Regions focused on : strengthening international competeitiveness MEXT Regional Innovation Strategy Support Program ( Toyama Prefecture ) ( Ishikawa Prefecture ) ( Fukui Prefecture )

Hokuriku Life Science Cluster for opening up healthy aging society

Hokuriku Life Science Cluster Promotion Council Hokuriku Industrial Advancement Center Message from Top Management strengthening ） 1 acceleration of （ ） 2 promotion beyond the , （ ） 3 Yukihiro Fukui （ d Project Director Hokuriku Life Science Cluster The Hokuriku Industrial Advancement Center and internationalization. In regards to strategic gathering of researchers, wewill engage in R&D themes 10 on in the fields of prevention, diagnosis and treatment. As for accelerating the commercialization of R&D results, we will prepare a regional techno-map and patent map, create a human resource development program and strengthen efforts to acquire competitive external funding. In our promotion beyond the Hokuriku region and internationalization, we will create new businesses in the pharmaceutical field through collaboration with the Basel agglomeration in Switzerland and other large regions. will We develop activities centered on collaborative councils with cluster members and others in order to increase the number of companies participating in the project and create synergy in aim of achieving the goal. commercialization and practical application R&D of results an of development through strategic gathering of researchers Making efforts to improve the quality of medical care is a fundamental issue when it comes to ensuring society a in which citizens can live with peace mind. of In this project, we seek to face the issues accompanying an aging society to come with up solutions and create global a model where human resources, technology, products, facilities and funding come in from outside the region in a continuous, self-sustaining manner. There are three priorities in our strategy for achieving this goal, namely Isao Nagahara . ） MEXT （ Chairperson Hokuriku Life Science Cluster Promotion Council The Hokuriku Industrial Advancement Center In July 2013, the “Hokuriku Life Science Cluster for Opening up Healthy Aging Society” for Cluster Science Life the “Hokuriku 2013, July In region, of the Hokuriku prefectures by the three proposal a collaborative based on project, of of the Ministry Program Support Strategy Innovation was selected as a Regional Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology The aim of this project is to develop new pharmaceuticals and medical equipment over the Health for Cluster Innovation the “Hokuriku from obtained results utilizing years, five next Science” project implemented jointly by Toyama and Ishikawa up until 2012. The three respective and utilize their will come together Fukui and Ishikawa of Toyama, prefectures various with collaboration in treatment and diagnosis medicine, preventive in strengths as well as local communities to bodies, financial and government academic, industry, promote cyclical activities, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and post-treatment prevention. work on creating social value that contributes to solutions for the We will looming challenges of an aging society with a declining birthrate and establish of development to promote facilities research science life competitive internationally of the integration via industries broad-based health-related through industry regional advanced pharmaceuticals, functional foods, medical equipment and other technologies in aim of creating economic value. What is the Hokuriku Life Science Cluster?

Aims of the Hokuriku Life Science Cluster Concentration of researchers who play core roles in regional innovation strategies

We are promoting efforts in the fields of biomedicine, functional foods We will invite first-class life science researchers from outside the region and work on expanding research and medical equipment with the aim of forming a life science cluster that fields and further promoting R&D in order to implement integrated efforts that include prevention, diagnosis, will lead in the development of a healthy aging society in the Hokuriku treatment and post-treatment prevention ( see pages 5 and 6 for details ) . region. In order to create a healthy aging society, we must develop a social Establishment of knowledge networks of universities and system in which both young and old, male and female can lead vibrant other research institutions lives. In this project, we will promote efforts that address pervasive We provide support for practical application of research results as developmental disorder, dementia, cancer, lifestyle-related diseases and well as other broad-based support including the securing of R&D other illnesses so that children can grow up healthily and senior citizens funds by our support team and organic linking of research themes. can lead healthy lives. Advisors possessing specialist knowledge provide specific advice In this region, efforts to enhance and utilize local strengths have been and other support with respect to patent applications to secure carried out through MEXT’s Knowledge-Based Cluster Creation Project intellectual property and utilization of the Pharmaceutical Affairs and other such initiatives. Fukui has become the newest participant in Act and Foods for Specified Health Uses ( FOSHU ) . this project, and the aim is to improve quality of life by incorporating new technologies into new products and services through R&D and bringing them to market to create new economic value. Development and implementation of human resource development programs toward the realization of regional innovation strategies An important challenges to form a life science cluster is securing and training human resources from a The Hokuriku Life Science Cluster seeking growth on the global stage long-term standpoint. It requires comprehensive regional efforts through collaboration between industry, academic, financial and government bodies. For this reason, we will engage in systematic efforts covering a wide scope from basic knowledge to Diagnostic kit Magnetoencephalograph (MEG) pharmaceuticals, patent applications and other specialist knowledge, according to the targets ( universities, companies, local residents, etc. ) and the fields of prevention, diagnosis and treatment while incorporating Toyama Pharmaceutical Biocluster Ishikawa High-Tech Sensing Cluster national and regional projects. FY 2003 - FY 2007 FY 2004 - FY 2008 Consolidation of clusters Support for sharing of research facilities and equipment of Hokuriku Innovation Cluster for local universities and other research institutions Health Science Cell chip FY 2008 - FY 2012 Home-based long-term We provide matching services so that equipment for trial manufacture, development and assessment of healthcare system functional foods and medical equipment at various institutions in the Hokuriku region can be utilized smoothly according to need.

