SYSMEX CORPORATION

  Sysmex Corporation (HQ: Kobe, Japan; President: Hisashi Ietsugu) announced today the May domestic market release of its 3-part differential automated hematology analyzer for animals pocH-100iV Diff. Automated hematology analyzers for human beings, called Pochi, have been used both by general practitioners and at clinics. Capable of classifying white blood cells (leukocytes)* as well as measuring the total count of white blood cells, red blood cells and blood platelet, this new offering can measure the number of eosinophils, information which is believed to be of use for the early diagnosis of allergies, as well as diagnosis of parasitic and dermatological diseases in animals. Going forward, we will add more to our animal testing line in order to expand our animal-related business for veterinary hospitals around the globe.

  Throughout developed countries, the number of families with pets is on the increase as the population continues to age. In Japan, statistics estimate that some 18 million households (approximately 37% of the total number of households) keep pets. The pet care (companion animal care) market is growing by approximately 3% per annum, and future growth is expected. The global animal testing market, including blood testing at veterinary hospitals, is estimated to be worth ¥40 billion. In Japan, this market is estimated to be worth ¥4 billion, and is growing at roughly 3% per annum as the number of pets increases.

  In recent years, pets have been living longer than they once did, as many of them are kept indoors and the quality of pet food improves, in turn giving rise to the number of pets that suffer lifestyle and age-related diseases just as humans do. Since pets are often very dear to their owners as they are called “companion animal”**, more satisfactory medical services are desired for their pets. In response, veterinary hospitals here are improving the quality of their services by introducing new expertise and a variety of testing instruments from Western countries, where advanced medical technologies have become available.
  Unlike human beings, only a small amount of blood may be collected from animals, and in the case of first-aid many pets are already in serious condition when arriving at the hospital, requiring prompt testing. Since it is impossible to question animals, a set of basic screening tests, including hematology and clinical chemistry, are mandatory in understanding their condition accurately, creating a high demand for the classification of white blood cells.

  With the launch of the pocH-100iV automated hematology analyzer for animals in 2002, we have since gained greater recognition in the veterinary hospital market. In the hopes of gaining a further presence in the market, we have improved its performance and functions to develop the 3-part differential automated hematology analyzer for animals, pocH-100iV Diff, which will hit the Japanese market in May. Classifying in only two minutes white blood cells that are extremely useful in the early diagnosis of infectious diseases, allergies, and parasitic diseases, this new offering will assist veterinary hospitals in improving the quality of their medical services. We will also expand animal testing lines other than that of hematology analyzers, in an effort to boost our animal testing business in the veterinary hospital market across the globe.

* White blood cells may be fractionated by shape and property into neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Eosinophils increase in patients with allergic and parasitic diseases, thus making it an essential part of the information required for diagnosis.

** Companion animal: Animals which people keep as “companions” in their lives, and are treated like a family member.

	Automated Hematology Analyzer pocH-100iV Diff