be provided at the new facilities to be opened for the accommodation of the elderly.
High Resolution Endoscope
(May 18, 2007)
Pentax Corp. will release a new endoscopic system, featuring triple the pixel resolution of its current offerings and 50 times
more computing power to process image data. The scope features a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera with more than 1
million pixels, making it the industry's first megapixel endoscope. The scope has also been redesigned to be easier to hold and
manipulate. And the image-processing device maintains the data in digital form at all times to ensure high picture quality.
Generic Drugs To Reduce Medical Costs
(May 18, 2007)
The nation's use of low-priced generic medicines is much lower than in other industrial nations, and is keeping medical costs in
Japan excessively high, according to the Finance Ministry. Generic medicines account for 5.2% of the nation's total medical
drugs in terms of value. The ministry estimates that if all branded medicines were changed to generic drugs, the annual total
cost of pharmaceutical drugs would be reduced by 1.3 trillion yen, or about 10,000 yen per person.
High Cost Of Clinical Studies In Japan
(May 21, 2007)
The practice of pharmaceutical companies paying hospitals to recruit patients for clinical trials appears to contribute greatly to
driving up the cost of the studies in Japan, which is said to be more than double the level overseas. A survey found that about
4% of the 657 medical institutions that were asked to participate in clinical studies failed to recruit any patients. But even though
they could not take part in the clinical trials as a result, the hospitals were paid an average of 3.43 million yen each for their efforts.
Prediction On Alzheimer’s And AIDS Cures
(May 28, 2007)
A survey by the Japan Health Sciences Foundation predicts that the pathogenic mechanism of Alzheimer's disease and biological characteristics of cancers will be explained by 2017 and that a cure for AIDS will have be developed by 2019. In its study,
the JHSF obtained answers from 386 respondents for its questions on about 140 items, including next-generation medical technologies. Major future challenges include developing technology for delivering therapeutic agents to specific parts of the body
and preventing engineered tissue from becoming cancerous.
Rosemary To Reduce Fat And Boost Longevity
(May 28, 2007)
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Nagase & Co. and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology have found that mice fed a diet including an herbal extract
from rosemary have less organ fat and live longer. In tests, the mice on rosemary diets exhibited up to 80% less organ fat, as
well as outliving their counterparts to a large extent. Rosemary has been known since ancient times for its various medicinal
properties. The effect on body fat and longevity is thought to be due to the presence in the plant of carnosic acid. The compound works by boosting the metabolism of cells.
Mass Cultivation Of Human Stem Cells
(May 28, 2007)
The Center for Developmental Biology, affiliated with the Institute of Physical and Chemical Science (RIKEN) has succeeded in
an efficient, mass cultivation of human embryonic stem cells, also leading to successful development into brain cells. The researchers discovered an enzyme that normally hinders human stem cell cultivation, and were able to control the enzyme in order to avoid the death of stem cells in development. It is believed that the new finding will contribute to the actual use of human
stem cells for the treatment of strokes and incurable diseases related to the nervous system.
Target To Reduce Cancer Deaths
(May 31, 2007)
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has drafted a plan, outlining anticancer measures to be introduced across the nation,
including a target of reducing deaths from cancer by 20%. In order to achieve these goals, experts are to develop a cancer
treatment support system including patient consultations. Further, the quality of care including pain alleviation for cancer patients and their families is to be improved.
April 2007
Genetically Modified Rice As Anti-Hay Fever Drug
(April 01, 2007)
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry has decided to develop a genetically modified rice aimed at alleviating symptoms of hay fever as a drug because the health ministry has determined that the rice falls into the category of a medical product.
The initial aim was to put the rice on the market as a food product. The rice contains a gene that creates a kind of protein that
causes allergies. By eating the rice, people are expected to be less susceptible to the cedar pollen that causes hay fever and
their body's allergic reaction should be reduced. The rice has almost the same effect as hay fever injections, but causes a less
severe reaction in the human body.
Orange-Glowing Cell Marker In Pigs
(April 03, 2007)
A group led by researchers from Meiji University and the University of Tsukuba have succeeded in cloning pigs that carry a
gene that infuses the animals' organs and tissues with an orange glow. Pigs already have been cloned to carry a fluorescent
green jellyfish gene. But because green is the color normally used to discern cells under a microscope, it cannot be used to differentiate between regular cells and those with the marker gene. Pigs imbued with this orange-colored cell marker will be useful
in studies of regenerative medicine and the possible use of pig organs and tissues for human transplants.
1-Week Gene Expression Analysis
(April 03, 2007)
DNA Chip Research Inc. has developed a DNA chip that can be used to offer a gene expression analysis service that provides
results in a week instead of the several months normally required. This service will be offered to universities and medical research facilities investigating the relationships between gene expression and various diseases. The new chip carries probes for
just 4,000 genes culled from the GenMAPP database and thought to be related to 100 serious conditions, including cancer, diabetes and high cholesterol. Samples from four human subjects can be tested on the same chip, further helping to speed analysis.
Entryway Removes Allergens With Forced Air
(April 05, 2007)
Okamura Corp. and Sanki Engineering Co. have jointly developed an entrance booth that uses air to remove pollen and dust
from hair and clothing. Forced air creates a barrier that encloses the entryway without the need for doors, reportedly the first of
its kind. Placed at the entrance to office buildings, hospitals and condominium complexes, the booth can remove some 90% of
allergy-causing pollen and dust in around 15 seconds. The system can be set up easily in one to two hours anywhere with access to a 100-volt power source. Air is passed though a high-performance filter, forced through nozzles in the booth and suctioned out a duct in the rear of the entryway.
Extraction Of Amino Acid Materials From Livestock Excrement
(April 06, 2007)
University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science has developed a method for extracting from livestock excrement a material
used to create a type of amino acid. The researchers placed a hydrophobic, porous membrane tube containing holes 1 micron
in diameter into an absorbent fluid containing fumaric acid, then wastewater was passed through the tube. After separating out
ammonia, the resulting ammonium fumarate solution is used to make a type of amino acid known as aspartic acid, which is
used in artificial sweeteners, cosmetics and water-absorbing resins.
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Discovery Of Cancer Causing Mechanism
(April 11, 2007)
Kyoto University has discovered the mechanism through which Helicobacter pylori causes gastric cancer. The research team
has discovered that H. pylori infection triggers aberrant expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), an enzyme
which causes numerous gene aberrations finally leading to cancer. An examination of gastric epithelial cells of gastric cancer
patients infected by H. pylori showed many AID expressions, confirming that AID plays an important part in the genesis of gastric cancer.