cDNA synthesizer Participation by High-speed AFM Fukui Prefecture International Technology and Trend Study Unit Collaboration with Collaboration with other regions Hokuriku Life Science Cluster overseas regions In order to form a life science cluster in Hokuriku, it is also important August 2013 – March 2018 Basel, Switzerland Jena, Germany that we collaborate widely with other regions and foreign countries and Establishment of Establishment of Establishment of preventive methods diagnostic methods treatment methods London, England share technology and information in our fields of specialty. Up to this Sydney, Australia point, we have promoted joint research and other specific collaboration Others Target molecule Solution with clusters from Hokkaido, Nagano, Kurume, Jena ( Germany ) and

Nanodevice material Basel ( Switzerland ) , as well as various foreign universities.

Measuring Sensor instrument Measuring chip This project is a visionary effort for other regions and countries that will be facing aging societies, and it is expected that the results will be incorporated in business development in and other countries. For that reason, we will establish an International Technology and Trend Study Unit to study the international competitiveness of technologies and market trends, reviewing our R&D policy and business plans. Concentration of researchers who play core roles in regional innovation strategies

Takatsu Laboratory, Department of Immunobiology and Takamura Laboratory, School of Materials Science, Development of immunomodulatory drugs targeting the Pharmacological Genetics, University of Toyama Creation of a point-of-care nano-bio-sensing system using Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology innate immune system utilizing newly identified TLR ligands [ Invitation of researchers from Teika Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ] innovative integrated devices to achieve a healthy and aging society [ Invitation of researcher from the University of ]

Chronic inflammation causes and exacerbates the development of many diseases, including We will develop new high-sensitivity biosensors to detect target biomaterial from blood Target molecule Prevention Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and lifestyle-related diseases. Our goal is to develop medicines Diagnosis and saliva. Solution or functional foods useful for the treatment of obesity and diabetes based on natural In recent years, the potential applications of biosensing have greatly expanded through the products that suppress chronic inflammation in immune and metabolic systems. We will also development of new materials such as nano-carbon, oxide semiconductor and aptamers. In synthesize derivatives from compounds identified in our research in aims of developing this program, we will develop new high-sensitivity sensor devices and will complete an Nanodevice material immunomodulatory drugs effective in protecting against infectious diseases and treating integrated nano-bio-sensing system utilizing micro channel and other technologies that will cancer. We will analyze the pharmacological actions of natural medicine candidates at the allow even non-specialist users to easily perform tests for lifestyle-related and other Measuring Sensor instrument Measuring chip molecular and cellular levels and work on development preemptive treatments. diseases.

Isobe Laboratory, Graduate School of ( ) Takeuchi Laboratory, Medical Research Institute, Development and application of a new method for identifying Science and Engineering for Research, University of Toyama Involvement of toxic AGEs TAGE as new targets in the onset and Medical University antigen-specific antibody-producing cells [ Invitation of researcher from Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. ] progression of lifestyle-related diseases and inhibition thereof [ Invitation of researcher from University graduate schools ]

