Opening of the "Life Science Research Center"
- Reinforcement of the life science business with the DNA chip as the core project
The Life Science Research Center (see Note) of Construction Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd. ("Hitachi Software") has been opened in Tsurumi-Ku of Yokohama City.
This center is one of the most advanced DNA chips and bio-informatics institutes equipped with the DNA chip plant and P1/P2 level labs among others. Hitachi Software places the base of its life science-related businesses in this center. DNA Chip Research Inc. also integrates its currently scattered research bases into this facility. Close ties will be established between Hitachi Software and DNA Chip Research Inc. in order to preempt the age of bio-informatics where the biotechnology and information technology are to be united. Both companies are to jointly develop the environment and system that enables then to offer the findings obtained from the bio chip-based experiments, diagnoses and inspections to the world as effective industrial information.
Our life science business started in 1983 when it developed the gene arrangement input and analysis system "DNASIS" for personal computers. Hitachi Software introduced the "DNASIS" into the overseas markets in 1985. We then introduced the fluorescent bio-image analyzer "FMBIO" into the domestic market in 1991 and started its export in the next year. More than 20,000 sets of DNASIS are sold in the domestic and overseas markets up to this day. This system is now employed by the world's leading life science research institutes. FMBIO, on the other hand, has been introduced to more than 50% of the state police departments in the U.S for the gene test based criminal investigations. Utilizing accumulated know-how in this field, we developed in 1999 for the first time in Japan the DNA chip "East Bio Chip" that spots every gene of yeast on a single slide. Hitachi Software has entered in to the DNA chip business with this product this year. Since then we have added the "Human Leukocyte Chip" and "Rat Chip" to the lineup. In addition to above, we have developed a DNA chip manufacturing device (SPBIO), a device for causing a reaction between the chip and specimen (CH-BIO), a device for reading such reactions (CRBIO) and software for analyzing the read results (CHIP Space). We are promoting the bio business with these products plus other relevant software products, equipment and reagents. Taking advantage of opening of the Life Science Research Center as well as utilizing our proven records in this field, Hitachi Software is going to expand its life science business more than ever with the DNA chip as the core product.
1. Integration of the Wet, Bio-informatics and Hardware Development Organizations for Accelerated Product Development
We are going to accelerate development speed of the wet, bio-informatics and hardware as well as bio chip, which are positioned in the crossover area of the above technologies, by integrating the above development organizations and thus promoting closer ties between them. One of our advantages - the offer of a total solution - will be further strengthened when we share the know-how in these three areas.
2. Ensuring Improvement in Quality and Productivity of DNA Chip Manufacturing Processes with the Latest Facilities
A series of DNA chip manufacturing processes from amplification of DNA to spotting, inspection and product packing are now performed in the clean room. The thermostatic and hydrostatic room enables uniform spotting. Improvement in the facilities will enhance yields of the DNA chips and their quality and will enable 2000 pieces of production per month.
3. Start of the Gene Analysis Data Service
We have started the gene analysis database service so that diverse businesses may utilize our highly valuable gene and life information. Targets include the medical, drug and food industries.
4. The DNA Chip Research Inc. will integrate the currently scattered bio chip research bases into a single organization in order to improve efficiency in the research and development operations as well as to reinforce the DNA library bank business.
(1) Improvement in the R&D operations
DNA Chip Research Inc. is to integrate the current three research bases (Yokohama, Chiba and Nara) into a single site to promote enhanced R&D efficiency.
(2) Reinforcement in the DNA library bank business
They have installed the P1/P2 level lab in the institute enabling them to collect the DNA library by refining and extracting DNA from viscera, maintain the DNA library through the fuzzy production of DNA clones and storage of the DNA library in the refrigerating room. These will contribute much in strengthening the DNA library bank business.