Standards For Genetic Tests
(April 11, 2007)
A group of companies providing genetic analysis services such as paternity tests and tests for individuals' susceptibility to certain diseases have disclosed draft standards. The draft was compiled by the Council for Protection of Individual Genetic Information and elaborates on how tests would be conducted to gain and maintain clients' trust. It emphasizes the need to clarify to
clients the research results on which a genetic constitution test is based.
Pig Corneas For Transplants
(April 12, 2007)
The Tokyo Medical and Dental University and the National Institute for Materials Science has developed a way to transplant pig
corneas to rabbits without triggering a rejection response by the immune system. Around 1,500 cornea transplants are carried
out on patients each year in Japan, but more than 4,000 people are on waiting lists. Helping cut the shortage, pigs could potentially provide corneas. In the new technique, the cornea tissue from the pig is subjected to a pressure of 10,000 atmospheres to
remove surface cells, the remaining gelatinous substance is then inserted into a pocket cut into the cornea.
Gelatin-Based Ointment As Cancer Drug
(April 12, 2007)
Fujifilm Corp. has developed a kind of gelatin that extends the effectiveness of ointment-based cancer drugs. The ointments use
gelatin, made into tiny particles about 100 nanometers in diameter that absorb the cancer medication. Applied to the skin, the
drug is released gradually. This makes intravenous drips and repeated injections unnecessary, and helps the medication reach
the affected part of the body directly. This method may reduce side effects of common cancer drugs which spread throughout
the entire body.
Firm Acquisition Provides Antibody Technology
(April 12, 2007)
Eisai Co. is strengthening its R&D operations as the patent on Aricept, an Alzheimer’s treatment, will start to expire soon. The
firm's acquisition of U.S. bioventure Morphotek - which has proprietary human antibody technology - is intended to obtain new
antibody drugs for treating cancer. Eisai Co. plans to allocate 75% of R&D resources to areas of cancer and neurological disorders, and the remaining 25% to immune therapies and other frontier items. The firm also plans to boost the number of R&D staff
and build new facilities abroad.
Fertility Treatment Side Effects
(April 15, 2007)
According to a survey by the National for Child Health and Development, eight sets of fraternal twins born between 2003 and
2006 after their mothers underwent fertility treatment carried both male and female chromosomes in their blood. One set of
twins who were of the same sex also were found to have mixed blood types. Worries are that the twins could become infertile,
or there could be confusion when trying to determine their blood types.
Health Benefits From Alcohol Breaks
(April 17, 2007)
A study led by the National Cancer Center in Tokyo found that for men who drink regularly and heavily, taking a break from alcohol for a couple days each week may benefit their health. The study included 89,000 individuals who were followed for up to
13 years. Results showed that men who drank relatively heavily on most days of the week had a heightened risk of dying from
any cause. In contrast, men who drank roughly the same amount of alcohol each week, but drank less frequently, showed no
increase in their mortality risk.
Ultrathin Hypodermic Needle
(April 18, 2007)
Terumo Corp. will to double its production capacity for ultrathin hypodermic needles. The
Nanopass has the world's thinnest needlepoint with a diameter of 0.2mm. Consequently, it causes
little pain when piercing the skin and is popular among those with diabetes who need to inject
insulin several times a day. The major medical equipment manufacturer's factory in Kofu will start
boosting production this summer.
Stomach Cancer Test Results In 30min
(April 18, 2007)
Sysmex Corp. plans to develop a fast genetic test to determine whether stomach cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. The
stomach cancer test will yield results in 30 minutes, allowing surgeons to remove all lymph nodes if necessary while the patient
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is in surgery. Existing practices take around a week to confirm metastasis to the lymph nodes, requiring a second round of surgery if the test results are positive. A commercial version is to be ready in four to five years.
Space Efficient MRI Rooms
(April 18, 2007)
Kajima Corp. has developed a way to install MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machines in a smaller space inside hospitals
and other medical centers. Because MRI machines generate a powerful magnetic field, they need to be housed in rooms with
thickened walls for sufficient shielding. The new installation method includes a wall made from a mixture of steel and silicon and
its construction design is supported by a computer model.
Identification Of Flowering Signal Protein
(April 19, 2007)
The Nara Institute of Science and Technology identified in rice a mobile flowering signal. The researchers fused the gene of a fluorescent protein into a gene called Hd3a and observed movements within the plants. They determined the Hd3a encoded protein as the rice florigen after finding that it was transported to the shoot apex through the vascular tissue of leaves and that no
other substance was acting in the same fashion. The protein may be the same flowering signal for
all plants and the findings could pave the way for the development of an agent that enables plant
flowering at any time.
Faster Drug Approval Process
(April 19, 2007)
The Health Ministry will shorten the approval process for new drugs developed overseas by allowing pharmaceutical firms to
conduct "international joint clinical testing". Drug approval in Japan is very time-consuming process and leaves patients without
access to drugs readily available elsewhere -- the phenomenon known as drug lag. The ministry will compile detailed guidelines
for international clinical trials and clarify protocols, such as the percentage of Japanese participants needed for testing.
Cell Preservation Technology
(April 20, 2007)
GeneFrontier Corp. has begun sublicensing technology for the preservation and storage of fresh liver cells so that they can be
shipped and used for drug toxicity testing. The bioventure obtained the Japanese rights to this technology from British company
Abcellute Ltd.. The first to sign a sublicensing agreement is Mitsubishi Pharma Corp. Abcellute's proprietary cell preservation
technology preserves the cells between layers of specially formulated agar gel, where they remain viable for more than five
days at a temperature of 10 C.
New Drug Prescription Formula
(April 23, 2007)
In an effort to make patent free medicaments more readily available, the government is seeking to boost the use of generic
medicines by reforming the use of prescriptions. The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry plans to introduce a new prescription
formula. The current pricing system for insurance-covered medicines, which is based on the prices of original brand-name
medicines, will be replaced with the price of generics and prescriptions for brand-name drugs will newly require explanations.
Pharmaceutical Cellulose Substitutes
(April 24, 2007)
Government is considering allowing drugmakers to use substitutes for pharmaceutical cellulose without a lengthy approval
process. A recent explosion has caused a shortage of the material as production remains suspended at Japan’s main plant of
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.. A special measure eliminates the screening process of substitutes for five cellulose products produced
by Shin-Etsu Chemical. Normally such trials take from six months to about a year.
Transplant Law Revision
(April 24, 2007)
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has drafted a proposal for revising guidelines on the Organ Transplants Law. It states
that a kidney removed for medical treatment should not be used for a transplant. The draft excepts such transplants when the
use is for clinical research. It is therefore important to establish a system whereby all diseased kidney transplants are examined
by the Japan Society for Transplantation. The draft also establishes new procedures for live donor transplants. The suggested
procedures include measures to confirm the will of organ donors and also the biological relationship of donors and recipients.
Hematopoietic Stem Cells
(April 25, 2007)
Protein Crystal Corp. has developed a way to double the number of hematopoietic stem cells that can be obtained from umbilical cord blood. The cells are grown in culture medium together with a growth factor protein that promotes cell proliferation. This
growth factor protein is caged inside tiny, three-dimensional protein crystal structures that are made by a virus that infects silkworms. The growth factor protein escapes from these cages into the culture medium a little at a time, acting to promote the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells in a stable manner over a long period. Hematopoietic stem cells are used to treat leukemia.
Liposome Capsules Deliver siRNA
(April 25, 2007)
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The University of Tokyo has demonstrated in animals the effectiveness of liposome capsules as a delivery system for nucleic
acid therapy using small interfering RNA (siRNA) to treat age-related macular degeneration. siRNA molecules are quickly degraded by enzymes in the blood before they reach the target site, so cannot be administered by simple injection. The group
found that if siRNA is encapsulated in small fatty droplets of liposome and injected into the body, these liposome capsules are
too big to escape from normal blood vessels but can exit through holes of ill blood vessels.
Lacking Cancer And Radiation Therapy Specialists
(April 26, 2007)
According to a survey, doctors specializing in anticancer treatment or radiation therapy were lacking at more than 30% of key
regional hospitals. 32% of the surveyed hospitals said they had no specialists certified by the Japanese Society for Medical Oncology in anticancer medication. 36% of the hospitals had no certified specialists in radiation therapy. Further, broad regional
imbalances are present – conducted cancer operations range from 41 to 4,329 per hospital per year.
Company Workers Low On Testosterone
(April 27, 2007)
According to a study conducted by Teikyo University Hospital, androgenic hormone levels of male company workers are lowest
in their 40s and 50s. Production of the hormone is believed to be affected by stress. Healthy men were categorized into three
groups by age and the level of testosterone in their saliva was measured as a barometer of androgenic hormone activity. Although androgenic hormone production is confirmed to decrease with age, the middle age group was found to have lower levels
than the oldest age group, possibly due to stress related positions at work.
Nation’s Mortality Rate At Record Low
(April 28, 2007)
According to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, the mortality rate in the nation posted a record low in 2005. The rates for
both men and women were the lowest ever, reflecting society's increasing longevity due to the improvement of medical treatments. With cause of death divided into 11 categories, most categories saw declining rates, including death from cancer, stroke
and heart disease. Only the rate for men's suicide increased.
Protein’s Links To Diseases
(April 30, 2007)
Scientist Makoto Kinoshita has helped shed light on the way a certain protein appears to be linked to Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, various cancers and infertility. At Kyoto University he encountered
septins, a group of proteins involved in cytokinesis. He discovered that male mice are infertile if they lack
one of the septins known as Septin4 – the protein which forms the ring that sets where the tail attaches to
the body of the sperm. Septin4 is also linked to Parkinson's disease. Though the mechanism is still unknown, the lack of this protein exacerbates Parkinson's symptoms in mouse models of the disease. Links
have also been discovered between the septins and Alzheimer's disease and cancers.
March 2007
Device Helps Cerebral Aneurysm Surgery
(March 01, 2007)
NTN Corp. has developed a device that gives surgeons a numerical reading of the forces they are applying when inserting a
wire into a patient to treat cerebral aneurysms. The treatment involves placing a coil around the aneurysm to prevent it from
rupturing. To deliver this coil to the site of the aneurysm, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin, and the surgeon
then threads the wire to the brain. The new device uses a sensor attached to the connector around the catheter to measure the
strain being placed on the wire.
Vitamin C Helps Prevent Senile Cataracts
(March 03, 2007)
Eating foods rich in vitamin C helps to prevent the development of senile cataracts, according to the results of a Health, Labor
and Welfare Ministry survey. The survey team calculated the correlation between vitamin C intake and the risk of developing the
eye disease. The team looked at the average daily amount of vitamin C that the study subjects got from their diets and examined data including records of their operations and whether they had developed cataracts.
Antibody Drug Enhancing Technology
(March 05, 2007)
Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co. has licensed its Potelligent technology for enhancing the efficacy of antibody drugs to two more companies, bringing the total number of licensees to eight. The Potelligent technology reduces the fucose content of an antibody,
significantly increasing its ability to target disease-related antigens. Antibody drugs have become a focus of global attention, and
Kyowa Hakko hopes to position its technology as an industry standard.
Advanced Periodontal Disease Treatment
(March 05, 2007)
A new way to treat advanced periodontal disease has been developed by a research team from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido. The techSwiss Pavilion at BioJapan 2007, September 19-21, 2007 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché
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nique is performed using a spongy mixture of collagen and a type of phosphoprotein found in small amounts in
dentin, which is the inner substance of the tooth. In tests using dogs, this material promoted the complete regeneration of tissues surrounding the tooth, including the alveolar bone, the cementum and the periodontal ligament.
Fast, Accurate Flu Diagnostic System
(March 07, 2007)
A new influenza diagnostic system developed by Pulse-ImmunoTech Corp. provides results in around three minutes and takes
the guesswork out of diagnosis. The system uses a method called a pulse immunoassay to test nasal or other body fluid samples to determine whether the patient is infected. The machine is able to make a viral count and judge the level of infection with
certainty.
No Chromosomal Abnormalities In Fertilized Egg Cell After Nuclear Transfer
(March 07, 2007)
A research group from Hirosaki University and St. Mother Hospital in Kitakyushu have conducted experiments with mice showing that egg cell fertilized after nuclear transfer do not suffer chromosomal abnormalities. The findings suggest that nuclear
transfer could become a promising form of reproductive assistance therapy for older women. In nuclear transfer, the nucleus
from one cell is placed into another that has had its nucleus removed.
Embryonic Stem Cells From AFF Oocyte
(March 07, 2007)
In an experiment using mice, a team of researchers led by Teruhiko Wakayama at the Center for Developmental Biology at
RIKEN Kobe in Kobe City has succeeded for the first time in the world in efficiently creating clone embryonic stem cells (also
known as cloned ES cells) by utilizing aged fertilization-failure (AFF) oocytes. If the same holds true for human oocytes, this
finding may greatly help to resolve ethical issues in regenerative medical science, as large numbers of such AFF oocytes are
simply discarded in vitro fertilization clinics.
