TOKYO, Nov 29, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Hokuetsu Corporation, one of Japan's leading paper manufacturers, launched a CO2 capture demonstration test at Niigata Mill (Niigata City), in November. This demonstration test aims to capture CO2 from a chemical recovery boiler that produces the steam and electricity needed for paper manufacturing, by using MHI's "CO2MPACT™ Mobile(Note)", a compact CO2 capture system. This is the first case in which MHI's CO2 capture technology is being applied to the pulp and paper industry. This demonstration test will allow MHI to analyze and evaluate data for commercial application and accelerate decarbonization in this industry.Chemical recovery boilers use "black liquor" as their main fuel, which is generated as a by-product in the pulp production process, the raw material for paper. The wood chips are dissolved in a sodium-containing solvent known as "white liquor" to extract the pulp, and the white liquor component is recovered from the black liquor residue that remains after combustion and is re-circulated for reuse.As the need for decarbonization grows around the world, Japan is also actively engaged in decarbonization efforts in various industrial sectors. And the pulp and paper industry is one of them. This demonstration test is expected to provide the pulp and paper industry with a solution that contributes to further global environmental measures by directly capturing CO2 emissions in the production process.MHI Group has formally declared its intent to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, and the Company is now working strategically to decarbonize both the energy demand and supply sides. A core element of the Company's "Energy Transition," which targets decarbonization on the energy supply side, is the development of a CCUS value chain integrating diverse sources of carbon emissions with modes for carbon storage and utilization. Going forward, MHI Group will continue to proactively promote its CCUS business worldwide, applying its proprietary CO2 capture technologies, contributing as a solutions provider to reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale, and developing further solutions that contribute to environmental protection.For details of the "CO2MPACT™" series, see the following press release: www.mhi.com/news/240919.htmlAbout MHI Group's CO2 capture technologiesMHI Group has been developing the KM CDR Process™ (Kansai Mitsubishi Carbon Dioxide Recovery Process) and the Advanced KM CDR Process™ in collaboration with the Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. since 1990. As of November 2024, the Company has delivered 18 plants adopting these processes. The Advanced KM CDR Process™ adopts the KS-21™ solvent, which incorporates technological improvements over the amine-based KS-1™ and offers superior regeneration efficiency and lower deterioration than the KS-1™, and it has been verified to provide excellent energy saving performance, reduce operation costs, and result in low amine emissions.For further information on MHI Group's CO2 capture plants:https://www.mhi.com/products/engineering/co2plants.htmlAbout MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Nov 29, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) (hereafter, Mitsubishi Electric) announced today that it acquired all shares of Norwegian elevator company ALT Heis (headquartered in Bergen, Norway) on November 29 through its wholly owned subsidiary, Motum (headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden).Mitsubishi Electric and Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions Corporation (hereafter, MEBS) are aiming to expand their elevator maintenance business globally, and the present acquisition follows the 2023 acquisition of UNIHEIS (headquarters: Oslo, Norway).Through this acquisition, we will expand our maintenance business in Norway and further strengthen our business foundation by promoting a strategy aimed at increasing our elevator maintenance stock in the European market, where we anticipate continued growth in demand for maintenance and renewal.Comments from Each PartyTomas Knutsen, CEO of ALT Heis AS“Our company places the highest priority on customer satisfaction and delivering high-quality services. By joining forces with Motum AB, we are confident that we will be able to strengthen the business foundation we have built up over many years, further improve the quality of our services, and provide our valued customers with innovative solutions.”Fredrik Eliasson, CEO of Motum AB“ALT Heis’s commitment to service and customer satisfaction are in perfect alignment with Motum’s values and goals. This acquisition will bring direct benefits to our customers as it will expand the range of products and services we provide and strengthen the capabilities of our group. As a multi-subsidiary group operating in Sweden and Norway, ALT Heis joining the Motum family enable us to serve the market as an integrated provider across a larger geographic area.”Iwao Oda, Executive Officer, Group President, Building Systems, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation / Representative Director, President & CEO, Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions