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news & events / press releases / 2002 index /
Press Release June 2002
INVESTMENT IN CANCER-RELATED
BIOTECHNOLOGY VENTURE IN SINGAPORE
Joint development of new analysis database
set to accelerate the development of novel diagnostics
Shimadzu Corporation, the founder of Shimadzu Biotech,
has invested S$2,736,000 in Agenica Research Pte Ltd, a biotechnology
venture in Singapore, and intends to collaborate on the research
project to construct a database of the unique genes related to cancer.
Information on the effects and tolerance of anti-cancer
agents, as well as information related to family, lifestyle and
clinical data affecting the development of cancer will be collated.
This molecular gene expression database is set to accelerate the
development of novel diagnostics.
Agenica Research was established in March 2001 with
joint investment from the National Cancer Center of Singapore and
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. Shimadzu now holds 5.6% of Agenica’s
stock holdings. This is Shimadzu’s first external investment
in a biotechnology venture.
Under this investment, Shimadzu Biotech is to develop
new proteomics technologies, with a view to entering the molecular
diagnostic market in future. It will actively play a part in Agenica’s
research, contributing to its direction and development and to product
commercialization. The joint project with Agenica Research includes:
- The development of new proteomics technologies based on cancer
disease specimens and clinical data and the construction of
application data.
- The development of analysis equipment and reagents and their
application to the proteomics analysis service business.
- The construction of a cancer-related protein database.
Shimadzu Corporation first demonstrated its commitment to biotechnology
by creating Shimadzu Biotech, a new business unit that develops
and manufactures equipment to support research, reagents and customized
analysis of genes and protein. Shimadzu Biotech is pursuing alliances
with several leading biotechnology ventures and research institutes
in the US and in Europe.
- ends -
For more information, please contact:
Shimadzu Biotech
Tetsuo Ichikawa, Chairman
Tel: 81-75-823-1148
Fax: 81-75-823-1364
email: tichi@shimadzu.co.jp
For press information, please contact:
HCC De Facto Group plc
Jacqui Dyson, Account Manager
Tel: +44 (0)20 7496 3300
Fax: +44 (0)20 7496 3355
email: j.dyson@hccdefacto.com
Notes to Editors
About Agenica Research
Name: |
Agenica Research Pte Ltd., Singapore |
Location: |
Inside the National Cancer Center of Singapore |
Capital: |
S$6,540,000 |
Stockholders: |
(from 5th June 2002) |
Shimadzu Corporation: |
5.6% (60 shares) |
Mitsui & Co., Ltd.: |
47.2% (500 shares) |
NCC Technology Ventures Pte Ltd: |
47.2% (500 shares) |
Establishment: |
April 2001 |
COO: |
Ryuta Nomura |
Number of Employees: |
17 (including contract researchers) |
Business content: |
Construction and sales of database of cancer-related gene
information |
About Shimadzu’s Bio-Business
Development
1999 November: |
Commercialize mass DNA analysis equipment, expand
bio-business section. |
2000 February: |
Collaborate with Proteome Systems (Australia) in the proteomics
field. |
April: |
Start custom gene-analysis business. |
August: |
Target AXIMA-CFR™ mass spectrometer at high throughput
proteomics market. |
2001 March: |
Launch Shimadzu Biotech – (Life Science global business
unit). |
2001 March: |
Start full-scale commercialization of genetic research reagents. |
April: |
Establish a life science research institute in Japan. |
June: |
Add SNP analysis to the existing analysis service business. |
Plans for 2002: |
Sales of new style mass spectrometer for protein analysis,
full automatic pretreatment equipment/highly efficient pretreatment
equipment for protein analysis. |
Analysis: |
Start analysis service of 2-dimensional protein analysis/oligo-DNA
composition/microbe gene analysis. Establish a base for protein
analysis service at Tsukuba, Japan (3rd quarter). |
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