Daiichi Pure Chemicals, Toshiba and Toshiba Hokuto Electronics Agree to Develop DNA Chip Diagnostics Business

Daiichi Pure Chemicals Co. Ltd, Toshiba Corporation, and Toshiba Hokuto Electronics Corporation have agreed to work together to promote in-vitro DNA-chip-based diagnostics, starting with diagnosis of the human papilloma virus (HPV).

Under an agreement, the three companies will direct Toshiba's capabilities in DNA chips and electrochemical DNA detection and analysis, and Daiichi Pure Chemicals' know-how in in-vitro diagnosis toward further advances in DNA-based diagnostic systems.

Daiichi Pure Chemicals and Toshiba have collaborated in the development of a diagnostic system based on an electrochemical DNA detection chip since January, 2004 and are now ready to make the transition to real-world application.

The agreement between the companies further promotes this goal by clearly defining the role of the three partners and selecting HPV as the first target application.

Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer, the second most common cancer in women.

Of its many strains 13 are potentially carcinogenic, but the cancer that they trigger can be treated and completely cured if detected at an early stage.

Alongside progress in vaccines to treat HPV, the ability to detect the HPV strain will promote more effective treatment regimes and help to cut the incidence of cervical cancer.

Daiichi Pure Chemicals, Toshiba and Toshiba Hokuto Electronics aim to develop Japan's first in-vitro diagnostic system for HPV based on an electrochemical DNA detection chip.

Toshiba Hokuto Electronics has supported development and prototype production and will take responsibility for manufacturing the commercialized DNA chip and detection system.