The group of Ass. Prof. Takahiro ADACHI and colleagues at NAIST has observed that this effect occurs within 30 sec after addition of a B. natto culture and no effect is observed when adding lactic acid bacteria. The effect may be useful for evaluation of probiotics and supplements. Nikkei Biotech January 30, 2017
Takara Bio starts domestic phase II of oncolytic virus HF10
In this study, Takara Bio will evaluate the effectiveness, safety, immunological tests etc. when HF 10 and ipilimumab are administered concomitantly for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic malignant melanoma. HF10 is an attenuated strain of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and shows a remarkable antitumor effect when injected into the cancer locus. Takara […]
Rat-derived islet cells cure diabetic mice for more than one year
The group of Tomoyuki YAMAGUCHI at the University of Tokyo has reported that mouse ES and iPS cells transformed to pancreatic cells in rats and transplanted into diabetic mice could maintain the blood glucose level in the test mice for more than one year. Nature, Jan. 26, 2017
MEXT plans to spend 83 billion on life science in FY2017
AMED, the NIH of Japan, will receive a 60 billion share out of this budget. Nikkei Biotech, January 20, 2016
Kumamoto-based recombinant silkworm factory will produce 50 t/a of value-added silks.
The world’s largest factory of this type in Yamaga city (SILK on VALLEY YAMAGA”), with manufacturing space of over 4,000 m2, will produce cocoons 24 times per yeaar. Products will include spider silk and fluorescent silk products.” https://silk-on-valley-yamaga.jp/project/project02.html
Food of specified health use (Tokuho”) continues growth, Tokuho beverages alone might achieve sales of 32 billion Yen in 2017″
By the end of January 2017, 1438 food and drink products were allowed to be labeled as tokuho” (specified health effects). Drinks alone, according to Fuji Economy Market Research, might contribute 32 billion Yen in 2017.” Nikkei Biotech news release, January 27 and 25, 2017
Takara Bio prepares for phase I/II T-cell receptor gene therapy for synovial sarcoma
TB-1301 is a transgenic T cell targeting the NY – ESO – 1 antigen. Takara Bio has submitted a request for a clinical trial. After acceptance of the clinical trial and review by the clinical review committee of the implementation facility, Takara plans to begin registration and administration of subjects as early as April 2017. […]
Takara Bio backs up CiRA on quality control of iPS cell lines
CiRA has offered iPS cell stocks since 2013. The Kyoto University-based research institute has now decided to rely on back-ups from Takara Bio, with a proven track record for industrial iPS-based cell preparations, to strengthen manufacturing control of the four cordd blood-deirved iPS cells manufactured by CiRA. Takara Bio news release, January 24, 2017
Kadoya Oil applies for Specified Health Use of sesamin and sesamorin in cooking oil
Kadoya Oil, Japan’s largest producer of sesame oil, applied for the use of sesamin and sesamorin in edible oils as a measure to control body fat. Nikkei Biotech January 24, 2017
Hiroshima University group identifies targets for leukemia treatment using CML stem cells
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) might be treated by drugs that inhibit the dipeptide transporter Slc15A2 – a finding based on metabolomic and transciptomic studies by the group of Nakahito NAKAHIRO at Hiroshima University’s A-bomb Radiological Science Institute. Drugs targeting this transporter might help to treat CML patients who have become resistant to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. […]