Japanese tech major re-structures its teams for artificial intelligence-based drug development and strategies while expanding its presence in Europe. With confidence in the utility of AI for discovery, it is retaining a key focus on oncology while adding infectious diseases to its targets.

Plus deals involving Shionogi/NEC, Ji Xing/LENZ, Kyowa Kirin/Ardelyx, CR Pharma/Everest Medicine and Dr Reddy’s/Novartis.

In an exclusive interview, Japanese tech giant NEC tells Scrip it is aiming for much more than the provision of IT tools in its AI-assisted Drug Discovery Initiative, hoping also to progress assets deriving from cutting-edge technology research. 

Xeotron Corp. employs light activation, digital photolithography, and parallel microfluidics in its biochip making process. The company claims that its flexible platform technology will produce DNA, protein and peptide chips at a faster rate and lower cost than its competitors.