Corporation“We have positioned the expansion and reinforcement of our European business as one of the core strategies of our building systems business. Following our previous acquisition of UNIHEIS, this latest acquisition will further strengthen our position in Norway, and we will continue to actively pursue M&A strategies with the aim of achieving sustainable growth.”Reasons for The Acquisition of ALT HeisIn the building systems business, one of Mitsubishi Electric’s key growth businesses, MEBS, a consolidated subsidiary established in April 2022, is engaged in providing products and services and expanding its operations by making the most of its integrated system, which encompasses everything from development and manufacturing to maintenance and renewal. In the overseas elevator business, particularly in the mature European market, demand for maintenance and renewal is expected to grow against the backdrop of an increasing number of aging elevators and heightened environmental awareness, and we are in the process of building a system that will make it possible for us to provide our customers with value more rapidly.Since 2019, ALT Heis has been focusing on the elevator maintenance and renewal business in Bergen, Norway’s second largest city after Oslo. With the acquisition of ALT Heis by Motum, we will further strengthen our business foundation while promoting a strategy of expanding our elevator maintenance stock in Europe, with the aim of comprehensively extending our reach throughout the main regions in Norway where demand is concentrated.About ALT HeisNameALT Heis ASLocationBergen, NorwayEstablishment2019Employees25 (As of September 30, 2024)BusinessSales, installation, and maintenance of elevators, primarily in Norway About MotumNameMotum ABLocationStockholm, SwedenEstablishment2013EmployeesApproximately 400 (As of September 30, 2024)BusinessSales, installation, maintenance, and modernization of elevators, and automatic doors, primarily in Sweden About Mitsubishi Electric CorporationWith more than 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. Mitsubishi Electric enriches society with technology in the spirit of its “Changes for the Better.” The company recorded a revenue of 5,257.9 billion yen (U.S.$ 34.8 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. For more information, please visit www.MitsubishiElectric.com *U.S. dollar amounts are translated from yen at the rate of ¥151=U.S.$1, the approximate rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2024About Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions CorporationMitsubishi Electric Building Solutions Corporation is a consolidated subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation established in April 2022 that conducts a comprehensive range of operations in the building systems business, from development and manufacturing to maintenance and renewal. As a building solutions provider, we support the economic and social infrastructure through one-stop integrated solutions that combine a wide range of building-related products and services, including elevators, escalators, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, and building systems, as well as with our extensive experience in building operation and management, and advanced digital technology. From buildings to building complexes and even entire cities, we contribute to enriching human life in buildings and urban spaces by solving a wide variety of issues that are closely linked to people and society, with the ultimate aim of realizing smart cities. For more information, please visit www.mebs.com/ Customer Inquiries Global Business Development GroupStrategic Planning Office (LBS)Mitsubishi Electric CorporationTel: +81-3-3218-2950www.MitsubishiElectric.com/Media Inquiries Public Relations Division Mitsubishi Electric Corporationprd.gnews@nk.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp  Corporate Communications Division Mitsubishi Electric Building Solutions CorporationTel: +81-3-6206-5030a_mebs_press@meltec.co.jp  Press Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20241129.pdf  Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, Nov 29, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi Energy will provide onshore and offshore grid connection equipment and power quality solutions to ScottishPower Renewables, part of the Iberdrola Group, a global leader in renewable energies. The project will enablethe integration of 960-megawatt (MW) of renewable electricity from the East Anglia TWO (EA TWO) wind farm, located 32 km off the Suffolk coast of England. This will provide enough green power for the equivalent of almost one million homes and significantly contribute to the UK's 2030 energy targets.The energy landscape is growing at an unprecedented pace, and integrating renewables into the grid at scale reveals new challenges, such as lack of inertia, power imbalances, limited interconnections, and voltage instability. Through projects like EA TWO, Hitachi Energy's domain expertise and large installed base in power quality solutions are helping countries overcome these challenges to enhance the use of renewable energy and meet carbon neutrality targets.In this spirit of collaboration and co-creation, Hitachi Energy and ScottishPower Renewables have set new advanced solutions and quality standards to accelerate the energy transition through offshore wind.