Nikon 2015 Annual Report Download - page 31

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NIKON REPORT 2015
Prevention
Compact point-of-care
testing (POCT*1) devices
Minimally invasive
check-ups Surgical robot eyes
Blood tests
(minimally invasive)
Prognosis management
Diagnosis
Support of drug
discovery
Regenerative
medicine
Treatment
Support of minimally invasive*3
pathological diagnosis
Assaying*4 for and
measuring iPS cells
image processing, and precision control technologies, we will accel-
erate the development of non-invasive and minimally invasive diag-
nostic equipment with high precision and high reliability.
We are continuing to examine other M&A-related opportunities, in
line with our policy to engage in projects we are convinced will enable
the creation of synergies in the same way as with Optos.
Q How are your plans progressing for expanding your
business domains?
At the present time, we are placing emphasis on cultivating the diag-
nostic business, including that of Optos, and are working toward
early commercialization.
First, we plan to focus on the biomicroarray business. The biomi-
croarray technology enables simultaneous examination and testing
and is used in a wide variety of probe objects, including DNA, pro-
teins, and sugar chains as well as other molecules. In this product
eld, we are advancing the development of highly competitive tech-
nologies that provide information, at an order of magnitude greater
than conventional devices, by leveraging the technologies that Nikon
possesses in semiconductor lithography. In this eld, we are aiming
for initial commercialization in the United States.
At the same time, we are focusing on the point-of-care testing
(POCT) business. In simpler terms, POCT involves in-situ diagnosis
by enabling specimens, such as blood, to be examined in situ and an
immediate diagnosis to be given. We are working to develop this
*1. POCT: Support of minimally invasive pathological diagnostic procedures conducted as point-of-care testing that takes place at clinics, the patient’s home, or in examination
rooms or at a patient’s bedside at hospitals
*2. Biomicroarrays: Utilized in the biotechnology eld, a technology that enables simultaneous examination and testing and is used in a wide variety of probe objects
(DNA, proteins, sugar chains, and other molecules)
*3. Minimally invasive: Refers to causing the least possible harm to a patient’s body, including pain, fever, or blood loss associated with surgery, and testing or treatment
*4. Assay: Analysis and testing in the biotechnology eld
Medical Business Overview
diagnostic equipment by drawing on a range of technologies, includ-
ing Nikon’s optical and precision technologies. In 2014, we started
collaboration with LSI Medience Corporation, which develops test-
ing- and analysis-related business, and are now proceeding with the
development of a product that benets from technologies that are
deemed to be our respective specialties.
Q To what aspects are you attaching importance in
developing the Medical Business?
First, we must accurately ascertain the needs of the market. To
enable us to do that, it is essential we build relationships with as
many key opinion leaders (KOLs) as possible. By obtaining accurate
information from KOLs, we will examine what and whether Nikon’s
core competencies can be brought to bear on unmet medical needs.
Within Nikon, engineers will be required to possess the specialist
knowledge that will enable them to accurately understand the needs
of healthcare workers, such as doctors. For example, in the case of
cameras, product development cannot be conducted without an
understanding of how the product is used. For reecting needs in our
products, it is necessary to understand how healthcare workers
handle equipment, carry out diagnosis, and use equipment during
surgery. We need to develop the engineers who will unearth the seeds
of business, as these strategies are indispensable in the development
of Nikon’s Medical Business. We will make enterprising progress that
will include hiring specialized experts.
Biomicroarrays*2
Search for pathology
markers
Support of minimally
invasive surgery
Business Strategy