Medical Miniature Robot
(March 08, 2007)
Researchers from Ritsumeikan University have developed a prototype miniature robot that can be inserted through an incision and used to perform medical procedures deep inside the body. The beetleshaped robot, which weighs five grams and measures two centimeters in length and one in diameter.
The tiny robot incorporates various medical devices including a small camera, sensors and a drug delivery injector, which could reduce the need for surgery.
Computer Model Of Clot Flow In Blood Vessels
(March 09, 2007)
A research group from Keio University and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. has developed a computer simulation that accurately
models the way blood clots break apart and travel through blood vessels. The model accounts for such factors as the patient's
blood pressure, the location of the clot, the size of the blood vessel and the tendency for platelets to agglomerate. Based on this
data, it can predict how different medications will break up a clot and determine the size of the fragments that will end up flowing
through the bloodstream.
New Anemia Treatment
(March 09, 2007)
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. expects to have the successor to Epogin, its hit treatment for anemia associated with renal disease,
ready for submission to the Health Ministry as early as 2009. The new drug is a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator that
helps improve the conditions of anemia and needs to be administered only around once a month. Epogin sales account for
nearly 20% of Chugai's total sales. The Epogin patents expired at the end of 2005, and several companies have said they plan
to introduce generic versions.
Software Detects Early Alzheimer Signs
(March 09, 2007)
U-Medica Inc. has developed personal computer software to help doctors identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease. The patient is asked to draw a clock face, with numbers circling the inner circumference and the hour and minute hands appropriately
depicting the current time. A digital pen or tablet is used for input, and performance is scored based on such factors as the
shape of the clock face circle, the arrangement of the numbers, the placement of the hands, and the time needed to complete
the drawing.
Virulent Bacteria Strain Detected In Japan
(March 10, 2007)
A highly virulent strain of enteritis bacteria linked to deaths in North American hospitals has turned up in
Japan. Medical institutions have been told to guard against the spread of clostridium difficile, also known
as C. diff. C. diff infections can take weeks or months to develop, but some who are infected never become sick at all. Infection often occurs after one has been treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of C. diff
can include abnormally frequent and watery diarrhea, high fever, abdominal pain, blood or puss in stool,
nausea, dehydration and weight loss. Infections were recently reported in Europe.
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Colon Cancer Malignancy Diagnostic Device
(March 10, 2007)
Sysmex Corp. plans to develop a machine to perform gene testing on lymph node biopsies to quickly determine the malignancy
of colon cancers. Knowledge of the malignancy can help doctors decide on the best course of treatment and improve the patient's quality of life. Sysmex has built a prototype for colon cancer testing based on the machine and will partner with medical
facilities to conduct clinical trials and confirm its capabilities.
Fully Automated Human Cell Culturing System
(March 13, 2007)
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. has developed a fully automated system for the culturing of cells from multiple people simultaneously and without cross-contamination. The system uses robot arms to feed cells and move them from plate to plate inside
sealed chambers. Image processing is used to monitor the state of the cells. Existing systems require certain tasks to be performed manually. And to protect cells from contamination and from mixing with cells of other people, the culturing is typically
done in individual machines.
Individual Corneal Epithelium Stem Cells Isolated
(March 14, 2007)
A Tokyo University research team has successfully isolated individual corneal epithelium stem cells from the human eye that
can be cultured into sheets of corneal tissue. It is known that corneal epithelium stem cells exist in the border between the white
of the eye and the iris, and that these stem cells can be extracted and cultured to grow corneal epithelium that can be used to
repair a damaged cornea. The new procedure suggests that it might be possible to perform this kind of regenerative therapy
even when both eyes are damaged, as long as a small amount of healthy eye tissue remains.
Tailor-Made Drug Treatment In 30 Minutes
(March 14, 2007)
Fujifilm Corp. has developed a compact gene diagnosis device that can determine what drug regime will be most effective in a
particular patient in about 30 minutes using just one drop of blood. Tests are conducted by placing a drop of blood on a plastic
chip which is then inserted into the device. The chip has microscopic grooves, and the device amplifies genes in a short time by
adding reagents and through heating. Conventional tests, which rely on human technicians, require hours to days to determine
genetic variations among individuals.
More Flexible Drug Pricing
(March 17, 2007)
The government should allow pharmaceutical firms that develop innovative drugs to set their own prices outside of the official
scheme, as part of a package of measures aimed at revitalizing the industry, according to a report by the Council on Economic
and Fiscal Policy. Japan sets drug prices under a formula that adds a certain premium to the medicine's production cost. Drugmakers have complained that the system removes incentives to work on revolutionary new drugs, which can be costly to develop.
R&D Budget Raised To Focus On Candidate Drugs
(March 22, 2007)
Eisai Co. will raise its R&D budget by 10% to around 120 billion yen in fiscal 2007, continuing the aggressive spending it has
pursued in recent years to develop drugs that can sustain the company after the patents on its best-seller Alzheimer's medication expire. The firm's R&D spending as a percentage of sales is expected to reach a record high in fiscal 2007. The company
will focus such spending on three candidate drugs that are in the final stages of clinical development as well as on the drug discovery efforts of its four research labs.
Drug Delivery System Contact Lens
(March 23, 2007)
Menicon Co. has developed a contact lens that can serve as an ophthalmic drug delivery system for polymer molecules. To
make the lens, the company mixes the gel-like polymer of the lens material with a substance that fixes to the target polymer
drug and a dummy substance. When this mixture is solidified into a lens shape, the dummy substance dissipates, leaving empty
spaces where the real drug can fit when the lens is submerged in the medication. Placed on the eye, the contact lens releases
the drug over a long period, providing an alternative to eye drops.
Products For Protein Crystals Analysis
(March 23, 2007)
Lab Co. has worked with partners including the Hokkaido University Graduate School of Life Sciences to develop a pair of products that expedite the process of protein crystals analysis used for drug discovery in genomic medicine. The two products are a
special plate for growing and imaging the protein crystals, and a low-cost system for transferring the image data to a computer
for analysis.
Court Decision On Surrogate Birth
(March 24, 2007)
The Supreme Court reversed a high court decision that ordered a Tokyo ward office to accept on its registry twin boys born to a
Japanese couple through an American surrogate mother. Under the current Civil Code, the mother of a child must be the
woman who conceived and gave birth to the child. A maternal relationship therefore cannot be recognized between the child
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and a woman who offered an egg for a surrogate birth. Several organizations, including a society of doctors, have proposed a
ban on surrogate births. Any legal regulations on the practice have yet to be established.