“Connecting the clean, green generation from our turbines to the grid is a vital part of any renewables project and it’s great to be in such capable hands with Hitachi Energy for East Anglia TWO,” said Ross Ovens, ScottishPower Renewables’ Managing Director for Offshore. “This £4 billion windfarm will have the capacity to power almost onemillion homes with green electricity and will help drive the country forward on its clean energy mission. We can only achieve that by partnering with leading companies like Hitachi Energy and we look forward to working together to make that happen.”"We are proud to work with ScottishPower Renewables to accelerate the clean energy transition. Integrating bulkrenewables such as wind power is critical to accelerating the energy transition and is also an effective and long-term solution to decarbonize power," says Niklas Persson, Managing Director, Business Unit Grid Integration, Hitachi Energy. "We are playing our part in integrating renewables and enabling Europe to become the world's first climate- neutral continent by 2050."Hitachi Energy will provide Grid-eXpandTM Offshore solutions and onshore grid connection equipment using an EconiQTM gas-insulated switchgear. The Grid-enSure™ power quality solution, SVC Light STATCOM, will play a key role in using power electronics and advanced control systems to ensure reliable, flexible, and stable power despite theintermittent nature of wind power.Hitachi Energy's leading grid integration equipment and power electronics solutions continue laying the foundation fora resilient and flexible grid, supporting the European energy system's transformation to sustainable power.About Hitachi EnergyHitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We are advancing the world’s energy system to be more sustainable, flexible and secure and we collaborate with customers and partners to enable a sustainable energy future – for today’s generations and those to come. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries, serving customers in utility, industry, transportation, data centers and infrastructure sectors. With innovative technologies and services including the integration of more than 150 gigawatts of HVDC links into the power system, we help make the energy value chain more efficient, making electricity more accessible to all. Together with stakeholders across sectors and geographies, we enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 45,000 people in 60 countries and generate business volumes of around $13 billion USD.www.hitachienergy.com www.linkedin.com/company/hitachienergyhttps://twitter.com/HitachiEnergyAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railwaysystems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in variousindustries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Toyota City, Japan, Nov 29, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) announced today a partially upgraded model of the Supra (3.0-liter) and the special-edition Supra "A90 Final Edition". The special-edition model is slated for global release with a limited run of 300 units. The planned regions for introduction and scheduled sales-launch timing are described below.Supra (3.0-liter) Partially upgraded modelGradual global introduction, including in Japan, Europe, and Australia, etc.Sequentially from spring 2025Special-edition modelSupra "A90 Final Edition"JapanEuropeJapan: Under considerationEurope: In spring 2025Ever since its first generation*1 in 1978, the Toyota Supra has earned legions of fans with its faithfully retained front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout powered by an in-line six-cylinder engine*2. Also, in addition to the Supra having competed in the Super GT and numerous other types of motorsports events, the Supra-based, race-specific GR Supra GT4 has enabled customers to enjoy driving in various races around the world.In 2019, driven by the strong desire of Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Master Driver Morizo, the Supra stormed back after a 17-year absence. Said Chairman Toyoda upon its release: "Back in the day, I spent countless hours driving an old Supra at Nürburgring to become a master driver. Supra is like an old friend that holds a special place in my heart. While other manufacturers were putting their beautiful new prototypes which they were going to introduce through the paces, I was driving an old Supra that was no longer in production. So even though Toyota had no plans to make a new Supra, just like a lot of other die-hard Supra fans around the world, I secretly wanted to make it happen. The new GR Supra was born through testing at Nürburgring, and I can honestly say that it is a car that is fun to drive and better than ever." The current Supra has continued to evolve since its launch, with partially upgraded models released in 2020 and 2022.The latest partially upgraded Supra aims to deliver a more integrated driving experience for unrestrained driving joy not only on city streets but also on winding roads and circuits. It features improved braking performance for