Prevention of lifestyle-related In this program, we will develop a new method of identifying antigen-specific It has been discovered that of the glycation endproducts synthesized within the body, those of diseases by inhibiting glycation! Treatment antibody-producing cells, even where only a small number exist within the body. Diagnosis the group called TAGE are strongly tied to the onset and progression of complications Severity of illness Lifestyle- If we are successful in developing this method, it will be possible to reliably identify associated with diabetes. The aim of this program will be to identify the relationship between related disease antigen-specific antibody-producing cells not only in humans but in any animal as well. lifestyle and the mechanism of TAGE generation/accumulation as well as the progression of Metabolic This will dramatically facilitate the search for antibody candidates useful for diagnosing complications, and to utilize that knowledge in the development of new methods of prevention syndrome and treating cancer and will allow us to significantly accelerate the development of and treatment in order to contribute to prevention and early diagnosis of lifestyle-related Pre-disease

therapeutic antibodies, diagnostic antibodies and research reagents. diseases. Oxidative stress Healthy Aging

Kikuta Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tobe Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama Development of functional foods for the prevention of Manufacture of highly biocompatible surgical implants through micromachining University of Fukui [ Invitation of researcher from Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd. ] dementia with antioxidants of titanium and use of technology for joining different titanium parts [ Invitation of researcher from Charmant Inc. ]

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant found in large quantities in salmon, trout, crustaceans and Titanium is a metal with low bioreactivity and is an ideal material for surgical implants. Prevention other seafood. Although only partial, it has been reported to have a preventive and Treatment However, up until now, titanium dental implants, artificial joints, vascular stents and other such treatment effect on diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases. It is also known that implants have used titanium of uniform hardness, so compatibility with the body has been dementia, which will become a greater problem in an aging society, is deeply related to lacking. In this program, we aim to manufacture ideal surgical implants with elasticity and diabetes. In this program, we will develop functional foods to prevent dementia by flexibility by joining titanium of varying hardnesses using lasers and other means. assessing the preventive effects of astaxanthin and clarifying its action.

Development of an anti-inflammatory agent Sakaki Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Miyamoto Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University New cancer treatment strategy using natriuretic peptides University of Fukui using metabolic engineering [ Invitation of researcher from TOPU BIO RESEARCH Co., Ltd. ] [ Invitation of researcher from National Cardiovascular Research Center ]

The Safety Testing of Drug Metabolites guidance published by the American FDA in 2008 Natriuretic peptides are currently being applied in clinical settings as a treatment Natriuretic Treatment states that there is a need for safety testing of human metabolites or reactive metabolites. Treatment for heart failure, but they have recently drawn attention based on reports that they Uterine sarcoma cells peptides The goal of this program will be to dramatically improve the productivity of hydroxides, can inhibit metastasis of lung cancer. In this program, we will focus on uterine and Metastatic glucuronate conjugates, sulfate conjugates and other metabolites, and to develop them as ovarian cancer and perform basic and clinical studies using these peptides. We will lesion medicines. Metabolites frequently demonstrate greater medicinal effects than the original use animal studies to verify what kind of effects they have on uterine and ovarian Invasion Vascularization compounds, so the purpose will especially be to develop anti-inflammatory agents to cancer so that we can tie the results into clinical application. Blood Attachment suppress chronic inflammation that leads to canceration. vessel

Kaneko Laboratory, Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa University Particle Beam Therapy Study Group, Department of Disease Control and Homeostasis Base research of the metabolic chip development to Development of verification technology supporting advanced Wakasa Wan Energy Research Center Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Science [ Invitation of researchers ] diagnose severity of a lifestyle-related disease [ Invitation of researcher from the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology ] irradiation used in proton therapy for cancer treatment

Collapse of a system which maintains the homeostasis of the energy metabolism of a A dose concentration at tumor volume can be achieved in proton therapy, which is drawing attention as a non-invasive cancer Diagnosis living body is deeply concerned with the onset of cancer and lifestyle-related disease. Treatment treatment with a higher quality of life. Therefore, it is indispensable knowledge to understand the mechanism of this energy In order to further bring out the characteristics of this treatment, it will be necessary to develop advanced irradiation methods metabolism breakdown and to catch those signs, when carrying out prevention, early and establish multimodal treatment. In this program, we will Tumor detection of a disease, and a therapy evaluation. The purpose of this program is to put a develop new irradiation methods such as layer stacking volume metabolic chip in practical use by collaboration with a cohort study, a biochip irradiation, compare the biological effect with that of X-rays and

research-and-development group, and a bio-venture company. perform basic research on combination with chemical treatments. Proton beam We will use the results to advance and spread proton therapy. Project Promotion System

