Hiroshima University (hereinafter Hiroshima University, location: Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, president: Mitsuo Ochi), Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Meiji Seika Pharma, head office location: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President: Daikichiro Kobayashi), Co., Macnica (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President: Kazumasa Hara) has announced that it will utilize Hiroshima University's objective diagnosis and treatment methods for Macnica and the results of brain science research into sensitivity. We are pleased to announce that we have entered into a joint research agreement with industry and academia with the aim of "digital transformation (DX) and social implementation for depression prevention."

Depression, which is rapidly increasing in stressful society in recent years, has become a major social issue as the biggest cause of long-term leave of absence, unemployment, and suicide. In addition, the number of people suffering from depression and suicide has increased again due to restrictions on behavior such as refraining from going out and economic instability due to the prolonged corona disaster, and countermeasures based on scientific evidence have become an urgent issue from a global perspective. .

Under these circumstances, a research group led by Designated Professor Shigeto Yamawaki at the Center for Brain, Mind and Kansei Sciences (BMK Center) at Hiroshima University has so far conducted (1) functional MRI (fMRI) for patients with depression. Development of an objective diagnostic method for depression and a method for predicting the effect of antidepressants by AI analysis of multidimensional data such as brain function images, blood biomarkers, and clinical information using AI. Development of a neurofeedback treatment method that improves depressive symptoms by using healthy people, and 3) emotional brain from negative (depressed) to positive (excited), such as excitement meter method based on emotional visualization technology using electroencephalograms. published scientific research results.

Since Meiji Seika Pharma started manufacturing antibacterial drugs in 1946, we have provided excellent products both domestically and internationally as a leading manufacturer in the field of infectious diseases. In the central nervous system area, since the launch of an anti-anxiety drug in 1989, we have launched the first new antidepressant drug (SSRI) in Japan, which is currently the mainstream of treatment. , has over 30 years of experience in the area of anxiety and depression. We decided to participate in this joint research with the desire to utilize the know-how we have cultivated in this way to contribute to the next generation of psychiatric care.

Since its establishment in 1972, Macnica has provided cutting-edge semiconductors, electronic devices, networks, and cybersecurity products with added technological value. In the healthcare field, we will solve social issues related to health, medical care, and nursing care and improve the quality of life of consumers by using advanced medical IoT devices and promoting DX in the medical industry using digital platforms. We aim to realize a future society. We decided to participate in this joint research because we sympathized with Professor Yamawaki's vision of using DX to practicalize the prevention of depression, which is a concern that is spreading due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Therefore, based on the research results of the research director, Specially Appointed Professor Shigeto Yamawaki of the BMK Center, and others, Meiji Seika Pharma will provide basic and clinical research support and market research, and Macnica will provide search and procurement of medical IoT devices. By supporting cloud, AI, and software development, both companies will aim to commercialize the project, and the three parties will conduct joint research with the aim of developing new depression prevention methods that will be needed in the future and implementing them in society. .

Outline of joint research

(1) Development of brain science-based stress visualization technology using biometric information acquired by brain waves and wearable measurement devices such as smart watches and smartphones

(2) Building a platform for brain and biological information data using IoT and cloud information communication technology, and developing real-time visualization technology for stress conditions according to individual characteristics using AI

(3) Development of a new depression prevention method to control one's own stress situation using stress visualization technology

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