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Jun. 12, 2025Press Release

Sysmex and the United Graduate School of Child Development, the University of Osaka to Establish a Joint Research Department to Elucidate Pathology and Develop New Diagnostic Techniques for Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Sysmex Corporation
National University Corporation The University of Osaka

Sysmex Corporation (HQ: Kobe, Japan; President: Kaoru Asano) and National University Corporation The University of Osaka (Location: Suita, Osaka; President: Atsushi Kumanogoh; “the University of Osaka”) announce that they have established the “Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disease Joint Research Department” (“the Joint Research Department”) in May 2025 at the United Graduate School of Child Development, the University of Osaka.

The Joint Research Department aims to elucidate the pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases and establish new diagnostic techniques through the research and development of novel biomarkers in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

Recently, remarkable advances in measurement techniques for neurodegenerative diseases have led to the development of new therapeutic drugs and diagnostic methods for dementia, represented by Alzheimer's disease. Further elucidation of pathological mechanisms is expected to advance, leading to the development of diagnostic methods that can accurately determine the progression of the disease and provide appropriate treatment.

Sysmex has been advancing research and development in high-sensitivity protein measurement and marketing assay kits in Japan, the United States, and European countries that use small blood samples to check for the accumulation of Amyloid Beta (Aβ), a substance seen in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, in the brain. Sysmex is also engaged in the research and development of biomarkers to examine the accumulation of tau protein, which occurs following the accumulation of Aβ. The company is actively working towards establishing simple and minimally invasive testing and diagnostic techniques for neurodegenerative diseases.

The University of Osaka, with its extensive clinical knowledge in neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases and one of the world’s leading brain banks*, conducts research to elucidate the pathological mechanisms and discover biomarkers for not only Alzheimer’s disease but also frontotemporal dementia (FTD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and other diseases, as well as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which manifests in childhood.

This Joint Research Department aims to discover new mechanisms common to neuronal damage and degeneration, as well as neural network disorders, through exploring the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid, brain pathological sections, and biomarkers in blood, and to apply these findings to the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.

By collaborating, Sysmex and the University of Osaka aim to accelerate the clinical implementation of blood testing for Alzheimer’s disease and further work towards the early realization of new diagnostic methods for neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS and ASD.

Overview of the Joint Research Department

	Department Name:	Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disease Joint Research Department
	Structure:	<Chief Research Officer>
		Director, the United Graduate School of Child Development Taiichi Katayama, Professor
		<Co-Principal Investigator>
		Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disease Joint Research Department Seiichi Nagano, Specially Appointed Professor (Full-time)
		<Head of the Brain Bank>
		Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Disease Joint Research Department Shigeo Murayama, Specially Appointed Professor (Full-time)
	Period:	May 2025 to March 2028
	Location:	United Graduate School of Child Development, the University of Osaka

Terminology

	*	Brain bank:
		The definitive diagnosis of human brain diseases requires the diagnosis of brain tissue from affected patients. Understanding what occurs in the human brain necessitates direct investigation of the brain itself. Research to elucidate disease mechanisms contributes to the development of treatments and drugs. Brain banks systematically collect and store human brain, providing it to medical researchers dedicated to overcoming diseases, thereby contributing to the advancement of future medical care.

About Sysmex Corporation

Sysmex Corporation, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, is a global leader in in vitro diagnostics. Since its foundation 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." 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, please visit www.sysmex.co.jp/en/.
* "Healthcare journey" is a trademark of Sysmex Corporation, registered in Japan.

About National University Corporation The University of Osaka

The University of Osaka was founded in 1931 as one of Japan’s imperial universities through strong demand from political and business circles in Osaka, as well as the people of Osaka City and Prefecture. The spiritual roots of The University of Osaka can be found in Kaitokudo and Tekijuku, educational institutions of the Edo period. After its merger with The University of Osaka of Foreign Studies in 2007, The University of Osaka became a comprehensive university with its own School of Foreign Studies. Boasting 11 undergraduate schools, 15 graduate schools, and 6 affiliated research institutes excelling in the fields of the humanities and social sciences, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, science, and engineering, The University of Osaka is one of Japan’s premier comprehensive research universities.

The University of Osaka will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding in 2031.

We will contribute to the creation of a society where each member feels worth living through co-creation with diverse stakeholders to solve local and global challenges in accordance with the university's motto of “Live Locally, Grow Globally.”

For more information about the University of Osaka, please visit www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en.

The purpose of this news release is to communicate our business activities to our stakeholders. It may or may not include information about Sysmex's products or their research and development, but this is not intended for promotion, advertising or medical advice. The information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the announcement but may be subject to change without prior notice.

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