safety and security, an increased-rigidity body, suspension, and chassis, optimized tuning, and enhanced aerodynamic performance.Additionally, to express its gratitude to current-model Supra fans around the world for their patronage, and for the model being favored by numerous teams in various motorsports such as GT racing, drift competitions, and NASCAR, TGR has created the limited special-edition Supra "A90 Final Edition" as the current model's culmination. This special-edition Supra boasts numerous upgraded driving-related elements, such as increased engine output and torque, strengthened brakes and body rigidity, and a KW suspension system, with such systems being a racing car favorite, and the use of high-grip tires. The result is a special, ultimate high-performance, high-spec model that has been optimally tuned in sync with the Supra's natural evolution.Although the production of the current Supra is scheduled to end with the Supra "A90 Final Edition" as the model's culmination, TGR will continue to hone the Supra through motorsports activities going forward.(1) Debuted in 1978 in North America as the Celica Supra and in Japan as the Celica XX; the Japanese-market first-generation Supra (launched in 1986) was the third-generation Supra elsewhere.(2) The current Supra is also available with an in-line four-cylinder engine.(3) Alcantara® is a registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A.For more information, visit https://global.toyota/en/newsroom/toyota/41894560.html.About Toyota Toyota strives to be a strong corporate citizen, engaging with and earning the trust of its stakeholders, and to contribute to the creation of a prosperous society through all its business operations.Our corporate principles form the basis of our initiatives, reflect values that enable action, and drive our mindset.For the latest Toyota-related news and information:https://tinyurl.com/ToyotaPressReleasenewsroom@global.toyota Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TAIPEI, TAIWAN, Nov 28, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501; hereafter Hitachi), today announced that Hitachi Yungtay Elevator Co., Ltd., a Taiwan-based subsidiary of Hitachi engaged in the manufacturing, sales, installation, and maintenance of elevators and escalators, has received an order for all 147 elevators and escalators from Department of Rapid Transit Systems, Taipei City Government for the second phase of the Taipei Rapid Transit System (hereafter Taipei MRT*1) Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line, which is scheduled to complete in 2031. This order is the largest-ever one for elevators and escalators for the Hitachi Group in Taiwan and also the largest-ever one thatHitachi Yungtay Elevator has received since it was established in 1966 as Yungtay Engineering Co., Ltd. (hereafterYungtay).Hitachi Yungtay Elevator will install 41 large-capacity machine-room-less elevators with load capacities of 1,600 kg and 2,000 kg, and 106 escalators at all 13 stations and one substation to be constructed in the second phase of theWanda-Zhonghe-Shulin Line. All elevators will be equipped with the earthquake emergency operation function*2 toensure safety and security for users.Koji Ide, Chairman of Hitachi Yungtay Elevator said “We are committed to a safety-first philosophy aiming to provide high quality products and services by adopting the meticulous management methods that Hitachi has developed in Japan. Hitachi Yungtay Elevator will continue to focus on large, high-grade projects providing safe and diverse services.”Outline of the Taipei Metro Wanda-Zhonghe-Shulin LineIn the Taipei metropolitan area, centered on Taipei City, the Taipei MRT and other railroads have developed rapidly inrecent years to meet the high population density and transportation demand, and many line expansion plans are under consideration. The Taipei MRT Wanda- Zhonghe-Shulin Line spans Taipei City, New Taipei City. The project consists of two phases. The first phase involves 9 stations with a total length of 9.5 km and the second phase involves 13 stations (2 underground and 11 elevated) with a total length of 13.3 km. The entire line is scheduled to be completed in 2031.Characteristics of the Elevators and Escalators OrderedHitachi Yungtay Elevator received an order for all elevators and escalators to be installed at all 13 stations and onesubstation to be constructed in the second phase of the Wanda-Zhonghe- Shulin Line.The earthquake that struck off the coast of eastern Taiwan on April 3, 2024, and the multiple aftershocks that followed have heightened interest in the safety of elevator users during earthquakes in Taiwan. All elevators to be delivered this time will be equipped with an earthquake emergency operation function, which is not mandatory in Taiwan. Theelevator car will stop at the nearest floor when it detects an earthquake of a certain strength or more, opening the cardoors to prevent users from being trapped. Escalators are also equipped with a function that smoothly stops the operation when an earthquake occurs.Hitachi’s Elevators and Escalators Business in TaiwanHitachi Yungtay Elevator is the largest elevator and escalator company in Taiwan, leading the Taiwanese elevator andescalator industry since its establishment as Yungtay in 1966. Hitachi formed a business alliance with Yungtay shortly after its establishment and invested in the company in 1968. After more than 50 years of continuous collaboration, it became a consolidated subsidiary in 2020*3 and a wholly owned subsidiary in 2022, changing its name to Hitachi Yungtay Elevator*4.Outline of Specifications of Elevators OrderedTypeRated SpeedCapacityUnitsPassenger elevator  60 m/min1,600 kg13 units2,000 kg1 unitDouble-sidedelevator*51,600 kg6 unitsObservationelevator1,600 kg21 units(1) MRT: Mass Rapid Transit(2) This function stops the elevator at the nearest floor and opens the door when it detects an earthquake of a certain strength or more.