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JAPAN: Tanabe Gains MEXT Approval for Its Project on Use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells Tokyo, Japan, Feb 13, 2004 15:52 (JST) - (JCN Newswire) - The cooperative study "Safety Evaluation and Efficacy of Transplantation of Human embryonic stem (ES) Cells in a Monkey Parkinson Disease Model," cosponsored by Tanabe Seiyaku Co., Ltd. (President: Natsuki Hayama) and the Section of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical School (Professor: Imaharu Nakano), part of the project on use of human ES cells was examined by the Human Embryo Research Subcommittee of the Bioethics Committee, Council for Science and Technology, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the project was confirmed as complying with the Ministry's "Guidelines for Derivation and Use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells." Having successfully researched the transplantation of cynomolgus monkey ES cells to a monkey model of Parkinson's disease, Tanabe and Jichi Medical School believe they will be able to contribute to the development of a new therapy for Parkinson's disease by applying these achievements to human ES cells. Tanabe will primarily investigate the induction of differentiation into nerve cells, and evaluate safety following transplantation in the monkey model. Jichi Medical School will be responsible for transplanting to the monkey model and evaluating the effect. The human ES cells used in the project will be supplied by Cell Therapeutics Scandinavia AB (CTS, Sweden). Tanabe will then begin its second study using human ES cells, following its cooperative study with Kyoto University on vascular regeneration. Tanabe seeks to contribute to the improvement of medical practice by conducting basic studies regarding the potential of new medical technology involving the use of human ES cells, while placing a special emphasis on ethical questions. About Tanabe Seiyaku Co., Ltd. Tanabe Seiyaku Co., Ltd. (TSE: 4508) is a manufacturer and distributor of pharmaceuticals for cardiovascular system, circulatory system, central nervous system, respiratory system and gastrointestinal system, tonics, antibiotics, chemotherapeutics, hormones, vitamins, diagnostic agents and mediums, as well as other products such as food additives and cosmetics. Operations are carried out through various divisions: prescription drugs, OTC drugs, diagnostic agents, animal drugs, chemicals, food additives, and dies/pigments. For further information, please visit the Tanabe Seiyaku Co., Ltd. home page at: http://www.tanabe.co.jp/ Contact: Corporate Communications Division Tanabe Seiyaku Co., Ltd. 3-2-10, Doshomachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-8505, JAPAN Phone : +81-6-6205-5211, Fax : +81-6-6205-5105 Feb 13, 2004 15:52 (JST) Source: Tanabe Seiyaku Co., Ltd. Tanabe Seiyaku Co., Ltd. (TSE: 4508) http://www.tanabe.co.jp/ From the Japan Corporate News Network http://www.japancorp.net Topic: Research and development Sectors: Biotech, Clinical Trials SOURCE: Japan Corporate News http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_ID=6527 * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn