Press Release
Sysmex Corporation (HQ: Kobe, Japan; President: Kaoru Asano) announces that on December 20, 2023, it acquired additional shares in Megakaryon Corporation (HQ: Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan; CEO, President: Kenichi Akamatsu), making the company a consolidated subsidiary. Megakaryon has fundamental technology for producing platelets from human iPS cells.1 By strengthening the synergy between Megakaryon and the Sysmex Group, we aim to accelerate the commercialization of high-quality and highly safe platelet preparations derived from human iPS cells. In addition, we will explore the application of Megakaryon's technology as a raw material for the standard substances used in the quality control of our testing instruments, among other potential applications.
Company name |
Megakaryon Corporation
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Location | Kyoto Research Park, 134 Minamimachi, Chudoji, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan | |
Established | September 2011 | |
Capital |
100 million yen
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Investment rate | 80.9% | |
Representative | Kenichi Akamatsu (CEO, President) | |
No. of employees | 10 | |
Line of business | Commercialization of iPS cell-derived platelet preparations |
December 25, 2017 news release: “Sysmex Invests in Megakaryon Corporation to Contribute to the Practical Realization of Platelet Preparations Derived from iPS Cells”
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1 |
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells):
iPS cells produced from human skin or other cells through transfection of several factors are capable of differentiation into many types of cells of tissues and organs. iPS cells were discovered by a Kyoto University research group led by Dr. Shinya Yamanaka. Theoretically, these cells can be differentiated into any tissues or organs that constitute the human body. Attention is being focused on these cells for their potential in realizing regenerative medicine. |
2 |
Blood preparations used in transfusions comprise whole blood preparations, red blood cell preparations, plasma preparations and platelet preparations. In the past, transfusions mainly used whole blood taken from donors, containing all of its constituents. However, it is now common to transfuse only blood components the patient requires - using red blood cell preparations, plasma preparations or platelet preparations.
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3 | Source: Megakaryon estimate based on Tokyo Metropolitan Government 2021 Blood Transfusion Survey |
4 |
Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA):
The HLA is present in almost all cells and body fluids. It has been found to act as a histocompatibility antigen (important molecule involved in the human immune system recognizing self and non-self). The body recognizes and attacks anything transplanted which expresses a different type of HLA. Ensuring HLA compatibility is therefore an important factor in hematopoietic stem cell transplants, organ transplants and regenerative medicine. |
Sysmex Corporation, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, is a global leader in in vitro diagnostics. Since its establishment in 1968, Sysmex has focused on diagnostics as the core of its business, and today, it supports the health of people in over 190 countries and regions worldwide. Sysmex continues to innovate in diagnostics, and to collaboratively create unique values in the areas of personalized medicine and novel treatments, under its long-term vision of "Together for a better healthcare journey." To realize this vision, Sysmex identifies and verifies prioritized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and materiality (priority issues), thereby maintaining its growth as a company that generates both social and economic value. Through its unique technology, solutions, and co-creation with various partners, Sysmex delivers new value and addresses the universal desire of people to live longer and healthier lives. For more information about Sysmex Corporation, please visit www.sysmex.co.jp/en/.
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