Daiichi Sankyo, Tanabe Mitsubishi Pharmaceutical, Ono Pharmaceutical, Keio University, Kochi University, and the National Institute of Health and Nutrition have launched joint research on the pathophysiology of immunoinflammatory diseases and related research on drug discovery. Nikkei Biotech news release, May 31, 2018
Ministry of the Environment organizes CRISPR-CAS expert committee
The committee will develop views whether genomic editing technology is the object of the Cartagena method from the viewpoint of proper operation of genetically modified organisms (Cartagena protocol). Nikkei Biotech news release, May 31, 2018
NEDO starts „space business investment matching platform“
The government is working on revitalizing the space industry in Japan. The „S-Matching) is intended to facilitate matching between individuals and venture companies having new business ideas in the space field. Together with public and private sectors such as Japan Bank for Policy Development and Investment (DBJ) and the Industrial Innovation Organization (INCJ), it will […]
Chugai releases tocilizumab (Actemra) for treatment of cytokine-release syndrome (CRS)
Chugai Pharmaceutical announced that the humanized anti-human IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody Actemra® for intravenous infusion 80 mg, 200 mg, 400 mg” : Tocilizumab (genetic recombination)] (hereinafter referred to as Actemra) was approved by the MHLW for an additional indication for “cytokine release syndrome associated with chimeric antigen receptor gene-introduced T cell infusion therapy”. This application […]
PeptiStar Inc. constructs production site, claims to produce non-standard peptides at 98 % reduced cost
The company manufactures non-standard peptides for pharmaceutical use as APIs and will operate a factory with a floor area of over 10,000 m2 in the Settsu factory of Shionogi & Co., which is also a shareholder, from autumn of 2019. An R & D laboratory will also be established, and 20 to 30 technicians will […]
Sekisui Chemical teams up with Cell Technology Co. on regenerative medicine
Cell Technology Co. has built a dental pulp cell bank. Sekisui has entered into a capital and business alliance with Cell Technology on joint research and development of dental pulp cells targeting periodontal diseases. Nikkei Biotech news release, May 29, 2018
Japan boosts 43 clinical trials on 38 regenerative medicine products
According to a review by Nikkei Biotech, this number relates to doctor-initiated and company clinical trials under control of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency. Regenerative medicine is classified into cell medicine” which administers cells in loose state, “regenerative medicine” which transplant cells in a three-dimensional structure and “gene therapy” which administers genetically modified cells […]
ProteoBridge Corp. offers proteome analysis
The spin-off of AIST started on May 1st, 2018 and offers proteome analysis within 3 days . The company uses a protein array with about 20,000 types of proteins for search on biomarkers etc. https://proteo-bridge.co.jp
GlyTech Inc. reports capital increase, partially from Italy’s MIAT SpA
GlyTech is an Osaka venture founded in 2011. The business focus is on the synthesis of human-type glycosides applicable to the chemical synthesis of highly pure human glycoproteins, https://www.glytech.jp/jp/. Investment is from Nippon Shokubai, Fushimi Seiyaku, SBI Investment, Osaka University Venture Capital, and Italy’s MIAT SpA, a Milano-based chemical trader and investor. GlycoTech news release, […]
NEDO initiates projects on solar power cost reduction
The 4 projects are 1. Development of technologies to reduce power generation cost for high performance and high reliability solar power generation (to 14 yen/kWh by 2020 and 7 yen/kWh by 2025), 2. Heterojunction technology, 3. Back contact technology, and 4. Solar energy in net zero energy buildings . NEDO news release, May 28, 2018