Japanese chemical industry news

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  14 November 2025

  Asahi Kasei Wins 2025 Best IR Award from JIRA

  Recognized for proactive IR efforts, Asahi Kasei excels in investor dialogue, integrated reporting, and leveraging intangible assets across its business sectors.
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  13 November 2025

  Toray Divests Stake in Japan Vilene

  Toray sells its 25% stake to Freudenberg for ¥17 billion. The deal finalizes in February 2026, with a ¥6 billion post-tax gain expected. Toray will continue supplying products to Japan Vilene.
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  13 November 2025

  FRONTEO and UBE Partner for AI-Driven Drug Discovery Research

  The collaboration aims to enhance drug discovery by combining AI for target identification with compound optimization, reducing R&D risks and accelerating processes.
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  13 November 2025

  Asahi Kasei's Planova FG1 Wins BioTech Innovation Award

  Planova FG1 filter enhances biologics production with high permeability and virus retention, boosting efficiency and sustainability in biomanufacturing.
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  7 November 2025

  Takeda's Mezagitamab Maintains Kidney Function in IgAN After 18 Months

  Mezagitamab shows stable eGFR, reduced proteinuria, and no serious adverse events in IgAN patients 18 months post-treatment; Phase 3 trials are underway.
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  7 November 2025

  AGC's Reflective Blade Wins CES 2026 Innovation Award

  Reflective Blade projects driver info clearly, even with polarized sunglasses, offers flexible integration, and enhances user experience with a sleek design.

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  6 November 2025

  Lilly Expands Leadership Team for Growth

  Lilly appoints Carole Ho and Adrienne Brown to Executive Committee, expands roles for Daniel Skovronsky and Jacob Van Naarden to drive growth in neuroscience and immunology.
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  6 November 2025

  Mitsubishi Gas Chemical and Transition Industries Sign Ultra-Low Carbon Methanol Agreement

  The agreement secures 1 million tons/year of ultra-low carbon methanol from 2029, supporting decarbonization and sustainability in Japan and Asia.
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  5 November 2025

  Toray and Aichi Medical University Launch ALS Drug Research Initiative

  The initiative uses a new evaluation technology to enhance ALS drug discovery, collaborating with pharmaceutical firms to improve treatment efficacy and accelerate R&D.
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  4 November 2025

  Asahi Kasei Licenses Electrolyte Tech to EAS Batteries for New High-Power Cell

  The new cell uses acetonitrile electrolyte for better performance in demanding applications, with plans for global sublicensing to expand into mobility markets.
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  30 October 2025

  Boehringer Ingelheim Licenses Autoimmune Treatment from Kyowa Kirin

  Boehringer gains exclusive rights to develop a small molecule for autoimmune diseases, with potential payments to Kyowa Kirin up to €640 million.
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  30 October 2025

  Toray Unveils Carbon Fiber Recycling Tech Retaining Strength and Quality

  New recycling tech decomposes CFRP, retaining fiber strength and quality, enabling diverse applications like nonwoven fabrics for cars, electronics, and more, while reducing CO2 emissions.
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  29 October 2025

  Johnson & Johnson to Conduct Study Comparing IMAAVY™ and Alternative FcRn Blocker for gMG

  The EPIC study will compare IMAAVY™ to efgartigimod in gMG patients, including a treatment-switch arm. Vibrance-MG data shows sustained IgG reduction and disease control in pediatric patients.
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  29 October 2025

  Merck and Eisai Update on LEAP-012 Trial for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

  The LEAP-012 trial showed no overall survival benefit for the treatment, but progression-free survival improved. The study is closed, and further data analysis is ongoing.
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  28 October 2025

  Merck's KEYTRUDA and WELIREG Combo Improves DFS in RCC Patients Post-Nephrectomy

  The LITESPARK-022 trial shows improved DFS with KEYTRUDA and WELIREG in RCC patients. Safety profiles align with previous studies. Results to be shared with regulators.
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  28 October 2025

  Merck and Eisai's WELIREG and LENVIMA Improve PFS in Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma Trial

  The trial showed significant PFS and ORR improvements with WELIREG and LENVIMA in advanced RCC patients post anti-PD-1/L1 therapy, with consistent safety profiles.
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  26 October 2025

  Hyundai and Toray Partner on Advanced Mobility Materials

  The firms signed a joint agreement to develop advanced composite materials for future mobility, focusing on R&D, production, and commercialization.
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  24 October 2025

  Johnson & Johnson: Nipocalimab Reduces Sjögren’s Disease Activity and Severity

  Nipocalimab shows promise in reducing Sjögren’s disease symptoms and autoantibodies, with a favorable safety profile and ongoing Phase 3 trials.
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  24 October 2025

  AGC and NPC Partner for Solar Panel Glass Recycling Expansion

  Aiming to recycle solar panel glass by 2030, a new method turns cover glass into architectural glass, overcoming technical challenges and enhancing sustainability.
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  24 October 2025

  Evonik Opens New Aluminum Specialty Plant in Japan

  Evonik's new plant in Japan boosts local production of advanced fumed alumina, enhancing supply security, sustainability, and customer proximity in Asia.
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  23 October 2025

  Asahi Kasei Expands Electrolysis Component Production for Clean Hydrogen

  New facilities at Kawasaki Works will boost production of electrolysis components, supporting clean hydrogen and chlor-alkali markets, backed by Japan's GX Supply Chain Development Program.
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  21 October 2025

  Takeda Partners with Innovent on Oncology Medicines

  Takeda gains rights to two late-stage cancer drugs and an option for an early-stage program, focusing on global development and commercialization outside Greater China.
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  17 October 2025

  Mitsubishi Gas Chemical and Cirena Agree on Japan Distribution for Long-Chain RNA

  MGC and Cirena to negotiate exclusive Japan distribution for long-chain RNA, enhancing MGC's nucleic acid pharmaceutical efforts.
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  14 October 2025

  Mitsubishi Chemical Completes Pilot Wastewater Treatment Facility at Hiroshima Plant

  The facility aims to develop cost-effective wastewater treatment technology to reduce COD, with potential for global deployment and future commercialization.
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  10 October 2025

  Suntory Launches Green Hydrogen Project at Hakushu Facilities in Japan

  A large-scale P2G system in Japan begins producing green hydrogen to decarbonize Suntory's facilities, aiming for regional hydrogen use and carbon neutrality by 2026.
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  10 October 2025

  Celtic Renewables Joins Innovate UK's Japan Innovation Mission

  Celtic Renewables explores Japan's market for bio-based chemicals, leveraging whisky by-products to cut carbon footprints and foster international partnerships.
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  10 October 2025

  Mitsui Chemicals Wins 2025 Excellence in Corporate Disclosure Award

  Awarded for 5th year, recognized for proactive IR, ESG disclosure, and business transformation towards VISION 2030, enhancing stakeholder dialogue and transparency.
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  8 October 2025

  Mitsubishi Chemical's Research on ZELAS™ AMP for Medical Devices

  Joint research aims to apply ZELAS™ AMP elastomer in medical devices, reducing anticoagulant use and coating costs, enhancing safety and functionality. Market launch planned for 2027.
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  7 October 2025

  Toray Unveils Energy-Efficient, Chemically Resistant RO Membrane

  The TLF-400ULD membrane enhances wastewater treatment with improved chemical resistance, reduced energy use, and longer service life, addressing global water challenges.
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  3 October 2025

  Roche Board Update: Claudia Süssmuth Dyckerhoff Steps Down

  Dr. Claudia Süssmuth Dyckerhoff will not seek re-election to Roche's Board in 2026, opting for a board role at another healthcare company. She has been a board member since 2016.