Research and development activities

【The 74rd term】
In the area of molecular genetics (LAMP method), we launched “Loopamp tubercle bacillus detection reagent kit” and devices on June 1, 2011. In the joint development effort with FIND (Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics), we conducted a demonstration study of tubercle bacillus detection reagent in Peru, Uganda, and India. In addition, we conducted an evaluation study of detection reagents for malaria and started selling research reagents for Africa Sleeping Sickness (HAT) to FIND. Furthermore, we entered into a contract to jointly develop test reagents for leishmaniasis. As for rapid detection method of objectionable organisms using LAMP method in cosmetics products, we have facilitated the commercialization. In the area of immunological and serological reagents, “LZ Test ‘EIKEN’ MMP-3” for detecting autoimmune disease was launched on October 28, 2011. In addition, we focused on a development of new immunological reagents and devices using bioluminescent technique and worked to facilitate the commercialization.

In order to become a global enterprise in the field of medical testing, the EIKEN group aims for early achievement of consolidated net sales of \30.0 billion and an overseas sales ratio of more than 10%. In addition, the EIKEN group targets at early achievement of operating margins of more than 10% through implementation of solid and profitability-focused management.

【The 73rd term】
In the current severe environment with many dramatic changes happening to the world's economy, as the reforms of the medical insurance system are being continually promoted and medical expenses are curbed more and more, our company has been making efforts to correctly identify market trends, and has been promoting product development, tackling as problems of the utmost importance of research and development such issues as strengthening and enrichment of the existing large-sized product group, development of our original basic research technology, and training of researchers. In the area of genetic screening reagents, in order to cope with the new type of influenza (AH1 pdm 2009 influenza), of which there was an epidemic in 2009, EIKEN CHEMICAL submitted an application in December, 2009 to receive an approval for the usage of our reagent as an in-vitro diagnostic agent. The approval has been obtained in June, 2010, and in July, 2010 the reagent was put on the market as "Loopamp H1 pdm 2009 Influenza Virus Detection Reagent Kit". Also, in January, 2011, our company put on the market our "Loopamp A type Influenza Virus Detection Reagent Kit", which is a broad range high sensitivity reagent for detection of A type influenza. Furthermore, in July, 2010 EIKEN CHEMICAL released "Loopamp Mycoplasma P Detection Reagent Kit" and "Loopamp Legionella Detection Reagent Kit C", which are used for diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia. In the meantime, the evaluation study on tubercle bacillus detection reagent for developing countries that our company has been conducting together with FIND since April, 2010 has been completed, demonstration study using the products started from January, 2011, while in China an examination by a national project regarding evaluation of the tubercular test started from March, 2011. In order to answer the needs of such examinations and evaluations conducted abroad, our company released "Loopamp MTBC Detection Kit" and "Loopamp PURE DNA Extraction Kit" in January, 2011. At the same time, EIKEN CHEMICAL has been conducting development of detection reagents for malaria and Africa Sleeping Sickness (HAT), as well as simple and fast methods of diagnosing HIV, and our detection reagent for Africa Sleeping Sickness is due to appear on the markets by September, 2011. Also, we have put " Herpes Simplex Virus(HSV-1/2)Detection Reagent Kit" and "Bordetella Pertussis Detection Reagent Kit" on the market as reagents to be used in research in December, 2010 and March, 2011, respectively. In the area of reagents for bacteriological tests, we have released "Pourmedia CT-RMAC Agar" in April, 2010, "Bi-media 5S+A/Vi EHEC Agar" in July, 2010, "Dry Plate 'EIKEN' RFP" in September, 2010, and "R2A agar 'EIKEN'", "Pourmedia R2A Agar", and "SI Disk 'EIKEN' BC" in October, 2010. Moreover, in the area of improved products, our company put "Pourmedia Sheep Blood Agar M70" on the market in April, 2010, and Pourmedia Vi Helico Agar 'EIKEN'" in January, 2011. We also put "LZ test 'EIKEN' PSA", an immunological and serological reagent, on the market in June, 2010. We have obtained approval for additional usage purposes (detection of hemoglobin in saliva and feces) for reagents for fecal occult blood test, "LZ test 'Eiken' HbAo", "OC-Hemodia Auto III 'Eiken'", and "OC Hemodia Auto S 'Eiken'" in March, 2010, and started sales of some formulations only in March, 2010 and of all formulations in August, 2010. We are continuing to work on the joint development project in genetic screening and other areas in tie-up with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. We are also continuing joint development of fast detection method for particular microbes using the LAMP method together with Shiseido Co., Ltd.
The total amount of research and development expenses in this consolidated financial accounting period was 1,884 million yen.