(3) News release dated October 15, 2020 titled Hitachi Acquired Additional Shares to Hold Majority of Shares of Yungtay, Elevator Company Based in Taiwan www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2020/10/201015.html(4) News release dated April 21, 2022 titled Yungtay Becomes a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, to Be Renamed Hitachi Yungtay Elevator www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/month/2022/04/220421.html(5) A type of elevator in which the elevator car has two exits, and different exits are used depending on the floor on which the elevator stops.Outline of Specifications of Escalators OrderedRated SpeedRiseUnits30 m/min, 39 m/min (Speed switch function)Up to 6,000 mm57 units6,001-9,999 mm37 units10,000 mm or more12 unitsHitachi Yungtay Elevator Websitehttps://en.hitachi-yungtay.com.tw/Hitachi Elevators and Escalators Websitewww.hitachi.com/businesses/elevator/Hitachi Building Systems Brand Channelwww.youtube.com/channel/UCfOgxcLRk3NHm2WrqHeQ6MAAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers’ and society’s challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railwaysystems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in variousindustries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s revenues as 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at https://www.hitachi.com. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Nov 28, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd (MHI) successfully achieved the key milestone of 1,200 hours of operation in a long-term durability test of its 90 MPa (900 bar) Class Ultra-High-Pressure Liquid Hydrogen Booster Pump.(1) Liquid hydrogen pumps are used at hydrogen refueling stations to refuel hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen tube trailers.During the test, the pump completed 1,500 refueling cycles without downtime or replacement of major parts used at the cryogenic temperatures. This validates MHI's best-in-class operational reliability in hydrogen refueling allowing for dependable high flow rates of 160 kg per hour at a discharge pressure of 90 MPa (900 bar). The results of this long-term durability test demonstrate significant progress on the path to a future hydrogen economy.This test was conducted with FirstElement Fuel, Inc. (FEF), world-leader in hydrogen refueling solutions, at the Livermore Hydrogen Hub under hydrogen refueling station conditions.(Note2)The test started in April 2023 and was completed in November 2024. During this test, the pump- completed 1,500 refueling cycles at cryogenic temperatures of approximately -253°C (-423°F)- achieved 1,200 hours of operations without downtime and without replacement of major parts- pumped approximately 140 tons of liquid hydrogen (the equivalent of refueling5,000 fuel cell buses)(Note3), and- generated negligible boil-off gas during pump operation.The test was an overwhelming success and proved that this pump will make positive contributions to the reliability and efficiency of hydrogen refueling stations.The pump will be installed at a large-scale hydrogen station dedicated to clean commercial mobility in Japan and is scheduled to go into commercial operation in April 2025 simultaneously with the opening of the station.MHI will continue to provide best-in-class solutions to reduce the carbon footprint around the world. Our Ultra-High-Pressure Liquid Hydrogen Booster Pump is currently being introduced to the global market. This and new advanced solutions will continue to add value on society's path to a future hydrogen economy.(1) With an energy consumption just 25% that of hydrogen gas booster pumps, liquid hydrogen booster pumps offer an environmentally-friendly alternative for a hydrogen-oriented society. The advanced technology used in the MHI Ultra-High-Pressure Liquid Hydrogen Booster Pump was made possible by our cryogenic technology cultivated through research programs into liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen engines for rockets, as well as technology and experience cultivated through the delivery of various industrial pumps, including those for nuclear power plants. For details, please refer to the following URLs: www.mhi.com/news/210406.htmlhttps://www.mhi.com/news/23091101.html(2) MHI believes in conducting full scale tests using liquid hydrogen under actual operating conditions;therefore, the demonstration tests were conducted at FEF's Hydrogen Hub in Livermore, California.3Assuming that one hydrogen fuel cell bus requires 28 kg to refuel.