According to a report from Nikkei Asia Review, this prize reduction will take place from October 2017 but biomass power plants approved before that date will enjoy the guaranteee purchase prize of 24 Yen for 20 years. This has led to an increase in construction of biomass power plants. Among others, Sumitomo plans to increase […]
RIKEN develops 3D electrofluidic structure which permits control of movement of microorganisms
The team of Koji SUGOKA at RIKEN Photonics Engineering Research Area has developed a technology for depositing metal thin films on a 3D microfluidic structure inside a glass microchip. Within the closed space of „electrofluidics“ fabricated by this technology, it was possible to control the 3D movement directions of Euglena. RIKEN news release, February 28, […]
Bonac and Tokyo University of Medicine develop improved nucleic acid replacement therapy for pulmonary fibrosis
In collaboration with Bonac Co., the team of Masahiko KURODA at Tokyo University of Medicine has developed a single-stranded RNA (“miR-29b Psh-match) that has a unique structure to avoid problems associated with the therapeutic uses of miRNAs. A comparison of miR-29b Psh-match and double-stranded miR-29b mimic indicated that the single-stranded form was significantly more effective […]
Nikon invests additional 2 billion Yen in cell technology company Helios
The new investment brings Nikon’s total investment in this company to an ownership of 3 %, the second-largest in this company. In 2015, Nikon had concluded a contract manufacturing business with Lonza. The new agreement also includes contract manufacturing opportunities. Nikkei Journal, February 22, 2016
JCR Pharma develops BBB drug against Pombe disease
JCR Pharma has developed a blood-brain-barrier (BBB) passage technology under the brand name of „J-Brain Cargo“. After announcing to work on a treatment of Hunter’s disease (JR-141) which is based on passage of the BBB, JCR now has announced to develop a genetically modified acidic α-glucosidase (JR-162) which is transported to the brain via J-Brain […]
ToMMo starts selling SNP data and biological samples from Megabank project
Within the Tohoku Megabank Project – a consequence of the Great Western Japan Earthquake in 2011 – Tohoku University (Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo)) and Iwate Medical University analyzed the DNA of 10.000 residents using Illumina’s HumanOmniExpressExome” microarray which can analyze 960.000 SNPs. Eligible for purchase of such biological samples and SNP data are from […]
CellSeed Co. aims for approval of esophageal regeneration sheet by 2019
The esophageal regenerating epithelial sheet is prepared from from autologous oral mucosa and transplanted via endoscopic resection for wound healing/stenosis prevention of esophageal cancer. 10 clinical studies are planned at Swedish Karolinska University Hospital in collaboration with Tokyo Women’s Medical University. CellSeed news release, February 22, 2017
Human Metabolome Technologies (HMT) starts sales of biomarkers
HMT is working on the development of biomarkers for depression, and since November 2016 started selling reagents for research purposes through its subsidiary, HMT Biomedical. Since February 2017, biomarkers are included in the portfolio. Nikkei Biotech news release, February 21, 2017
Dainippon Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals to launch new cell processing center (CPC)
The target is to produce RPE cells and neurons derived from other iPS cells. The company will invest 3.6 billion Yen in their research laboratory in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, were the new 3000 m2 CPC will be constructed and become operational in FY 2017. Dainippon Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals press release, February 21, 2017
Primmune Inc. starts assay for human papilloma virus (HPV)
Primmune, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransGenic Inc., launched PAPI’Qss , a mail-based test service for human papillomavirus. Primmune news release, February 14, 2017