Hokuriku Life Science Cluster Promotion Council Hokuriku Life Science Cluster Promotion Council ■ Isao Nagahara, Chairperson

Isao Nagahara Governor of Toyama Hokuriku Life Science Cluster Promotion Office Advisers Governor of Ishikawa ■ Project Director Yukihiro Fukui Chairperson Governor of Fukui ■ Special Advisor Yujiro Hayashi Comprising organizations : Industry groups, universities, technical colleges, research institutes, prefectural governments, industrial support organizations, financial institutions, etc. ( 37 groups ) ■ General Coordinator / Assistant Project Director Seishi Murakami General coordinating organization Kihachiro Tohbo Hokuriku Industrial Advancement Center ■ Regional Alliance Coordinator Hokuriku Life Science Cluster Promotion Office Bunsei Kawakami ( Toyama and Fukui Branch ) Kenji Sawayanagi Advisory board Yuki Kunioka Project Hiroshi Takamori director Supervisory coordinator Regional cooperation coordinator

Ministry of Education, Gathering of researchers that will play a central role Assistance Culture, Sports, ( invitation of researchers ) Science and Technology

Support Preventive system Diagnostic system Treatment system from the development - 2 labs development - 3 labs development - 5 labs national Toyama Prefecture government Development of knowledge network Collaboration Ishikawa Prefecture ● R&D support ● Patent support Fukui Prefecture ● Commercialization support ● Regional / international collaboration support

Toyama New Industry Human resource development Organization Regional Sharing of research facilities and equipment Ishikawa Sunrise Industries projects Collaboration Creation Organization International Technology and Trend Study Unit Fukui Industrial Support Center

Hokuriku Life Science Cluster Promotion Council ( Industry ) Toyama Pharmaceutical Association, Toyama Prefectural Machinery and Electronic Industries Association, Toyama Prefectural Plastic Industries Association, Toyama Aluminum Industrial Association, Textile And Fashion Toyama Association, Ishikawa Machinery & Electronics Association, Ishikawa Textile Association, Ishikawa Food Association, Ishikawa Information System Association, Fukui Optical Association, Fukui Textile Association, Fukui Iron Works Cooperative Union ( Academia ) University of Toyama, Toyama Prefectural University, Toyama National College of Technology, Kanazawa University, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa Prefectural Public University Corporation, Ishikawa Prefectural Nursing University, Ishikawa National College of Technology, University of Fukui, Fukui Prefectural University, Fukui University of Technology, Fukui National College of Technology, Wakasa Wan Energy Research Center ( Government ) Toyama Prefecture, Ishikawa Prefecture, Fukui Prefecture, Toyama New Industry Organization, Ishikawa Sunrise Industries Creation Organization, Fukui Industrial Support Center ( Financial ) Hokuriku Bank, Hokkoku Bank, Fukui Bank ( General coordinating organization ) Hokuriku Industrial Advancement Center

Contact / Inquiries

General coordinating organization Toyama Prefecture Hokuriku Industrial Advancement Center Industry Planning Division, Hokuriku Life Science Cluster Promotion Office Commerce Industry & Labor Department, Toyama Prefectural Government Hokkoku Bldg. 2-2-15 Katamachi, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, 920-1121 Japan 1-7 Sogawa, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, 930-8501 Japan Tel: +81-76-210-7400 Fax: +81-76-210-7450 Tel: +81-76-444-3245 Fax: +81-76-444-4401

Toyama Branch Ishikawa Prefecture Toyama New Industry Organization 529 Takata, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture, Industrial Policy Division, Commerce, 930-0866 Japan Industry and Labour Department, Hokuriku Life Science Cluster Toyama Branch Ishikawa Prefectural Government Tel: +81-76-444-5653 Fax: +81-76-444-5630 1-1 Kuratsuki, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, 920-8580 Japan Tel: +81-76-225-1513 Fax: +81-76-225-1514 Fukui Branch Fukui Prefecture Fukui Industrial Support Center 61 Kawai Washizuka, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, 910-0102 Japan Local Industry and Technology Promotion Section, Mobile Phone: +81-90-2038-3049 Industry and Labor Department, Fukui Prefectural Government Tel: +81-776-55-1555 3-17-1 Ote, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, 910-8580 Japan Fax: +81-776-55-1878 Tel: +81-776-20-0374 Fax: +81-776-20-0646