Shimadzu says finds cancer drug related proteins

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese precision equipment maker
Shimadzu Corp. said on Tuesday it and unlisted Singapore
biotech venture Agenica Research Pte Ltd have found 10 proteins
which could help develop drugs to diagnose or treat breast
cancer.

The news, announced in afternoon trade, sent its shares up
over 5 percent to 951 yen, the highest this year, before
closing at 944 yen, up 4.54 percent. They outperformed a
broader TOPIX index which rose 1.08 percent.

Shimadzu, which makes X-ray systems and other medical and
measuring equipment, said it and Agenica had been carrying out
research for the proteins which are affected by or react to
breast cancer.

The proteins they have discovered could help analyze the
mechanism of breast cancer and help develop drugs to detect
cancer in early stage, a Shimadzu spokesman said.

Shimadzu and Agenica, 5.6 percent owned by the Japanese
maker, will continue basic research on the proteins and prepare
for clinical studies, he said.