Whole Lab To Move
(March 26, 2007)
Kyoto University has received Dr. Shigekazu Nagata, world-famous expert in the study of “apoptosis” and a candidate for the
Nobel Prize, to be a professor at their Medical Department, together with more than 10 of his team members from Osaka University. It is rare for a prominent professor to move from one Japanese university to another with his whole research team.
Kyoto University has been proactive in recruiting famous professors in medical fields from other universities, and successfully
received Prof. Nagata by offering him a better research environment than Osaka University.
Gastrointestinal Disorder Drug Without Neurological Side Effects
(March 26, 2007)
Zeria Pharmaceutical Co. has developed a drug to treat functional dyspepsia without affecting the central nervous system.
Functional dyspepsia is a disorder of unknown origin that causes stomach discomfort, loss of appetite and a general decline in
gastrointestinal motility. Drugs to treat functional dyspepsia by improving gastrointestinal motility were available for some time in
the United States and Europe but the medicines were pulled from the market because of severe neurological side effects.
Licensing Tuna-Farming Technology Overseas
(March 27, 2007)
Kinki University-associated startup A-Marine Kindai Co. has decided to license its tuna farming technologies overseas, targeting
coastal nations like Australia and Mexico. A-marine Kindai will offer a complete package of proprietary methodology for the
spawning of tuna, the collection and incubation of eggs, the growth of fry in facilities on land and their transfer to fish preserves
in the ocean for growth to maturity. Kinki University became the first to establish technologies for the complete control over tuna
production in 2002.
Stem Cells For The Production Of Collagen-Containing Bone
(March 29, 2007)
Researchers at Tokyo University's Institute of Medical Science have had high levels of success in using stem cells found in
blood from the placenta and umbilical cord to produce cartilage and bone. The institute's cell-processing division, which produced the results, was able to successfully harvest 20 of 25 stem cells from the cord within five hours of a baby's birth. When
fostered for three weeks with the aid of chemicals, an about three-millimeter-wide piece of collagen-containing bone was produced.
Oral Vaccine Against Alzheimer’s
(March 29, 2007)
Japanese scientists have developed an oral vaccine for Alzheimer's disease that has proven effective and safe on mice. The
research team is preparing to move to small-scale clinical trials on humans. When administered to mice suffering from the disease the vaccine reduced the amount of amyloid plaques, believed to be the root of Alzheimer’s, in the brain and improved
mental function. The vaccine is made by inserting amyloid-producing genes into a non-harmful virus.
Molecular Target Drugs
(March 30, 2007)
Since their parent firms have developed and sold a new type of medicine, molecular target drugs, in Western countries, foreignaffiliated pharmaceutical makers are targeting the Japanese cancer treatment drug market. The companies' Japanese affiliates
have helped them introduce the products to the Japanese market. Japanese makers have not yet commercially released any
molecular target drugs, but the Japanese makers are not sitting idle. However, because R&D of a new drug can take more than
10 years, the Japanese companies will rely for the time being on purchases of venture firms or new products while marketing
the few new types of drugs they have developed by themselves.
February 2007
Overactive Nerve Tissue Early Indication Of Alzheimer’s
(The Nikkei Business Daily, February 02, 2007)
An international group of scientists led by Makoto Higuchi at the National Institute of Radiological Sciences has determined that
the onset of Alzheimer's disease can be presaged by overactive nerve tissue cells associated with the tau protein. Using positron emission tomography, the group imaged the brains of mice, genetically engineered to develop atrophy of the hippocampus
and other parts of the brain due to accumulations of the tau protein in neurons, and discovered that nerve tissue cells became
active at three months of age, before the onset of atrophy. It is thought that overstimulated nerve cells can damage brain tissue.
Highly Accurate Heart Activity Simulation
(The Nikkei, February 02, 2007)
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a technology to display animated images of a simulated heart through
the use of highly accurate computer graphics. The technology, which simulates the cardiac muscles that contract and relax to
pump blood throughout the body, can reproduce a heart affected by abnormalities such as irregular rhythms and infarctions.
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The technology is also capable of measuring blood pressure and volume, and the simulation it creates can show how molecular-level proteins and other substances move inside cardiac cells.
Arcade Game To Help Elderly Regain Physical Coordination
(The Japan Times, February 03, 2007)
Researchers have developed a device based on the arcade game Whac-A-Mole that can help rehabilitate
senior citizens who have lost physical coordination or strength. Developed by Kyushu University and
Namco Ltd., the game involves stomping on snake heads that pop up in rapid succession on the floor.
The device helps stimulate the brain as players use their feet and thigh muscles to play the game.
Immunosuppressants Effective In Preventing Loss Of Brain Cells
(The Japan Times, February 03, 2007)
A team of researchers from the Japanese National Institute of Radiological Sciences has found that immunosuppressants are effective in preventing loss of brain cells, possibly paving the way for treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's. The team tracked microglia, cells that function as macrophages in the central nervous system, in mice with neuronal
cell loss. By administering immunosuppressants, which curb the activation of microglia, the researchers reduced the loss of
neuronal cells and the shrinkage of the hippocampi, one of the first regions to suffer damage from Alzheimer's.
Japanese Antibacterial Criterias To Become ISO Standards
(February 05, 2007)
Japanese criteria for certifying and testing the effectiveness of antibacterial treatments for products are likely to be adopted by
the International Organization for Standardization. If the ISO adopts the rules set forth under the Japanese Industrial Standards
(JIS) for gauging the effectiveness of antibacterial treatments as well as test methods, Japanese firms in related fields are likely
to gain a competitive edge.
Ulcer Drug To Treat Taste Disorders
(The Nikkei Business Daily Tuesday edition, February 06, 2007)
Zeria Pharmaceutical Co. is conducting clinical trials on its Promac gastric ulcer drug to expand its indications to also include
taste disorder treatment. Taste disorders due to zinc deficiency are now treated by eating oysters, which are high in zinc, or by
consuming powdered zinc sulfate. Although Promac was designed to treat gastric ulcers, it also provides supplemental zinc,
and doctors have reported anecdotal evidence that it works to treat taste disorders.
Drug Makers To Seek Overseas Growth
(The Nikkei, February 07, 2007)
Japan's share of the global pharmaceutical market has been forecast to shrink, while the growth rate for the world market will be
6.2% per year for the five years starting from 2006. Consequently, Japanese pharmaceutical concerns have no choice but to
look abroad. Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., which is quietly thinking about buying a European company, has already considered a
number of acquisition targets. Eisai Co., which is even more internationalized than Takeda, will become the first Japanese drug
maker to build a plant in India. The reason Takeda and the others are shifting to a more diversified approach rather than focusing solely on Japan and the U.S. is because of the importance of diversifying geographical risk.
