Eisai Co., Ltd, a research-based pharmaceutical company, and Sysmex Corporation, engaged in the health care business, have entered into a comprehensive non-exclusive collaboration agreement aimed at the creation of new diagnostics in the field of dementia.

While diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is sometimes made by using tests such as brain imaging examinations and cerebrospinal fluid examinations, various issues such as the insufficient number of facilities for examinations, the high cost, and the invasiveness of the testing remain to be addressed. As such, there is a need for the development of technologies that will enable diagnoses to be made in a manner that is easy, affordable and less invasive.

Sysmex possesses diverse expertise and know-how in the field of clinical diagnostics as well as effective technologies for highly sensitive detection of genetic, protein and cellular biomarkers in blood samples. Meanwhile, Eisai has a wealth of experience and knowledge cultivated though more than 30 years of drug discovery activities in the field of dementia as well as providing product-related information for the Alzheimer's disease/dementia with Lewy bodies treatment Aricept.

Leveraging each other's technologies and knowledge, the two companies aim to discover next-generation diagnostics that will enable early diagnosis, selection of treatment options and the regular monitoring of the effects of treatment for dementia. In collaboration with Eisai, Sysmex will lead the development of diagnostics, and will exclusively market these diagnostics worldwide after receiving regulatory approval. Eisai will receive payments for meeting development milestones, launching products, as well as royalties on sales, and Eisai will utilize these next-generation diagnostics for drug discovery and development in the field of dementia.

Through this collaboration, Eisai and Sysmex aim to create new value in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dementia, and to further contribute to addressing the diverse needs of, and increasing the benefits provided to, patients and their families.

Indication of Aricept for the treatment of dementia with Lewy bodies is approved only in Japan.