Japan – Hitachi forms strategic research collaboration with Mass General Brigham in the field of regenerative medicine and GCT

Jul 7, 2023 | Business

Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501, “Hitachi”) announced that it has entered a strategic framework collaboration agreement with the world-renowned medical research institution, Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system and a teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School,(1) on 29 June, to establish a joint site for “co-creation” to accelerate efforts in gene and cell therapy (GCT) to conquer intractable diseases and realize practical applications.

Outline of the joint research

By working with BWH researchers at the Mass General Brigham Gene and Cell Therapy Institute (GCTI), Hitachi will support the development of cellular models relating to various diseases. For example, the therapeutic efficacy of CAR-T(2) cells which are thought to recognize and attack cancer cells can only be decisively confirmed through in-human clinical trials. Therefore, it is important to first establish a disease “model” to accurately predict the clinical safety and efficacy of the therapy by studying the behavior of CAR-T cells on cancer cells cultivated in a laboratory environment. The goal is to develop new disease models through this joint research and contribute to increasing the scope of GCT application to various diseases.

Hitachi will also contribute to the advancement of GCT through cell culturing and the development of the culturing process required in GCT by bringing research achievements and business experience in the field of regenerative medicine and GCT. In addition, Hitachi is developing a highly efficient technique to create genetically modified cells for GCT, and from this collaboration framework will look to apply this technology in the development of new therapy with researchers and pharmaceutical companies in the US and worldwide.

Roger Hajjar, M.D., head of the Mass General Brigham GCTI, commented, “We welcome Hitachi as our first industry collaborator and are looking forward to working together to accelerate the development and early commercialization of GCT using Hitachi’s novel platform.”

Mass General Brigham is a world-leading eco-system for GCT research and clinical trials, with over 400 researchers working on ground-breaking gene and cell therapy research and treatment in pursuit of potential cures.

Hitachi has a strong track record in the healthcare area, driving innovation and delivering comprehensive solutions. Under its Mid-term Management Plan 2024, Hitachi remains committed to driving radical innovation based on back casting from 2050 to realize an environmentally neutral society where people can enjoy longevity in a comfortable and active way, and where humans and digital technology can evolve together. GCT research is one key initiative in this pursuit. Hitachi will leverage its diverse technology portfolio which includes automated cell culturing technology and digital technology to contribute to the practical application of new treatments pioneered by MGB.

Background

GCT is a form of treatment delivering specific target genes or genetically-modified cells related to a disease, and is expected to be applicable to a wide range of difficult to treat diseases such as certain types of cancers, cardiovascular, pulmonary, musculo-skeletal, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, and rare diseases.

From an early stage, Mass General Brigham has been actively engaged in GCT research, creating GCTI in December 2022. (3) GCTI is establishing an organization and research environment to accelerate the discovery and creation of new medical and biological seeds that will lead to the development of novel therapies. Mass General Brigham aims to conduct clinical trials in its affiliated hospitals to develop and commercialize the new life-changing therapies and is recruiting leading scientists conducting cutting-edge projects from around the world as well as establishing an industry-academia ecosystem to support this.

Hitachi has actively promoted open innovation, participating in a national project to collaborate with academia and pharmaceutical companies (4) to ensure that regenerative medicine and GCT will become available to all those in need, and has worked to develop its closed-system aseptic automated cell culture technology. In 2019, they successfully launched the automated cell culture system and delivered it to Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.’s cell manufacturing plant for induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for iPS cell-based therapies. In 2020, Hitachi’s equipment was used for the first time in clinical studies when Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. was selected to supply the iPS cell-derived dopamine neural precursors for transplantation in the Kyoto University-led clinical trials to develop treatment for Parkinson’s disease using regenerative medicine.

(1) About Mass General Brigham
(2) CAR-T cells: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell. T cells are a type of white blood cell (lymphocyte) that plays a crucial role in the immune system by attacking “foreign” bodies. In CAR-T cells, the T cells that have been genetically modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor on their surface that recognizes and attaches itself to specific proteins or antigens, especially those present on cancer cells. The use of CAR-T cells was first approved in the US in 2017 after it was shown to be highly effective in the treatment of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and malignant lymphoma. The treatment involves the modification of T-cells collected from the peripheral blood of the patient, culturing the CAR-T cells to increase their number and re-introducing them into the patient’s body.
(3) Gene Therapy Pioneer Roger Hajjar, MD, Named Director of Mass General Brigham Gene
and Cell Therapy Institute
(4) New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) “Fundamental Technology Research Promotion Project”, Cabinet Office “Funding Program for World-Leading Innovative R&D on Science and Technology (FIRST),” MEXT “Program for Formation of Innovation Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Fields under the Innovation System Development Project”, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), “Development of Evaluation Basic Technology for Industrialization of Regenerative Medicine,” etc.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com.

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ARMA International Forms Global Partnership With The Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia

Apr 9, 2022 | Business

ARMA International (www.arma.org), the world’s leading membership organization serving professionals who manage and govern information assets and the Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA) (www.rimpa.com.au/), the longest serving peak body for industry practitioners in the southern hemisphere announced today a Global Partnership to better serve the information management profession worldwide.