New Peptide Vaccine Technology
(The Nikkei, February 09, 2007)
The National Institute of Infectious Diseases in conjunction with NOF Corp. has developed a promising new kind of peptide vaccine technology to fight cancers and viral infections. Peptides are short fragments of proteins, and peptide vaccines use these
instead of entire cell-surface proteins as antigens to help the body generate an immune response. The thinking is that even
though viruses rapidly mutate, certain parts of their cell-surface proteins remain unchanged. A vaccine that is based on this kind
of constant factor could provide broader immunity.
Record High HIV Cases
(Kyodo News, February 09, 2007)
A single-year record of 914 new HIV infection cases in Japan were reported in 2006, while reports of those developing AIDS
also grew to a record high of 390, bringing the total to 1,304, according to data released by the AIDS Surveillance Committee.
For the third year in a row the reported total of new HIV infections and new AIDS patients topped 1,000 and reached a record
high. While the number of people getting exams is growing, it is believed infections themselves are on the increase.
Large Particle Cancer Drug Delivery
(The Nikkei, February 10, 2007)
Nitto Denko Corp. and the University of California, San Diego, have jointly developed a carrier that can efficiently deliver drugs
to cancer cells or other affected areas. The researchers increased the size of a drug to about 100 nanometers in diameter by
combining it with a macromolecular material that they developed. The formation of relatively large particles enhances the effectiveness of the drug by making it stay longer in the blood and also means that side effects can be curbed because the amount of
the drugs that permeate normal blood vessels will decrease.
Mechanism Behind Visceral Fat-Induced Diabetes Discovered
(The Daily Yomiuri, February 11, 2007)
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A group of researchers of Tokyo University Hospital has unraveled the mechanism behind visceral fat-induced diabetes, which
could lead to the development of new drugs for the disease. The researchers found two types of protein on the surface of
mouse liver cells. When the proteins and a hormone called adiponectin conjoin, blood sugar and neutral fat levels fall, boosting
fat-burning functions. However, obese mice with accumulated visceral fat have fewer of these proteins on the surface of their
liver cells. Conversely, the researchers found when these proteins increased in number, blood sugar levels would decline.
Bio/Gene Tech Applied To Cosmetics
(The Nikkei Business Daily Saturday edition, February 13, 2007)
Rohto Pharmaceutical Co. has stepped up research in the areas of regenerative beauty and biological defense by applying biological and genetic technology. Researchers first clarify the mechanism by which stem cells differentiate themselves into internal fat or melanin cells, and then develop substances to control the process. The company's ultimate goal is to market skin lightening
cosmetics as well as functional food to combat obesity. The company has already succeeded in
developing a new substance that can more than double the ability of skin cells to produce hyaluronic acid, a substance that helps maintain the moisture of both skin and collagen.
Genetically Altered Fish For Cancer Research
(The Nikkei Business Daily, February 14, 2007)
A group from Kyoto University successfully developed so-called knockout killifish that can be used as models for cancer and
infertility research. One line of killifish lacks a functional version of the cancer-related p53 gene and develops tumors. The other
has the so-called Bloom gene "knocked out" and exhibits male infertility. Killifish are inexpensive to rear, breed quickly and their
sperm can be frozen. To develop the knockout killifish, the researchers used a chemical mutagen to trigger specific genetic mutations and then crossbred the fish.
Genetic Drug To Complete Clinical Trials
(The Nikkei Business Daily, February 16, 2007)
AnGes MG Inc. is close to completing Phase III clinical trials of a genetic treatment in Japan. The company is analyzing whether
a gene that produces hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) can be effective in treating arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO), a disease
that impairs blood circulation by closing arteries. If the drug obtains government approval, it will be the first genetic medicine to
be released outside of China. A successful test will have a huge impact on the future of the biotech industry.
Growing Teeth From Single Cells
(Reuters, February 18, 2007)
Japanese researchers have grown normal-looking teeth from single cells in lab dishes, and transplanted them into mice. They used primitive cells, not quite as early as stem cells, and injected
them into a framework of collagen. After growing them, they found their structures had matured
into the components that make teeth, including dentin, enamel, dental pulp, blood vessels, and
periodontal ligaments. The teeth grew and developed normally when transplanted into a mouse.
The researchers went after the "organ germ" -- the early cells made using partially differentiated
cells known as epithelial and mesenchymal cells.
New Gene Reagents For Viruses And Pathogens
(The Nikkei Business Daily, February 19, 2007)
The Japanese subsidiary of Applied Biosystems will introduce this year four or five new gene reagents for viruses and pathogens. A reagent for H7 type-A bird flu is under development in the U.S. and is expected to be released in Japan within the year.
The H7 strain can easily infect humans by passing from birds to hogs and cattle. Trials are also under way in Japan to enable
sales of reagents for legionella, a type of bacteria that causes pneumonia. The company also aims to introduce a reagent for
anthrax, which could be used as a biological weapon by terrorists.
Anti Blood Clot Drug
(The Nikkei Business Daily, February 21, 2007)
Astellas Pharma Inc. is moving forward with its first self-developed proprietary drug to prevent blood clots. The anti-thrombotic
drug is an oral version of a factor Xa inhibitor. Factor Xa is involved in blood coagulation, and several companies, including
Astellas, are developing oral drugs to inhibit Xa and thereby prevent blood from clotting. Compared with other oral antithrombotic drugs, factor Xa inhibitors promise to act faster and with less risk of bleeding.
Honeycombed Resin Thin Film
(The Nikkei Business Daily, February 21, 2007)
Fujifilm Corp. has developed a means of mass-producing a type of high-performance medical material consisting of a resin thin
film with a honeycombed pattern of holes. These films can be used after surgery to wrap organs and muscle to prevent adherence with surrounding tissue. They are also an effective support for the culturing of cells and tissues for studies in regenerative
medicine. Fujifilm has developed a method for fabricating the films in sizes as large as an A4 sheet of paper. Film thickness and
hole size can be adjusted to suit the user's needs, and the production method can be applied to a range of materials, from regular polystyrene to biodegradable plastics.
