Japanese chemical industry news

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  19 March 2026

  GSK: Lynavoy (linerixibat) FDA-approved for cholestatic pruritus in PBC

  FDA approved linerixibat for cholestatic pruritus in adults with PBC after GLISTEN phase III showed rapid, sustained itch and sleep improvements. Common AEs: diarrhea, abdominal pain.
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  19 March 2026

  Asahi Kasei wins Tanahashi Prize for 10 MW alkaline electrolyzer durability

  Pilot alkaline water electrolysis plants demonstrated long-term stable, multi-module operation, proving durability under variable renewables and enabling scale-up toward >100 MW systems
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  19 March 2026

  Asahi Kasei awarded Tanahashi Prize for long-term operation of 10 MW alkaline-water electrolysis system

  Pilot plants in Namie (since Mar 2020) and Kawasaki (Mar 2024) validated stable alkaline electrolysis, tested 4x0.8 MW multi-modular units for grid response and durability, aiming >100 MW
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  19 March 2026

  Sumitomo Corporation to Deploy Palantir AIP for OCTG Supply Chain DX

  AI/data platform to optimize OCTG supply chain—inventory, processing and billing. Europe pilot validated; rollout from FY2026 with phased function and regional expansion.
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  18 March 2026

  Toray to Mass-Produce STF-1000 High-Aspect-Ratio Photosensitive Polyimide

  STF-1000 photosensitive polyimide enables 36:1 aspect-ratio patterning in films up to 500 µm, suppressing cracking/delamination for MEMS, semiconductors and scintillators.
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  18 March 2026

  Asahi Kasei, Nippon Steel and Nippon Steel Trading recycle electrolysis cell titanium scrap into pure titanium

  Titanium scrap from chlor-alkali electrolysis cell production is collected, processed and remelted into high-purity titanium with strict contamination control, traceability and recycling targets.

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  18 March 2026

  Avantium reports 2025 full-year results

  Phased start-up of the FDCA Flagship Plant progressed despite construction delays; €85M equity and amended financing secured; half the plant operational; full start-up targeted in 2026
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  17 March 2026

  Aptar appoints Gael Touya CEO effective Sept 1, 2026; Stephan Tanda to retire end-2026

  Gael Touya, a 30-year veteran, led the Pharma unit’s transformation (~82% sales growth) and has global commercial and operational experience. Tanda raised margins, EPS and sustainability.
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  17 March 2026

  Eni secures €9bn 5-year revolving credit facility

  €9bn 5‑year revolver with 2‑year extension option refinancing prior €6bn and €3bn lines; provided by 28 banks, ~40% oversubscription, maintains financial flexibility and extends maturity
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  16 March 2026

  Arkema Boosts Kynar® PVDF Capacity in China

  Arkema expands Changshu site by 20% to meet rising demand in Asia-Pacific for Kynar® PVDF, targeting EV batteries, coatings, and more, with a 2028 start-up.
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  12 March 2026

  ORLEN Expands LNG Fleet with Two New Carriers

  Two advanced LNG carriers boost energy security, operational flexibility, and global trade capabilities, supporting Poland's energy transition and regional gas supply.
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  12 March 2026

  Asahi Kasei Installs Electrolyzer at Finland's First Hydrogen Station

  The electrolyzer will produce 400kg of hydrogen daily, supporting hydrogen-powered transport in cold climates and demonstrating technology reliability and scalability.
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  10 March 2026

  Sekisui House Launches Japan's First Circular Window Glass Recycling Project

  The project aims to recycle window glass from renovations into new glass, reducing waste, conserving resources, and lowering emissions through a closed-loop supply chain.
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  9 March 2026

  GSK and Alfasigma License Agreement for Linerixibat Rights

  Alfasigma gains global rights to develop and market linerixibat for cholestatic pruritus in PBC. GSK to receive payments and royalties. Regulatory reviews are ongoing.
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  9 March 2026

  Chugai Recognized for Health Investment Excellence for Third Year

  Chugai is acknowledged by METI and TSE for its health management initiatives, emphasizing employee well-being as key to its growth strategy and sustainable healthcare goals.
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  2 March 2026