The global partnership between these two leading worldwide organizations will provide many benefits to their collective 7,000 members who will now have the opportunity for joint membership in both organizations; access to reciprocal resources including communities and professional development, education and certifications; and advocacy for the information management and information governance profession. Together the two organizations will work together to provide a unique perspective on global information issues.

“Increasing the influence of the organization in the information management profession globally is a key strategic goal put forth by the ARMA Board of Directors. A partnership between ARMA and RIMPA is an amazing opportunity to create a global alliance for the industry and increase the opportunities for all of our members worldwide,” added Michael Haley, President, Board of Directors, ARMA.

“Information management and recordkeeping is a global challenge to do well. For the benefit of world citizens, I see the ARMA and RIMPA alliance as a very important step in meeting this challenge through the exchange of information, sharing resources and good will and I am very proud to part of this exciting journey that we are about to embark on,” said Thomas Kaufhold, Chair of Board, RIMPA.

The two organizations have already begun collaborating. Nathan Hughes, Executive Director of ARMA and Wendy McLain, President-Elect of ARMA will be attending the RIMPA Live 2022 Convention, June 14-17 in Canberra, Australia, and participate in meetings with the RIMPA Board. Anne Cornish, Chief Executive Officer of RIMPA and Thomas Kaufhold, Chair of the Board of RIMPA will be attending ARMA’s InfoCon 2022, October 16-19, in Nashville, TN, and participate in meetings with the ARMA Board.

“The partnership of ARMA and RIMPA brings with it the opportunity to integrate two of the largest information management communities to continue to increase awareness for the industry. The possibilities expand exponentially when like-minded organizations work globally for their membership and foster an environment of growth,” said Nathan Hughes, Executive Director, ARMA.

“A RIMPA and ARMA alliance provide both member groups with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and extend networking opportunities. Working together on global issues and increasing access to professional development opportunities and resources is a positive sign of how society can operate effectively in separate hemispheres,” added Anne Cornish, Chief Executive Officer, RIMPA.

About ARMA International

ARMA International (www.arma.org), formed in 1955, is the world’s leading membership organization serving almost 5,000 professionals who manage and govern information in 52 countries. Members represent the community of records management, information management, and information governance professionals who harness the benefits and reduce the risks of information. ARMA provides information professionals with the resources, tools, and training they need to effectively manage records and information within an established information governance framework. Works that are associated with the framework include the Principles, the Information Governance Maturity Model and the Information Governance Body of Knowledge (IGBOK). ARMA recognizes professionals who have mastered these concepts through the Information Governance Professional (IGP) Certification.

About The Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia

The Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA) (www.rimpa.com.au/) established in 1969, represents over 2,000 professionals and organizations in the private sector, Commonwealth, Federal, State and Local Governments. RIMPA has active Branches and Chapters operating in all states and territories across Australia and New Zealand. RIMPA is the longest serving peak body for industry practitioners in the southern hemisphere and actively promotes best practice, sets industry standards and fosters professional development across all business sectors and educational institutions. Through its international partnerships with other peak bodies, RIMPA provides its members with access to an accomplished framework of professional associations. RIMPA has strategic alliances with the Information Governance ANZ, Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML), Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), Australian Society of Archivist (ASA) and Leadership Through Data.

For further information, contact:
Amy Riemer, Media Relations Representative
978-475-4441 (office) or 978-502-4895 (cell)
amy@riemercommunications.com

Hong Kong – 11 more nomination forms for Legislative Council General Election received today

Nov 1, 2021 | International

11 more nomination forms for Legislative Council General Election received today

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     ​A total of 11 nomination forms for the 2021 Legislative Council General Election were received today (November 1) by the Returning Officers for the 10 geographical constituencies, the 28 functional constituencies and the Election Committee constituency.

     This brings to 26 the total number of nomination forms received since the start of the nomination period on October 30. The nomination period will continue until November 12.

     The number of nomination forms received for each geographical constituency is as follows:
 

Geographical constituency No. of nomination forms received today Cumulative total
Hong Kong Island East 0 1
Hong Kong Island West 1 2
Kowloon East 0 1
Kowloon West 0 0
Kowloon Central 0 2
New Territories South East 0 0
New Territories North 0 0
New Territories North West 0 0
New Territories South West 1 1
New Territories North East 0 0
Total 2 7

 
     The number of nomination forms received for each functional constituency is as follows:
 

Functional constituency No. of nomination forms received today Cumulative total
Heung Yee Kuk 1 1
Agriculture and fisheries 0 0
Insurance 0 0
Transport 0 0
Education 0 0
Legal 0 0
Accountancy 0 0
Medical and health services 0 0
Engineering 0 1
Architectural, surveying, planning and landscape 0 0
Labour 0 0
Social welfare 2 2
Real estate and construction 0 0
Tourism 1 1
Commercial (first) 0 1
Commercial (second) 0 0
Commercial (third) 0 1
Industrial (first) 0 0
Industrial (second) 0 0
Finance 0 0
Financial services 1 1
Sports, performing arts, culture and publication 0 1
Import and export 1 1
Textiles and garment 0 0
Wholesale and retail 0 0
Technology and innovation 0 0
Catering 1 1
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region deputies to the National People’s Congress, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and representatives of relevant national organisations 0 1
Total 7 12

 
     The number of nomination forms received today for the Election Committee constituency is 2 and the cumulative total number is 7.
 
     Particulars of the nominees received today will be uploaded to the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).