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Nov 28, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. announced today that the humanized anti- soluble aggregated amyloid-beta (Aβ) monoclonal antibody “LEQEMBI®” has been launched in South Korea. LEQEMBI received the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) approval in May 2024 for treatment in adult patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or mild AD dementia (early AD).LEQEMBI selectively binds to soluble Aβ aggregates (protofibrils*), as well as insoluble Aβ aggregates (fibrils) which are a major component of Aβ plaques in AD, thereby reducing both Aβ protofibrils and Aβ plaques in the brain. LEQEMBI is the first approved treatment shown to reduce the rate of disease progression and to slow cognitive and functional decline through this mechanism.It is estimated there were approximately 900,000 dementia patients in South Korea in 2021,1 with one in ten people over the age of 65 suffering from dementia,1 and one in five from mild cognitive impairment (MCI).2 It is reported that Alzheimer’s dementia patients account for about 70% of all dementia patients.2 The average annual nursing care/medical costs per dementia patient is estimated to be 21.1 million South Korean Won (KRW), while the cost for patients with severe dementia reaches 33.1 million KRW.1Eisai serves as the lead of LEQEMBI development and regulatory submissions globally with both Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority. In South Korea, Eisai Korea Inc. will distribute the product and conduct information provision activities.Eisai Korea Inc. has been a pioneer in the field of dementia for many years, focusing on activities such as raising disease awareness. In recent years, Eisai Korea Inc. has been working with various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, academic societies, patient groups, care centers, health checkup companies, and diagnostic companies, to create a dementia ecosystem that promotes AD awareness and early diagnosis/treatment. Eisai Korea Inc. will first launch this drug in the private market, including the establishment of a Patient Assistance Program, to deliver lecanemab to patients awaiting the treatment, aiming to make an impact not only on patients but also on their caregiving families and South Korean society.* Protofibrils are believed to contribute to the brain injury that occurs with AD and are considered to be the most toxic form of Aβ, having a primary role in the cognitive decline associated with this progressive, debilitating condition.3 Protofibrils cause injury to neurons in the brain, which in turn, can negatively impact cognitive function via multiple mechanisms, not only increasing the development of insoluble Aβ plaques but also increasing direct damage to brain cell membranes and the connections that transmit signals between nerve cells or nerve cells and other cells. It is believed the reduction of protofibrils may prevent the progression of AD by reducing damage to neurons in the brain and cognitive dysfunction.4About LecanemabLecanemab is the result of a strategic research alliance between Eisai and BioArctic. It is a humanized immunoglobulin gamma 1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against aggregated soluble (protofibril) and insoluble forms of amyloid-beta (Aβ).Lecanemab is approved in the U.S., Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Great Britain for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild dementia stage of disease (collectively referred to as early AD). The treatment’s approvals in these countries was based on Phase 3 data from Eisai’s global Clarity AD clinical trial, in which it met its primary endpoint and all key secondary endpoints with statistically significant results. The most common adverse events (>10%) in the lecanemab group were infusion reactions, ARIA-H (combined cerebral microhemorrhages, cerebral macrohemorrhages, and superficial siderosis), ARIA-E (edema/effusion), headache, and fall.Lecanemab is marketed in the U.S., Japan, China, Great Britain and others, and is under regulatory review in 17 countries and regions, including the European Union. In November 2024, the treatment received positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) recommending approval.Since July 2020 the Phase 3 clinical study (AHEAD 3-45) for individuals with preclinical AD, meaning they are clinically normal and have intermediate or elevated levels of amyloid in their brains, is ongoing. AHEAD 3-45 is conducted as a public-private partnership between the Alzheimer's Clinical Trial Consortium that provides the infrastructure for academic clinical trials in AD and related dementias in the U.S, funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, Eisai and Biogen. Since January 2022, the Tau NexGen clinical study for Dominantly Inherited AD (DIAD), that is conducted by Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU), led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is ongoing and includes lecanemab as the backbone anti-amyloid therapy.About the Collaboration between Eisai and Biogen for ADEisai and Biogen have been collaborating on the joint development and