Sysmex Corporation (HQ: Kobe, Japan; President: Hisashi Ietsugu) has agreed to accept transfer of Katakura Industries Co., Ltd. (HQ: Tokyo, Japan; President: Akio Takeuchi) Research Institute of Biological Science(with the exception of the Matsumoto Annex). The Katakura Industries Research Institute of Biological Science employs gene recombinant technology for producing from silkworms the proteins used in diagnostic reagents. Sysmex has been using these proteins since March 2009.
This transfer, which goes into effect April 1, 2011, will enable Sysmex to strengthen further our development and production technologies for diagnostic reagents using gene recombinant protein produced from silkworms. We will concentrate on developing such reagents in the non-hematology fields of immunology, clinical chemistry and hemostasis, as well as in the life science domain.
Clinical testing fulfills an important role in the diagnosis, disease management decisions, and treatment result monitoring. New methods of testing, such as genetic testing, have emerged in addition to those already in use, and progress is being made in the development of testing equipment and diagnostic agents for prevention, early detection and treatment of disease.
The supply of some diagnostic reagents derived from animals (mammals) is affected by the fact that production volumes are not matching demand in developing countries, and also by the prevalence of epizootic diseases among supply animals. Therefore, a more stable supply of these products is required.
Sysmex has been working to ensure a stable supply of these products at consistent quality by developing diagnostic reagents which are not derived from animal sources, and also by improving our technologies for the design and mass production of proteins with improved medical value. In 2000, we began working to develop these proteins from ingredients and setting up a development structure to strengthen our recombinant gene and monoclonal antibody production technologies for use in our diagnostic reagent products.
At the same time, the Katakura Industries Research Institute of Biological Science had begun looking for biotech business applications for its silkworm cultivation technology developed over many years, turning its attention to silkworm expression system technology for highly efficient, short-term production of proteins. This led to that company’s development of protein production contracting services and the strengthening of its technical capabilities.
This agreement came about after consideration by both companies about how we might contribute further to the advancement of medicine through the synergy of our mutual technologies which will be gained by combining Sysmex’s diagnostic reagent development and production technologies with the silkworm-based protein production technologies of Katakura Industries Research Institute of Biological Science. We will continue conducting the protein production services that had up to now been contracted to Katakura Industries.
Sysmex will henceforth focus our efforts on further strengthening our development and production technologies for diagnostic reagents in the non-hematology fields of immunology, clinical chemistry and hemostasis, as well as in the life science domain. Our goal is to contribute further to the advancement of medicine.
Summary of the transfer
| (1)Date of transfer of business: |
April 1, 2011 |
|
(2)Business to be transferred:
|
Katakura Industries Research Institute of Biological Science
(except for the Matsumoto Annex)
Silkworm-based protein contract production services |
Outline of Katakura Industries Co., Ltd.
| (1)Name: |
Katakura Industries Co., Ltd. |
|
(2)Representative:
|
Akio Takeuchi, President |
|
(3)Head office:
|
1-19-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo |
| (4)Lines of business: |
Textiles, pharmaceuticals, equipment, services (home centers, shopping centers, etc.); also, biotech business using insect-related technologies |
| (5)Website: |
http://www.katakura.co.jp (Japanese only) |
- Information contained in the news release is current as of the date of the announcement,
but may be subject to change without prior notice.
