“iHA” promotes the production of hyaluronic acid in humans. The patents are jointly owned with S. Korea’s Everlife group, and development was done at S. Korea’s Semyung University. Pharma Foods International website information (jap.)
Toyo Shinyaku introduces black ginger as oriental new drug, reduces body fat accumulation and decreases body temperature
In collaboration with Musashino University, it was found that Kaemferia parviflora isolated from mountain slopes of Thailand and Laos has such properties. Toyo Shinyaku press release, Sept. 26, 2012
Group at Meiji University achieves 7th generation of cloned swine, to be used as human disease model
Professor Hiroshi Nagashima, Laboratory of Developmental Engineering, Meiji University, advances research on transgenic swines based on somatic cell nuclear transfer Nikkei Biotech, Sept. 26, 2012
Unitika-led research group proves sebum-inhibiting activity of ß-cryptoxanthin
The ß-cryptoxanthin was derived from Satsuma mandarins. Excess secretion of sebum is closely related to the onset of skin irregularities such as pimples and seborrheic rash. Y. Shirakura et al., 26th Carotinoid Discussion Meeting in Hakodate, Sept. 13, 2012
Takara Bio finds more health effects in Dioscorea (“lesser yam”)
The ingestion of Dioscorea esculenta suppressed muscle reduction in senescent mice. Earlier, this food was already shown to reduce fatigue and enhance fat combustion Takara Bio web release, https://agribio.takara-bio.co.jp/technology/togedokoro/
RIKEN starts public use of K supercomputer on Sept. 28
“K” is the world’s largest computer in the non-military area, with 5 strategic fields of application (Life Sciences, New Materials and Energy, Astronomy, Global Change and Manufacturing) and will provide 30 % of its capacity to private companies, e. g. in the field of drug design (e. g., Takeda, Daiichi Sankyo) RIKEN press release, Sept. […]
Japan’s Ministries propose record bio-related R&D budget of 4 billion € for FY 2013
Highest increases are planned for Ministry of Environment (+ 92 %), METI (+80 %) and MAFF (+68 %). Nikkei Biotech, Sept. 25 2012
Research Institute of Tsukuba Bio-tech Corporation receives fund from MAFF for mass production of algae based on US OriginOil technology
Four test plants of 0,4 ha each will be built in Tsukuba, near Narita Airport and in Fukushima. If successful, 100 or more plants will be set up in Japan. The focus is on oil production and on radioactive cesium elimination Nikkei Biotech, Sept. 24, 2012, and OriginOil press release, August 30, 2012
Kaneka introduces agglutinogen A-based chromatographic material for antibody purification
The product is named “KANEKA KanCapA”. It has high antibody adsorption capacity and alkali resistance and is optimized for antibody-based drug purification. Kaneka press release, Sept. 20, 2012
Sato Healthcare Innovation: extracts from Amazonas plant “Balm of Peru” has hair growth promotion activity
About 100 plants from the Amazonas region were screened, and active components of “balm of Peru” were identified. Sato Healthcare Innovation, Lecture on Sept. 18 at 59th Meeting of the Japan Society for Pharmacognosy, Chiba