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March 24, 2003
| Notification
of joint genetic function analysis R&D |
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This is to inform that AnGes MG and its subsidiary,
Genomidia Inc., concluded a joint R&D agreement with Shimadzu
Corporation and Professor Yasushi Kaneda, a leading researcher
from the Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine. The present
agreement is concerned with the joint development of accelerated
genetic function analysis technology on the basis of HVJ envelope
vectors (HVJ-E virus-free vectors), and further practical applications
of the new genes.
The agreement stipulates for the Osaka University to develop
the technology to quickly analyze genetic functions using HVJ-E
virus-free vectors, AnGes MG Group - focus on new vector applications
(select suitable genes). The Shimadzu Corporation then is to
conduct basic sequencing, run the database analysis, survey
the R&D status for the relevant genes around the world to
verify their authenticity.
The cooperation agreement brings together the basic research
on HVJ-E virus-free vectors being conducted at Osaka University,
and the genetic analysis instrumentation by Shimadzu Corporation,
allocating the duties according to respective competitive advantages
to create a basis of the effective R&D at AnGes MG.
The intellectual property rights are to be shared by the four
parties to the agreement, while for the actual implementation
of the projects on the basis of the joint research the tasks
are to be allocated as follows:
AnGes MG - pharmaceutical work
Genomidia - genetic function analysis
Shimadzu - genetic database analysis
The details of the research are to be communicated in our future
press releases as the related impact on our operations is yet
to be estimated. |
| Reference |
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 What
is genetic function analysis?
It is research on how a particular genetic expression ?works?.
Being a highly effective method, the present analysis methodology
features introduction to an actual cell to confirm the resultant
effect of the genetic expression.
Since a basic human genome sequence was analyzed by some genome
ventures in 2000, biotech/pharmaceutical companies around the
globe are setting their sights on product development in the
therapeutic, food, and environmental sectors in hot pursuit
of applicable genes.
HVJ
(Hemagglutinating Virus of Japan)
A pneumonia virus found in mice (which does not affect
humans), otherwise known as the Sendai Virus, it was discovered
in Japan in the 1952s. The virus features two sugar-proteins
(F&HN) on its external membrane which it used to fuse cell
membranes.
Vector
Must be introduced into a body, or inside a cell for a genetic
expression to "work well". A genetic expression, even
if attached to a cell "as is", will not work unless
introduced inside the cell - this is why for genetic function
analysis / genetic medication to work, a vector - promoter is
necessary to break a cell's membrane and introduce the genetic
expression inside.
HVJ Envelope
Vector (HVJ-E virus-free vector)
The HVJ Envelope vector uses only its outer as it is completely
free of the HVJ genome. Since the two proteins fuse the cell
membrane, the envelope has high efficacy, and yet - features
fast introduction of a genetic expression into a cell. In addition,
since the vector is completely free of the original genome,
it is highly safe, and many expressions can be introduced at
once. This is why it can serve as a potent tool for genetic
function analysis.
Finally, the vector production technology was developed by Professor
Yasushi Kaneda of Osaka University, the rights for the technology
have been transferred to AnGes MG.
|
The
system of genetic expression introduction by the
HVJ-E virus-free vector |
HVJ -> RNA removal -> HVJ Envelope ->
Attachment of genetic expression(s) <- Genetic expression(s)
to cultured cells <- Introduction of genetic expression(s)
-> to body organs |
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| Corporate summary: |
Genomidia Incorporated [GenomIdea Inc.] |
| Headquarters: |
4-15-5 Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0043, Japan |
| Representative director: |
Norio HASHIGUCHI |
| Established: |
July 2002 |
| Paid-in Capital: |
¥ 40 million (December 2002) |
| Number of Employees: |
2 (December 2002) |
| Sales: |
¥ xx million (December 2002) |
| Operations: |
Search for new genetic expressions to be applied in
therapeutics and diagnostics |
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Shimadzu Corporation
| Headquarters: |
1, Nishinokyo-Kuwabara-cho, Nakagyo-ku,
Kyoto 604-8511, Japan |
President and
Chief Executive Officer: |
Hidetoshi YAJIMA |
Established
(in its current form): |
September 1917 |
| Paid-in Capital: |
¥ 16.8 billion (December 2002) |
| Number of employees: |
3,600 (December 2002) |
| Sales: |
¥ 192.084 billion (December 2002) |
| Operations: |
Production and distribution of analytical / medical
/ aviation / industrial equipment |
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