Leading Japanese Life Science Organizations to Exhibit at Biotech Convention in San Francisco

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - May 19, 2016) - Twenty-two Japanese life science companies and research institutions will exhibit in the Japan Pavilion (Booth 5514) at the 2016 BIO International Convention, scheduled to take place June 6-9 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan's official economic development agency, is the lead organizer of the Japan Pavilion.

The annual BIO Convention, organized by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, is the largest event for the biotechnology sector. Organizers expect more than 15,000 attendees from all over the world to participate in BIO 2016. The event covers a wide spectrum of life science and application areas including drug discovery, biomanufacturing, genomics, biofuels, nanotechnology and cell therapy.

The exhibitors in the Japan Pavilion represent some of Japan's most advanced biotechnology and life science companies. Eight of Japan's leading research universities and institutes will also participate. Key technologies to be exhibited at BIO 2016 include new treatments for oncology, pain management, cognitive and neurological disorders; advancements in regenerative medicine; drug discovery tools; contract manufacturing; and R&D. Six of the companies will be exhibiting in the Japan Pavilion for the first time:

• Hamamatsu Pharma Research, Inc., a contract research organization providing NHP testing as well as pharmaceutical drug development
• Nippon Chemiphar Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals as well as proprietary drugs for treating hyperuricemia and inflammation
• Glycotechnica Ltd., which focuses on glycan structure analysis and related applications
• Okinawa Protein Tomography Ltd. a biotech company that aims to innovate the protein molecular structural analysis procedure without the crystallization process
• Itochu Chemical Frontier Corp., a manufacturer of functional materials, pharmaceutical products and raw materials
• Gene Techno Science Co., Ltd., a drug discovery company specializing in biologics and biosimilars

In addition, the Japan Agency for Medical Device Research and Development (AMED) will exhibit in the Japan Pavilion as well. Launched in 2015, AMED's mission is similar to that of the National Institutes of Health in the United States. AMED promotes R&D in the life science sector, from basic research to clinical trials, establishing, maintaining, and providing funding for integrated R&D through to practical application.

All of the organizations exhibiting in the Japan Pavilion will participate in BIO's One-on-One Partnering meetings. The participants are eager to meet new strategic development and distribution partners. The full list of the Japan Pavilion exhibitors is available online at https://goo.gl/GBxQRN

For BIO 2016, JETRO has organized an education session on the impact of new medical regulations introduced in 2014. Regenerative medical technology has been recognized as key strategic priority: as a result, the Japanese government introduced new laws to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative regenerative therapies. A panel of experts will discuss the impact of these measures and the direction of Japan's life science economy. This session (#9543) is scheduled for Wednesday, June 8 at 10:45 AM in Room 124 in the Moscone Center North Building.

During the convention, JETRO will also participate in the Global Innovation Hub program. JETRO's session is scheduled for Wednesday, June 8 at 4:45 PM in Room 3010 of the Moscone Center West Building. This presentation will explore Japan's attractiveness for foreign companies and the investment support provided by JETRO.

As the world's second-largest life science market, Japan accounts for approximately 10% of global drug and medical device sales. The international accounting firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu valued Japan's pharmaceutical market at approximately $115 billion in 2013; by 2018, it is expected to increase to more than $128 billion.

ABOUT JETRO
JETRO promotes trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. With more than 70 overseas offices and 40 in Japan, JETRO carries out a range of activities, including: facilitating foreign direct investment into Japan; helping Japanese firms maximize their export potential; and promoting Japanese products abroad. In the life science sector, JETRO provides market information and consulting to Japanese companies interested in entering foreign markets and to foreign companies interested in expanding into Japan. JETRO has organized the Japan Pavilion at the BIO Convention since 2003.