  Takeda's Rusfertide Receives FDA Priority Review

  Rusfertide shows promise in controlling hematocrit and reducing symptoms in polycythemia vera, with FDA review based on positive Phase 3 and long-term study data.
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  28 February 2026

  Merck and Eisai: WELIREG and LENVIMA Reduce Disease Progression Risk by 30% in Advanced RCC Trial

  Phase 3 trial shows WELIREG plus LENVIMA improves progression-free survival in advanced RCC, with FDA reviewing new drug applications.
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  26 February 2026

  GSK's Bepirovirsen Under Review in Japan for Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment

  Japan reviews bepirovirsen for chronic hepatitis B. Phase III trials show higher functional cure rates and acceptable safety. SENKU designation granted for expedited review.
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  26 February 2026

  GSK's Linerixibat Gets Priority Review in China for PBC-Related Itch

  Linerixibat shows significant improvement in cholestatic pruritus in PBC patients, based on GLISTEN phase III trial data. Regulatory reviews ongoing in US, EU, UK, and Canada.
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  26 February 2026

  TotalEnergies to Export 2 Mtpa LNG from Alaska Project for 20 Years

  The Alaska LNG project, with a 20 Mtpa capacity, aims to supply Asia, enhancing energy security and transpacific ties. It has strong U.S. support and offers logistical advantages.
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  25 February 2026

  Asahi Kasei Pharma Secures Global License with Alchemedicine for Novel Compounds

  The agreement grants exclusive rights to develop preclinical compounds for autoimmune diseases, marking a deepened partnership and strategic alignment.
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  25 February 2026

  Clariant Gains EU Approval for Rice Bran Wax in Food-Contact Plastics

  EU approval allows rice bran wax additives in PET, PLA, and PVC for food-contact, offering a sustainable alternative to montan wax with lower carbon footprint and supply chain benefits.
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  24 February 2026

  Toray Unveils Spherical PA12 Particles for Enhanced 3D Printing

  New spherical PA12 particles improve 3D-printed parts' surface smoothness and impact strength, enhancing quality and expanding applications in prototypes and functional parts.
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  23 February 2026

  Toray Develops Bio-Based Polyamide 4 for Cosmetics Market

  Toray's new bio-based polyamide 4 offers biodegradability, reducing microplastic pollution in cosmetics, with potential applications in semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
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  20 February 2026

  Chugai Launches Japan's First Regenerative Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

  ELEVIDYS, a one-time therapy for DMD, targets ambulatory patients aged 3-7. Safety measures and post-marketing studies are in place following reports of liver failure cases.
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  19 February 2026

  Zenyaku's Rituxan Approved for Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Treatment

  Rituxan gains approval for treating autoimmune hemolytic anemia, targeting B cells to reduce autoantibodies. Effective for warm AIHA, CAD, and PCH, offering an alternative to steroids.
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  19 February 2026

  Toray's Ultrasuede™ Chosen by Case Furniture

  Ultrasuede™ is used in Case's Ella Lounge and 675 Chair, enhancing sustainability and design. Toray expands its European presence with a new showroom in Portugal.
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  19 February 2026

  Asahi Kasei Pharma Partners with MAIA for U.S. Teribone™ Development

  MAIA will develop and commercialize Teribone™ in the U.S. to address the growing osteoporosis patient population, expanding access to proven bone-forming therapy.
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  18 February 2026

  Asahi Kasei Pharma and Alchemedicine: AK1960 enters Phase I for refractory diseases

  AK1960, a novel ETA receptor antagonist with a new core structure, shows high ETA selectivity and kidney-disease efficacy in animals and has advanced to Phase I for refractory diseases.
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  18 February 2026

  Asahi Kasei Pharma Advances AK1960 to Phase I for Refractory Diseases

  AK1960, an ETA receptor antagonist, enters Phase I trials for refractory diseases, leveraging Alchemedicine's HiSAP™ platform and partnerships with Calliditas and Veloxis.