commercialization of AD treatments since 2014. Eisai serves as the lead of lecanemab development and regulatory submissions globally with both companies co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.About the Collaboration between Eisai and BioArctic for ADSince 2005, Eisai and BioArctic have had a long-term collaboration regarding the development and commercialization of AD treatments. Eisai obtained the global rights to study, develop, manufacture and market lecanemab for the treatment of AD pursuant to an agreement with BioArctic in December 2007. The development and commercialization agreement on the antibody back-up was signed in May 2015.About Eisai Co., Ltd. Eisai's Corporate Concept is "to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides." Under this Concept (also known as human health care (hhc) Concept), we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology. In addition, we demonstrate our commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by working on various activities together with global partners. For more information about Eisai, please visit www.eisai.com (for global headquarters: Eisai Co., Ltd.), and connect with us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook. About Biogen Founded in 1978, Biogen is a leading biotechnology company that pioneers innovative science to deliver new medicines to transform patients’ lives and to create value for shareholders and our communities. We apply deep understanding of human biology and leverage different modalities to advance first-in-class treatments or therapies that deliver superior outcomes. Our approach is to take bold risks, balanced with return on investment to deliver long-term growth. The company routinely posts information that may be important to investors on its website at www.biogen.com. Follow Biogen on social media – Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube. Biogen Safe Harbor This news release contains forward-looking statements, about the potential clinical effects of lecanemab; the potential benefits, safety and efficacy of lecanemab; potential regulatory discussions, submissions and approvals and the timing thereof; the treatment of Alzheimer's disease; the anticipated benefits and potential of Biogen's collaboration arrangements with Eisai; the potential of Biogen's commercial business and pipeline programs, including lecanemab; and risks and uncertainties associated with drug development and commercialization. These statements may be identified by words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "possible," "potential," "will," "would" and other words and terms of similar meaning. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage clinical studies may not be indicative of full results or results from later stage or larger scale clinical studies and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements, including without limitation unexpected concerns that may arise from additional data, analysis or results obtained during clinical studies; the occurrence of adverse safety events; risks of unexpected costs or delays; the risk of other unexpected hurdles; regulatory submissions may take longer or be more difficult to complete than expected; regulatory authorities may require additional information or further studies, or may fail or refuse to approve or may delay approval of Biogen's drug candidates, including lecanemab; actual timing and content of submissions to and decisions made by the regulatory authorities regarding lecanemab; uncertainty of success in the development and potential commercialization of lecanemab; failure to protect and enforce Biogen's data, intellectual property and other proprietary rights and uncertainties relating to intellectual property claims and challenges; product liability claims; and third party collaboration risks, results of operations and financial condition. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from Biogen's expectations in any forward-looking statement. Investors should consider this cautionary statement as well as the risk factors identified in Biogen's most recent annual or quarterly report and in other reports Biogen has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Biogen does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements. References (1) Korean dementia observatory 2022: National Institute of Dementia (Korean) (2) Korean dementia observatory 2021: National Institute of Dementia (Korean) (3) Amin L, Harris DA. Aβ receptors specifically recognize molecular features displayed by fibril ends and neurotoxic oligomers. Nat Commun. 2021;12:3451. doi:10.1038/s41467-021-23507-z (4) Ono K, Tsuji M. Protofibrils of Amyloid-β are Important Targets of a Disease-Modifying Approach for Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(3):952. doi: 10.3390/ijms21030952. PMID: 32023927; PMCID: PMC7037706.MEDIA CONTACTSEisai Co., Ltd.Public Relations DepartmentTEL: +81 (0)3-3817-5120Eisai Inc. (U.S.)Julie Edelman+1 201-753-1945INVESTOR CONTACTSEisai Co., Ltd.Investor Relations Department TEL: +81 (0)70-8688-9685Biogen Inc.Jack Cox+1 781-464-3260public.affairs@biogen.com Biogen Inc.Stephen Amato+1 781-464-2442IR@biogen.com  Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.