Day: 2025-07-24

- Rationalization of domestic production technologies and strengthening of the system in Japan for manufacturing divertor outer vertical targets for ITER- Seeking to contribute to the ITER Project and provide components for the prototype reactor for fusion energy and startup machinesTOKYO, July 23, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, "Hitachi") and the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (“QST”) began developing a second prototype, a full-scale mockup of an outer vertical target*1 which is one of the most important components of a divertor in January 2022. Divertors are important pieces of components used in the ITER fusion*2 experimental reactor that is under construction in Southern France. With streamlining the production method through measures such as the introduction of an automatic welding system as detailed below, we completed the second prototype in March 2025. Furthermore, we today announce that a high-heat-load sample of an outer vertical target has passed the rigorous certification test by the ITER Organization, which constructs and operates ITER as an international organization. Hitachi's production technologies have earned significant recognition following the preceding company which completed the first prototype with QST in July 2024.*1 QST will deliver 58 outer vertical targets to the ITER Organization. The preceding company manufactured 18 of these. The company that will manufacture the remaining 40 targets will be decided later.*2 Fusion is the source of the energy that keeps the sun shining. To realize fusion energy on Earth, it is necessary to use nuclear fusion reactions where deuterium, tritium and other light atomic nuclei fuse in a plasma state and become heavier atomic nuclei such as helium. Lithium, the raw material for tritium, and Deuterium are abundantly available in seawater. Additionally, the generation of fusion energy does not result in the generation of CO₂. For this reason, fusion energy is expected to fundamentally solve energy and environmental issues. See *5 regarding plasma.Utilizing the technologies and knowledge obtained through the production of the prototype, Hitachi and QST will continue to contribute to the promotion of the ITER Project and also cooperate in the development of technologies for realizing fusion energy in the future. In addition, Hitachi seeks to provide divertors and similar in-vessel components to fusion energy-related startups and a prototype fusion reactor for which QST is investigating the design.The second prototype outer vertical targetHigh-heat-load sample of an outer vertical targetOutline of ITER and divertorsTo realize fusion energy, seven regions including Japan, Europe, the United States, Russia, South Korea, China and India are promoting the ITER Project, a large international project aimed at conducting scientific and technological demonstrations of fusion. With the goal of achieving full operation through nuclear fusion burning, the ITER experimental reactor is under construction in Saint-Paul-les-Durance, France. Japan is taking on important roles such as the development and production of major pieces of ITER components including divertors and toroidal field coils (TF coils). QST is the ITER Project's agent in Japan and it promotes the procurement of equipment.The divertor is one of the most important components of a tokamak*3 and other magnetic confinement*4 fusion reactors. Divertors play an important role in maintaining the stability of the nuclear fusion reaction and exhausting impurities such as fuel residue and the helium generated by the nuclear fusion reaction in the reactor core plasma.*5 Divertors are the only tokamak devices capable of directly receiving plasma. They are used in a severe environment where they are exposed to heat load and particle load from the plasma. For this reason, special materials such as tungsten are used to make them. Tungsten has a high-melting-point but it is difficult to machine. Moreover, the plasma-facing surfaces are precisely shaped, requiring high-precision machining and assembly technologies to achieve the correct overall shape, inclination, steps and gaps that are accurate to 0.5 mm or less. It is believed that divertors are the hardest piece of the ITER in-vessel components to manufacture.*3 The method, represented by ITER and JT-60SA, retains an ultra-high temperature plasma that is more than 100 million degrees or higher within a strong magnetic field in a vacuum, and nuclear fusion reactions occur within the plasma. See *5 regarding plasma. See *11 for information about JT-60SA.*4 Fusion plasma is at very high temperature and cannot be kept in a conventional container, but it retains positively or negatively charged ions and characteristically becomes entangled in magnetic fields (lines of magnetic force). Using these characteristics, a magnetic confinement fusion reactor forms a basket-like magnetic field to retain plasma.