Life Science & Medical Technology

On September 10th – 12th the first Japan-Germany-Switzerland Workshop for the Enzyme Technology took place in Toyama, Japan. Building on the history of exchange on these topics between Japan and Switzerland in the field of bioprocess development for 30 years and that between Germany in the area of enzyme technology for 40 years, the newly evolved integrated workshop attracted approximately 70 participants from academia and industry for in-depth discussions.

The 2019 JCA-Mauvernay Award, co-organized by the Japanese Cancer Association (JCA) and Swiss global biopharmaceutical company Debiopharm Group, was awarded to Doctors Ryohei Katayama from the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research and Shinichi Yachida from Osaka University. This year marked the 15th anniversary of the recognition of outstanding research in the field of oncology in Japan.

A team led by Japanese researchers said Thursday that it had created a miniature multiorgan structure from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, in a world first.

Japan's Astellas Pharma has partnered with an American startup to develop ultrasmall implantable devices that could be used to discover and treat conditions that are difficult to address with conventional pharmaceuticals.

Winners of the Ig Nobel Prize — an award that praises humorous achievements in scientific research — have been announced. Although the prize parodies the renowned Nobel Prize, there is much to be learned from it, such as a positive attitude toward enjoying science.

Japanese companies are breaking into three-dimensional bioprinting, creating artificial tissues, chips that store genetic information and man-made blood vessels to replace shunts used in dialysis.

Celebrating 85 years this year, Fujifilm Holdings Corp. is recognized as one of the world’s leading photographic and innovation-driven technology companies. The company’s main business segments cover imaging solutions, health care, industrial products and document solutions. In recent years the company has increased its ability to deliver solutions to the health care and technology sectors. Fujifilm South Africa’s Fujifilm Innovation Center Africa in Roodepoort, Johannesburg, has opened its doors to new opportunities, products and services.

A research team from Osaka University said Thursday it had conducted the world’s first transplant of corneal tissues using artificially derived stem cells in July.

How did the people living in Japan come to be? Advancements in academic study methods may eventually clarify the origins of the Japanese people.

Japan's Santen Pharmaceutical will enter the Indian market this year with glaucoma and dry-eye medicines, tapping demand in a country where economic growth has helped improve medical infrastructure.