Gene Linked To Dystonia-Parkinsonism
(Kippo News, February 21, 2007)
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A research group at Tokushima University has discovered a gene causing 'lubag disease' and linked to dystonia-parkinsonism
which causes a movement disorder. Lubag disease is a hereditary disease. The research group has shed light on the fact that a
disorder occurs only in a special TAF1 protein which appears in nerve cells of the brain. The TAF1, which is indispensable to
cell division and gene transcription, controls the amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine discharged by the basal ganglia of
the cerebrum. Dopamine causes dystonia when its level is high and causes parkinsonism when its level is low.
Artificial Keratinous Skin Protection Layer
(The Nikkei Business Daily, February 22, 2007)
Japanese Health Science Research Center has produced a material that forms an artificial keratinous layer on the skin for moisture retention and protection. Sprayed on the skin, the product dries in 30 seconds as a layer that is 10-50 microns thick and
porous like the real keratinous layer of skin so it is not itchy. The layer stays on even in the bath but naturally sheds away over
the course of three to six days. To recreate the functions of natural keratin, the company created a mixture of cellulose for moisture retention, chitin, chitosan and methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM).
Three Genes Linked To Schizophrenia
(The Japan Times, February 22, 2007)
A team at the Riken national research center has identified three genes that can cause schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a
chronic and disabling mental disorder whose symptoms include hearing voices or intense paranoia. The research team focused
on calcineurin, an enzyme discovered by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Susumu Tonegawa, a professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his colleagues. The substance is essential for brain nerve growth and involved in neurotransmission.
The team eventually identified PPP3CC, EGR1, EGR2 and EGR3 as calcineurin-related genes strongly associated with the disease. This was first time that the three EGR genes have been linked to the disease.
Swiss Pharma Subsidiary Expands Factories
(The Nikkei, February 27, 2007)
Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. is taking steps to bolster its manufacturing capacity for candidate drugs used in clinical trials. Chugai has accelerated its drug development activities considerably since becoming a subsidiary of Swiss drugmaker F. HoffmannLa Roche Ltd. in 2002. It has so many candidate drugs in the pipeline that its existing facilities have become cramped. Chugai
plans to invest a total of 9 billion yen to build a factory for manufacturing investigational new drugs (IND) in Tokyo and expand
the existing production facilities in Shizuoka Prefecture.
January 2007
Higher Heart Attack Risk For Women Smokers
(January 03, 2007)
According to a survey by Kumamoto University, women who smoke are eight times more likely to suffer a heart attack than
women who do not. Comparatively, men who smoke are only four times more likely to have a heart attack than nonsmokers. The survey also found out that unlike in Western countries, hyper-cholesterolemia is a relatively minor factor for cardiac infarction among Japanese, increasing the risk by only 1.52 times for men and 1.1 for women.
Glucose Concentration Key For Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
(January 03, 2007)
Changes in blood glucose levels may help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, according to researchers at the University of
Tokyo. Before a person becomes diabetic, his or her body tries to compensate for the increasing resistance to insulin by upping
the amount of insulin secreted and the mass of insulin-secreting cells (beta cells) in the pancreas. Increasing beta cell mass can
potentially be a treatment for type 2 diabetes, but it has been unclear what triggers an increase of those cells. The researchers
reported that changes in glucose concentration were probably the major trigger for increased beta cell mass.
Prion-Free Cows
(January 04, 2007)
A team of researchers from Japan and the U.S. has used gene-splicing and cloning technologies to bred cows that cannot contract mad cow disease because they do not have prions. The infectious agent of bovine spongiform encephalopathy is believed
to be specific type of misshapen protein or prion which destroys brain tissue and gives it a spongelike appearance. No proliferation of prions was seen even after brain tissue, taken after dissecting three of the cows, was exposed to prions, indicating that
the cows had no prions.
Gene Variant Predisposes To Strokes
(January 07, 2007)
Researchers at Japan's Institute of Physical and Chemical Research have identified a gene variant which appears to predispose
a person to strokes, but it seems more prevalent in Asians than in those of European or African descent. The presence of the
variant raises the risk of cerebral infarction by 40 percent. Cerebral infarction happens when blood supply to a part of the brain
is obstructed, resulting in death or serious damage to brain cells.
Liver Cell From Subcutaneous Fat
(January 07, 2007)
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A team of doctors has succeeded in creating a hepatic cell out of subcutaneous fat that would enable patients with hepatitis or
cirrhosis to have their livers repaired. The doctors used so-called mesenchymal stem cell that accounts for about 10 percent of
the subcutaneous fat tissue of a human body. Regenerated subcutaneous fat cells have already been used in some clinical
practices such as breast reconstruction, but this is the first time in the world that more than one function for the human liver has
been observed in the regenerated cells.
Nanotech Cancer Drug Tested Outside Japan
(January 10, 2007)
Nippon Kayaku Co. will begin clinical trials of a cancer drug that disperses over the affected area of the body in a pinpointed
attack. Testing of this drug will be easier there than in Japan because participants are easier to come by in the U.S. The drug
was co-developed by the University of Tokyo and Tokyo Women's Medical University, employing nanotechnology. Active ingredients are taken from existing products. In the blood, it dissolves into 20-nanometer particles that exit from capillaries when they
reach the affected area.
Faster Drug Approval System
(January 10, 2007)
The health ministry plans to designate 40 hospitals for a clinical-drug trial intended to accelerate the approval process of new
medicines. The goal is to bring efficiency to clinical trials, which are needed before the drugs are approved for mass production
and use by regular patients. In Japan, pharmaceutical companies that want to market new drugs, including those already circulating overseas, must first conduct tests on patients at hospitals in Japan. Currently it takes an average of about 500 days for a
drug approved in other countries to get approved in the United States. In France, the average is about 900 days. But Japan's
average is about 1,400 days.
Transdermal Anaesthetic Patch
(January 11, 2007)
Transcutaneous Technologies Inc. has moved into the second phase of clinical trials on a transdermal patch that delivers the
local anaesthetic lidocaine, which is traditionally administered by injection. The transdermal patch makes use of a method
known as iontophoresis, which relies on electrical current flowing between electrodes to deliver the medication. This process
enables medical compounds that normally would not pass through the skin to be delivered via a patch.
Cancer Treatment For Pets
(January 11, 2007)
J-ARM is broadening its veterinary regenerative medicine operations to include the support of cancer treatment for pets. Initially,
J-ARM will culture lymphocytes that can be used for immunotherapy. The company will obtain blood samples from sick animals,
culture immune cells and then give these back to the hospital for injection into the animals. The procedure is effective against
small cancers and helps prevent recurrence after surgical removal of tumors. J-ARM will also offer technical guidance in immunotherapy.
