Yamaha Displays CELL HANDLER™ at the SLAS2018

Cell Picking and Imaging System Displayed at SLAS2018


SAN DIEGO, Feb. 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Tokyo:7272) displayed a CELL HANDLERTM[1] cell[2] picking and imaging system (https://global.yamaha-motor.com/business/hc/) that is designed to be a viable medical tool in cancer and stem cell research at the SLAS2018 (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening) conference in San Diego, California, last week.

The CELL HANDLER provides an innovative high speed and high precision platform for automated cell selection, picking, and imaging to replace the conventional manual method. Its range of applications was recently expanded and now enables selecting and picking iPS cells, transfected single cells, and furthermore, can efficiently, rapidly and accurately pick target spheroids/organoids cultured in gels.

The CELL HANDLER was displayed at SLAS2018, an international exhibition featuring research presentations and forums dedicated to laboratory automation and drug candidate screening. Yuichi Hikichi Ph.D., General Manager of Yamaha’s Medical Device Business Development Division, was on hand to present the machine to attendees. The show is aimed at specialists in the fields of preclinical research such as pharmaceutical drug discovery.

In addition to displaying the CELL HANDLER, Yamaha Motor provided an “AI Experience” at SLAS2018. Visitors were able to experience the process in which the CELL HANDLER learns which cells to pick using artificial intelligence (AI). Presentations also introduced examples of joint research on cancer biomarkers, and applications of the CELL HANDLER. These were presented by Ron de Jong, PhD, who has led cell-screening groups in multiple biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Showcasing the CELL HANDLER, which enables high-throughput screening and testing of single cell and multicellular aggregates, attracted many specialist visitors. Yamaha Motor aims to spread awareness of the device and contribute to the development of therapeutic drugs, as well as the acceleration of precision medicine and cost reduction of developing future medicines.

About Yamaha Motor:

Yamaha Motor (TOKYO:7272) is a world-leading producer of motorcycles, ATV and Side-by-Side recreational products, marine products, power products, electric-assist bicycles and intelligent machinery. The company’s diverse business and wide variety of products are built around its proprietary technologies focused on small engines, chassis & hull and electronic control. Yamaha Motor conducts global development, production and marketing operations through 140 subsidiaries and equity-method affiliates in 30 countries. About 90% of consolidated net sales are generated in more than 200 countries outside of Japan. The company is steadily restructuring its global engineering, manufacturing and marketing capabilities for sustainable long-term growth. Please visit https://global.yamaha-motor.com/.

1. For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
2. In this press release, "cell" refers to a single cell and/or aggregated cells including spheroid and organoid.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Naoto Horie
PR Group, Corporate Communication Division, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd Japan
horien@yamaha-motor.co.jp

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f41344ec-b4d1-403b-a2bb-854c2dcde918

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CELL HANDLER Yamaha CELL HANDLER Precision Chamber Yamaha CELL HANDLER Precision Tip Yuichi Hikichi Ph.D., General Manager of Yamaha’s Medical Device Business Development Division