*5 Plasma is one of the four basic states of matter. It is the fourth state next to solid, liquid and gas. When matter is exposed to very high temperatures or a strong electromagnetic field, atoms break down and separate to positively charged ions and negatively charged electrons, and they form plasma.The heat load on divertors reaches a maximum of 20 megawatts per square meter. This is equivalent to the surface heat load that an asteroid probe is exposed to when entering the atmosphere and much more than the surface heat load the space shuttle was subjected to. Outer vertical targets need to have a strong mechanical structure because they are subject to strong electromagnetic forces that can reach an approx. maximum of 16.5 tons. The establishment of technology for making divertors resistant to high heat loads and huge electromagnetic forces is a very important part of increasing the power output of fusion reactors, reducing the size of the reactors or increasing their magnetic fields in the future.Characteristics of the technology for the production of the second prototypeQST leads the manufacturers' material development efforts, regarding them as key technology for enabling divertors to withstand heat load that can be as high as 20 megawatts per square meter. Consequently, the company established methods of producing tungsten monoblocks*6 which do not break even under heat load, and copper alloy cooling pipes which are kept strong by maintaining high thermal conductivity while limiting the coarsening of their crystal grain. To bond these materials together, a brazing*7 technology that is resistant to high heat load has also been developed.*6 This is one of the components of the outer vertical targets that are a combination of tungsten, a metal that is resistant to heat load, and a copper buffer material.*7 A method of bonding metals. The technology uses a metal called a brazing material to bond base materials to each other. In contrast, welding is a method of bonding metals by welding a base material.By combining technologies and experience which are accumulated over many years in the nuclear energy business, Hitachi has developed a defect-free, high-quality welding technology for special materials and a non-destructive technology for inspecting restricted and complex shapes, and repeated demonstration testing has shown that Hitachi has achieved the high-precision machining and assembly technology that is accurate to 0.5 mm or less, a requirement of the ITER Organization. To rationalize production processes and costs, an automatic welding system optimized specially for divertors was introduced for welding thick, high-strength stainless steel. Instead of manual work, a robotic arm with a welding torch attached is combined with a device that controls the position of the object to be welded in synchronization with the movement of the robotic arm, resulting in higher quality welding at low cost.The special materials necessary for outer vertical targets are procured by QST from material manufacturers and are supplied to Hitachi which uses the special materials provided by QST to machine and assemble outer vertical targets in a strictly quality-controlled process. QST maintains and uses a high-temperature helium leak test facility*8 for the in-vessel components of fusion reactors that is the only one of its kind in Japan, and it independently conducts final tests to ensure the quality of the divertors.*8 The test facility uses helium gas to check for leaks with high precision at a high temperature of 250'C which is the environment that divertors will be used in.Initiatives implemented by Hitachi and QST to dateTo date, Hitachi and QST have been developing and manufacturing an ultra-high-voltage power supply system*9 with a voltage of 1 million volts for neutral beam injectors*10 for ITER. Currently, a system is being tested in Italy. Production of the devices to be delivered to France has commenced at Hitachi's factory. To realize fusion energy quickly, efforts are under way in Japan to reinforce neutral beam injectors for JT-60SA,*11 the world's largest superconducting tokamak device built jointly by Japan and Europe in parallel with the ITER Project.*9 The system supplies the power needed to actuate neutral beam injectors.*10 The device for injecting high-energy hydrogen atoms into plasma to heat the plasma. It heats the plasma to an ultra-high temperature of more than 100 million degrees, the temperature at which a nuclear fusion reaction occurs.*11 For information about JT-60SA, see the explanation about the JT-60SA Project on the website of the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology.Website about Hitachi's fusion businesshttps://www.hitachi.co.jp/products/energy/nuclear/accelerator/index.htmlAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT(Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi contributes to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – and the Strategic SIB Business Unit for new growth businesses. