ß-Hydroxy-ß-methyl butyric acid (HMB) is a metabolite of leucine and reportedly has a function to support the maintenance of muscle mass and strength. Kobayashi Perfume has obtained permission from the Consumer’s Agency (B-178) to label this product accordingly as a powder under the name of Kobyashi HMB. The ingredient is manufactured by Ajinomoto. Kobayashi Perfumes […]
Japan Coca-Cola introduces first drink with functional display
The Consumer Agency has accepted that Coca-Cola’s Hajime green tea one a day” can be sold with a functional display, as this product contains rose hip derived tilloside, a triterpene sapogenin. It is reported that rosehip-derived tilloside has a function to reduce body fat.” Consumer Agency’s announcement B179
Kyoto University Hospital establishes Cancer Biobank
The biobank provides biological samples from cancer patients who have provided their consent for joint research, also with companies. October 28, 2016
RIKEN team finds new transcription starting point of hepatitis B virus
HBV is a major cause of liver cancer, and nearly 700,00 people per year are estimated to die from this disease. A team around Piero Carnici at RIKEN has created a detailed transcription map down to one base unit analyzing the gene expression pattern of the virus and discovered a new transcription starting point, which […]
Luna Japan obtains permission functionality labelling of Bifidobacterium HN019 in yoghurt
The strain was developed by Danisco, now a Dupont company, and is claimed to improve the intestinal environment and improve fitness. Marketing is done by Luna Japan, a joint venture of Nippon Ham and Dupont. Nikkei Biotech news release, October 28, 2016
Astellas acquires German Ganymed Pharmceuticals, an antibody specialist
Ganymed (CEO Dr. Özlem Türeci) is a biopharmaceutical company located in Mainz, Germany, which focuses on the development of antibodies against cancer. Under the contract, Astellas will pay EUR 422 million to acquire 100% of the equity in Ganymed. In addition, Ganymed’s shareholders will become eligible to receive up to EUR 860 million in further […]
Kaneka builds crystalline silicon solar cell with world’s highest conversion
In a NEDO-supported project, Kaneka Corporation built a crystalline silicon solar cell module (heterojunction back contact type) which achieved a conversion efficiency of 24.37 %. Within the NEDO project power generation cost reduction technology development for high-performance, high-reliability solar power”, in 2020, 14 yen/kWh (commercial power price average) should be reached, by 2030 7 yen/kWh.” […]
NEDO plans for technical applications of genome editing (smart cell project”)”
In a kick-off symposium on Oct. 27, the future directions of R&D in Japan on genome editing of plants and microorganisms was scrutinized. Presentations also included the perspectives of supercomputing and AI. Among the presentations provided by companies and academics was Japan’s own development of an ultra-high-speed microbial breeding platform” smart cell Foundry” by Kobe […]
Shionogi develops cefiderocol, a novel siderophore cephalosporin antiotic with wide action against Gram-negative bacteria
Cefiderocol is a new parenteral siderophore cephalosporin antibiotic with unique structural features that exploit the way Gram-negative bacteria acquire iron which is necessary for growth. It binds to free iron, and is actively transported across the outer membrane with the iron. This Trojan Horse” strategy allows cefiderocol to enter the periplasmic space where it binds […]
RIKEN team devvelops simple, low-cost test for oxidative stress in urine and blood
The test uses formyl dehydroepiandrosterone piperidine (FDP) as a stress marker. FDP is formed by the reaction of acrolein with protein amino groups. The test uses the reaction of FDP with 4-nitro-phthalonitrile heated in the presence of calcium chloride. The resulting 4-amino-phthalonitrile exhibits significant fluorescence and can be monitored. The method is much cheaper than […]