Establishment of Bioscience Research Laboratory and Transfer of Functions of Genomic Science Laboratories

Dec. 14, 2017

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.
Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd.

Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. ("Sumitomo Chemical") and Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. ("Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma") jointly announced today that Sumitomo Chemical will newly establish Bioscience Research Laboratory on January 1, 2018 and concurrently Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma will transfer the research functions of its Genomic Science Laboratories to the new Laboratory.

The Genomic Science Laboratories was established in 2000 at Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., (currently Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma) to integrate the two companies' research activities having been conducted respectively in the field of life science based on such advanced technologies as genomics. Since then, the Genomic Science Laboratories has been jointly operated by the two companies, producing a number of basic technologies, such as omics technology, for use in research on pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, etc., which have contributed significantly to the business growth of each company.

Meanwhile, a number of recent technology innovations in life science are changing a business landscape substantially as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, etc. show rapid advances. As far as Sumitomo Chemical Group is concerned, such innovations make it possible not only to enhance the Group's existing life science businesses, such as those related to Health & Crop Sciences or Pharmaceuticals & Diagnostics, but also to extend the business horizon further beyond, offering a variety of new business opportunities. While Sumitomo Chemical and Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma have been working jointly or in collaboration with other Group companies in research & development on life science, the two companies have decided, in light of the current business environment, to reorganize their research capabilities in a manner best suited to accelerate initiatives for the creation of next-generation businesses.

The establishment of the Bioscience Research Laboratory will further strengthen Sumitomo Chemical's R&D capabilities in life science. For Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma, its research collaboration with Sumitomo Chemical through the new Laboratory will help the company to have broader perspectives on life science in promoting its drug discovery activities. Further, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma will engage in more comprehensive research, with a view to explore new opportunities of healthcare business, in addition to the pharmaceuticals business.

Sumitomo Chemical and Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma will continue to work together closely to generate further synergies of the Group by fully leveraging the capabilities of the new Bioscience Research Laboratory as each company carries out a wide range of research activities in life science, such as pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals.

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