Shimadzu Biotech. (6/02). "Press Release: Investment in Cancer-related Biotechnology Venture in Singapore. Joint Development of New Analysis Database Set to Accelerate the Development of Novel Diagnostics".

	Region	Singapore
	Organisation	Shimadzu Corporation
	Group	Shimadzu (Group)
	Organisation 2	Agenica Research Pte. Ltd.
	Group	Mitsui (Group)
	Product	proteomic database
	Product 2	genomic database
	Person	Ichikawa, Tetsuo (Shimadzu 200103– Head of Shimadzu Biotech before Head Life Sciences Shimadzu Corp)

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).

Record changed: 2011-11-25

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Shimadzu Biotech. (6/02). "Press Release: Investment in Cancer-related Biotechnology Venture in Singapore. Joint Development of New Analysis Database Set to Accelerate the Development of Novel Diagnostics".

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