Peptide-Based Vaccine Effective On Multiple Types Of Cancer
(January 11, 2007)
A research group from Sapporo Medical University and Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. has developed a peptide-based vaccine that can effectively treat more than one type of cancer. The group created the vaccine by synthesizing, from an amino acid,
a peptide that forms part of the HLA-A24 antigen, a substance found on the surface of many kinds of cancer cells. The new
vaccine can multiply by 20-30 times so-called "killer T cells," which perform a key role in the human immune system. The killer T
cells attack the cancer cells, targeting the HLA-A24 antigen.
Hops Effective Against Hay Fever Symptoms
(January 11, 2007)
Joint research by the Wakayama Japanese Red Cross Medical Center and Sapporo Breweries Ltd. has found that hops are
effective in mitigating various symptoms of hay fever. The research team said that extracts of hops suppress histamine--a substance that causes symptoms of hay fever such as sneezing and a runny nose--being released by the body's immune system.
X-Ray Breast Cancer Diagnosis
(January 16, 2007)
A joint research team spearheaded by the Tokyo University of Science has developed a new type of X-ray imaging technique
for breast cancer diagnosis that boasts 100 times the sensitivity and 10 times the spatial resolution of conventional mammography. The technique, based on X-ray dark-field imaging, makes the cancer cells stand out black against the background, making
it easier to detect even small tumor masses that can go unspotted in a mammogram.
Electrolyzed Water Technology Can Inactivate Noroviruses
(January 18, 2007)
Sanyo Electric Co. announced that its proprietary electrolyzed water technology can inactivate noroviruses, which are responsible for the symptoms of food poisoning and stomach flu. In tests using feline calicivirus, a common substitute in norovirus studies, tap water electrolyzed using Sanyo's method to generate hypochlorous acid reduced the infectivity of the virus by more than
99%. It is thought that the hypochlorous acid destroys proteins on the viral capsule, reducing the ability of the virus to attach to
host cells.
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Hormone Treatment For Eating Disorders
(January 18, 2007)
Daiichi Asubio Pharma Co. is moving forward with the development of drugs based on the hormone ghrelin for the treatment of
anorexia and loss of appetite due to illness. Discovered by a Japanese research team in 1999, ghrelin is a hormone produced
by cells in the stomach that promotes the secretion of growth hormone and also stimulates appetite. Daiichi Asubio Pharma has
begun phase II clinical trials in Japan on the use of ghrelin to treat anorexia. Ghrelin is found naturally in the body and has not
shown any side effects when given to healthy people.
Highly Virulent Bird Flu Outbreak
(January 18, 2007)
The National Institute of Animal Health confirmed the H5N1 strain of bird flu found in the prefecture of
Miyazaki was highly virulent. Some 3,900 chickens were found dead over the span of a weekend at a
farm in Miyazaki, leading the government to isolate and test the virus on eight healthy young chicks. All
of them died three days into the test.
Minimizing Flu Threat
(January 22, 2007)
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has predicted about 25 percent of the Japanese population could become infected if a
bird flu strain variant causing a human-to-human infection was to strike Japan. In a worst-case scenario, an estimated 2 million
people would be hospitalized, and about 640,000 could die. The most important strategy devised by the panel calls for minimizing the spread of infection at an early stage.
Nation To Implement Anti-Flu Measures
(January 22, 2007)
A group of experts brought together by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has published a set of guidelines on what national and local governments, as well as corporations and private individuals, should do if a new type of influenza strikes. The
guidelines cover 12 categories of preventive measures and state that anyone, or any area infected be immediately quarantined.
However, there are questions about what kind of effective measures could be implemented under the current legal framework.
Anti-Aging Cream With Modified Ceramide
(January 23, 2007)
NOF Corp. has developed a cosmetic ingredient based on a structurally modified form of ceramide that functions as an antiaging cream, smoothing out wrinkles and softening the skin. Ceramide is a kind of lipid molecule that exists between cells in the
skin, keeping it moist. The new compound mixes well with both water and solvents. As the product dries, the molecules form a
kind of network that tightens the skin and also serves as a barrier, keeping it moist by preventing the evaporation of water.
Nanotech-Based Dds To Finally Start
(January 24, 2007)
The Ministry of Health approved a cancer treatment that has been available abroad for 12 years, marking at last the beginning
of nanotech-based DDS (drug delivery system) technology in Japan. Mebiopharm Co. is developing a nanotechnology-based
DDS drug that can actively attack cancer tissue. The envisioned drug, aimed at "solid" cancers but not blood cancers like leukemia, is coated with liposome, a special protein that easily combines with cancer cells. Another high-profile domestic DDS
technology derived from research efforts by the University of Tokyo and Tokyo Women's Medical University is polymer micelles,
a high-polymer material used to make capsules.
Alzheimer Vaccine Patch
(January 24, 2007)
A research team from Saitama Medical University and the University of South Florida has developed an Alzheimer's disease
vaccine in the form of a transdermal patch that has demonstrated some success in animal testing against beta-amyloid protein
in the brain. The vaccine patch was applied to model Alzheimer's mice. This resulted in antibodies against beta-amyloid and a
halving of the amount of beta-amyloid in the brain compared with mice not given the vaccine. At the same time, blood levels of
beta-amyloid increased, suggesting that the vaccine triggered an immune reaction that removed beta-amyloid from the brain
and cleared it into the bloodstream.
Repairing Damage Caused By Stroke
(January 29, 2007)
Recent advances in the use of stem cells for regenerative medicine suggest the possibility to repair the brain damage caused by
a stroke, and groups in Japan are conducting research with that goal in mind. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the
brain is interrupted or blocked, causing localized death of brain cells and damage to brain tissue. A group lead by Prof. Akihiko
Taguchi of the National Cardiovascular Center Department of Cardiovascular Dynamics hopes to repair that damage using stem
cells from the patient's own bone marrow. At Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Prof. Isao Date is leading a group that obtains neuronal stem cells by culturing adult brain tissue and transplanting
them into stroke victims. A slightly different approach is being taken at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, where
a group led by Prof. Nobuo Hashimoto is trying to treat stroke damage using neuronal stem cells derived from embryonic stem
cells and bone marrow stromal cells.
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Disclaimer
The information in this newsletter is an opinion excerpt of news material from Japan and gathered to the best knowledge of the
writer. The newsletter tries to provide information without any news preferences, and takes no claims, promises or guarantees
about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information. No legal liability or responsibility can be taken. The information is provided for informational purposes only. No part of the newsletter may be used for any commercial or public use. Open
disclosure of this newsletter is not permitted.
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