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi generates value from integrating data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2024 (ended March 31, 2025) totaled 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at www.hitachi.com.About LumadaAbout the National Institutes for Quantum Science and TechnologyThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) was established in April 2016 to promote quantum science and technology in a comprehensive and integrated manner. QST leads the world in 3 fields of research and development. Research on Quantum Technology Basis aims to create high functionality materials and devices utilizing high end laser technology. Research on Quantum Biological science aims to elucidate biological processes based on quantum science and technology. Research on Innovative Diagnosis and Treatment for Cancer and Dementia and other symptoms aims to realize a society of healthy longevity through heavy ion therapy, high precision diagnosis utilizing PET and treatments using targeted isotope therapy. Furthermore, the operation and maintenance of 3GeV-class synchrotron radiation facility “NanoTerasu” will be conducted as a national center of core high radiation medical assistance with public-private partnership leading technical development and human resource development in radiation medicine. Visit us at https://www.qst.go.jp/Contact information for Hitachi, Ltd.Business ContactTaku OyamaProject Management GroupFusion and Accelerators Development CenterGroup Leader Senior EngineerHitachi, Ltd+81-294-55-3420taku.oyama.ke@hitachi.comContact information for National Institutes for Quantum Science and TechnologyBusiness & Media ContactQST International Affairs and Public Relations Section,Department of International Affairs and Public Relations+81-432-06-3026info@qst.go.jp Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Showcasing a prototype LEO satellite communication terminal (*1) enabling high-speed, high-capacity communication in areas with limited cellular coverageTOKYO, July 23, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sharp Corporation (herein after "Sharp") will exhibit at the 2nd SPEXA - International Space Business Expo, held at Tokyo Big Sight (Koto-ku, Tokyo) from Wednesday, July 30 to Friday, August 1. Sharp will showcase a LEO satellite communication terminal under development, leveraging its expertise in compact, lightweight design and communication technologies from smartphone development, along with supporting applications and field trial initiatives.Booth Image - Main Exhibits* LEO Satellite Communication Terminal (Reference Exhibit)Sharp will exhibit the terminal and introduce potential use cases such as real-time data transmission, location sharing, and remote control in areas with limited cellular connectivity, including maritime and mountainous regions. The terminal is also proposed as a solution for business continuity plan (BCP) during disasters. A conceptual ultra-compact model, designed for drone integration, will be presented as part of Sharp's efforts toward next-generation field solutions.* Satellite Operation Application (Reference Exhibit)A dedicated application supports the efficient operation and management of the LEO satellite communication terminal. It allows users to monitor terminal status, nearby obstacles, and satellite positioning. In case of a malfunction, the app provides troubleshooting guidance, streamlining maintenance tasks.* Field TrialsSharp will present field trials conducted using the compact and lightweight LEO satellite communication terminal, installed on vessels and vehicles. Through these tests, Sharp is accelerating development to ensure stable communication under various conditions by evaluating practical performance and identifying technical challenges.*1 A user terminal integrating a LEO satellite communication antenna and modem functions. LEO stands for Low Earth Orbit.- Exhibition LocationTokyo Big Sight, South Exhibition Hall – Satellite Data & Space Utilization Area, Booth No.S6-34- LEO Satellite Communication User Terminal Images *2 A method that enhances system reliability by duplicating the system and keeping one in standby. In the field of communications, it refers to a system that enables bidirectional communication.*3 A type of bidirectional communication in which transmission and reception are performed alternately.*4 The LEO satellite communication terminal supports dual carrier operation.This development has been funded by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) (JP012368G50501). Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, July 23, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito, “Eisai”) and KYORIN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.(Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Yutaka Ogihara, “KYORIN”) announced today that Eisai (Thailand) Marketing Co., Ltd. (“Eisai Thailand”), a subsidiary of Eisai, has launched overactive bladder treatment Beova® Tablets (generic name vibegron) in Thailand.In 2021, Eisai acquired exclusive development and marketing rights from KYORIN for the agent in ASEAN member states Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei. Eisai Thailand submitted an application for marketing authorization in Thailand in March 2023, and received approval in June 2024. This launch is the first within Eisai’s licensed region. In addition to the release in Thailand, approval has also been obtained in the Philippines and Malaysia, with preparations underway for market entry.Overactive bladder (OAB) is a urological condition with trouble in pooling urine in the bladder. It's predominant symptom is an urge to urinate, which is often accompanied by frequent urination and nocturia, and in some cases by urge urinary incontinence. One of the major problems of OAB is the fact that patients refrain from leaving the house due to anxiety about going to the bathroom, cannot get enough sleep at night, or face limitations in their daily activities, which could lead to significantly-reduced quality of life.Appropriate treatment is necessary for OAB, which increases with age but has also been reported to becaused by brain or spinal cord disorders such as cerebrovascular diseases (cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction), Parkinson's disease, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.1 The prevalence of OAB in Thailand is reported to be 15.8%.2This agent is a selective B3-adrenergic receptor agonist administered once daily, acting selectively on B3 receptors in the bladder, relaxing the bladder to enhance urine collection, and consequently improving the symptoms of urgency, urinary frequency and urge urinary incontinence associated with OAB.In September 2009, KYORIN and Eisai signed a license agreement for the development and marketing in Asia of Uritos® Tablets (generic name: imidafenacin), a therapeutic agent for overactive bladder, discovered and developed by KYORIN, and as of today Eisai sells Uritos in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. In addition to Uritos, Eisai will provide patients with new treatment options for OAB through the launch of Beova in Thailand and make further contributions to improving the quality of life and increasing benefits to patients with OAB in Asia.1. 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, and connect with us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook. 2. About KYORIN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.KYORIN operates under the corporate philosophy, "KYORIN continues to fulfil it's mission of cherishing life and benefiting society by contributing to better health." Based on this principle, we aim to continuously provide high-valuenew drugs that meet medical needs, striving to become a company that contributes broadly to people's health. In drug discovery, we focus our research efforts on the therapeutic areas of pain and autoimmune disorders etc., working to create innovative new drugs that meet significant medical needs. In sales, we implement a Franchise Customer (FC) strategy, concentrating our resources on specialized areas, respiratory, otolaryngology, and urology.For more information on KYORIN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., please visit https://www.kyorin-pharm.co.jp/en/.3. About vibegronVibegron was discovered by Merck & Co., Rahway, N.J., U.S.A. (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada) as a once-daily oral treatment for overactive bladder (OAB), which acts selectively on the bladder's B3-adrenergic receptor agonists. Vibegron selectively acts on B3 receptors in the bladder and increases bladder capacity by enhancing the bladder-relaxing effect of noradrenaline during the urinary storage phase, resulting in the improvement of incontinence symptoms of urinary urgency, frequent urination and urge urinary incontinence with OAB. KYORIN has obtained exclusive rights for developing, manufacturing and marketing of this drug in Japan (July 2014) and Asia* (April2017) from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., U.S.A.In Eisai’s licensed territories (Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei), in addition to it's new launch in Thailand, approvals have been obtained in the Philippines and Malaysia, with preparations underway for market entry. In Japan, KYORIN and Kissei have jointly developed the agent locally under a co-development and co-marketing agreement entered into as of March 2016. Since November 2018, the two companies have been jointly marketing it under the product name of “Beova® Tablets 50mg”.*South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and 10 member states of ASEAN1 Clinical Guidelines for Overactive Bladder Syndrome 3rd Edition (Japanese only)2 ICS2024 Abstract 554 https://www.ics.org/2024/abstract/554Media InquiriesEisai Co., Ltd.Public Relations DepartmentTEL: +81-(0)3-3817-5120KYORIN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.Corporate PlanningTEL: +81-(0)3-6374-9702 Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.