Topics
 
Major Topics on 2002 Activities of The Foundation
Formulation of JHSF's New Vision - In Search of New Areas of Growth -
  In June 2002, a new vision of the Foundation was formulated. It's been seven years since the former vision has been formulated in March 1995. The new one was drawn up through discussions and reviews at several groups including General Operation Committee and Planning Subcommittee, interviews and questionnaires to leading individuals and intellectuals and so on, spending about 18 months. It indicates what and how the foundation should be in the future including the guideline for its activities. It is expected that the foundation will glow further in line with this vision.
Reinforcement and Expansion of the Project Platform of Health Science Research Resources Bank
  The Health Science Research Resources Bank (HSRRB) has started as the first human tissue bank in Japan supplying 2,800 ampoules of cell lines, the highest record to date. At the same time, HSRRB reinforced and enriched the infrastructure by newly introducing animal embryos and human genomes.
Overseas and Local Studies on the "Progress and Clinical Applications of Genomic Science and Regenerative Medicine in Western Countries"
  JHSF has studied on the current status and trends of the applications of genomics to drug discoveries and of the R&D and clinical applications of generative medicine through visits to major pharmaceutical companies, ventures, universities, and public research institutes in the US and Europe.
The survey team departed Japan on 13 October 2002 visiting Germany, Sweden and England. Then it moved to the United States and visited Washington DC, Boston and Seattle. The two-week overseas study completed successfully and the report will be published in March 2003.
Heath Science Research Seminars with Lots of Attendants
  Two seminars were held in September and October 2002 attended by nearly 300 peoples respectively. The titles were; "Targets of Drug Discovery for the Treatment of Obesity - Recent Development Trends of Antiobesity Drugs - " and "Role of Functional Foods against Lifestyle-related Diseases - Interface Between Drugs and Foods - " Both were successful, especially the latter seminar was appraised by approx 60 - 70% of the attendants.
Four-time Sessions of Heath Science Bio-Interfaces with Appraisals from Attendants
  In line with suggestions from WG of Foundation Function Reinforcement Project, the first Bio-Interface was held in March 2002 aiming at a new type of collaborations among bio-ventures, TLO and our supporting member companies. After that, the consecutive interfaces were held once in three months. The events were favorably accepted by the most attendants with successful results of collaboration between a venture and a major pharmaceutical.
Provision for the Project of "Proteome Factory for Drug Discovery" as a New Activity of JHSF
  From April 2002, a Working Group (WG) for the Investigation of Drug Discovery Proteome started, reviewing the issues in setting up the "Drug Discovery Proteome Factory Consortium" within the JHSF in order to realize the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's conception of Proteomics Project related to some diseases.
The result of review was summarized as the Project Plan of Essential Features of Drug Discovery Proteome Factory and the preparation for the operation was proceeded.
Proceeded Reviews of "Certified TLO by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare" as a New Activity of JHSF
  Following the listing of JHSF by MHLW in April 2002 as one of the candidates for setting up the certified TLO who transfers techniques of government laboratories under the control of MHLW, the Foundation Function Reinforcement WG started reviewing the subject matter. The outcomes were summarized as the Outline of MHLW Certified TLO Operations. Additionally The Medical Industry Vision released on August 30, 2002 also clearly mentioned that a new TLO organization would be established within the JHSF.
Launch of the Support Project for the Reinforcement of Infrastructure for Clinical Trials
  To conform with "Clinical Research Projects for the Establishment and Promotion of Effective Medical Techniques" conducted by the MHLW, JHSF started the support project to facilitate the reinforcement of infrastructure for clinical trials in collaboration with Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA).