Author: Durian

- Demonstration of the ability to automatically unload heavy cargo using a winch while in a hovering state, in a presumed isolated area- Demonstration of the ability to use the onboard camera to confirm the status of disaster victims and the damaged areas following a disasterTOKYO, Mar 5, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), in collaboration with the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA), recently participated in Nankai Rescue 2024, a disaster response training exercise organized by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's Middle Army, conducted in preparation for the occurrence of a major earthquake in the Nankai Trough.(1) Training exercises were conducted using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) currently being developed by MHI's Commercial Aviation Systems segment, specifically a small single-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (hereinafter "small-sized UAV") to assess the status of damage immediately following a disaster, and a medium-sized multirotor unmanned aerial vehicle (hereinafter "medium-sized UAV") to transport heavy cargo to disaster areas. In these drills, both the small and medium-sized UAVs were able to successfully achieve their intended objectives.The training exercise for the transport of heavy cargo to disaster areas using a medium-sized UAV demonstrated that it is possible to transport heavy relief supplies in strong winds, deliver the load to a place that is presumed to be an isolated area, and automatically lower the load using a winch. Specifically, 72 bottles of two-liter plastic bottles of drinking water (weighing 150 kg), provided by Kirin Beverage Co., Ltd. as relief supplies, were transported in strong winds with a maximum wind speed of just under 10 m/s, with the cargo held close to the UAV during takeoff and cruising to reduce wind resistance. For the unloading, while the UAV was in a hovering state, the cargo was lowered by rope with a winch, and disconnected after being placed on the ground. This was the first demonstration confirming that it is possible for a UAV to automatically unload heavy goods using a winch.(2)Training exercises were also conducted to assess the extent of damage immediately following a disaster using a small-sized UAV, demonstrating that it is possible to confirm the status of disaster victims and the damaged areas with the vehicle's onboard camera. The specifications of the drones used in these training exercises are listed below.MHI is leveraging the technologies it has cultivated through aircraft development and manufacturing to develop unmanned aerial vehicles that can be used for both civilian and defense purposes. The company will continue to conduct demonstration tests to improve safety and reliability, applying the knowledge gained to refine the specifications of UAVs. MHI is also pursuing expanded functionality, such as installing satellite communication equipment that enables communication in areas where mobile phones cannot be used, and extending the cruising range of medium-sized UAVs by developing hybrid types.Going forward, MHI aims to take advantage of the characteristics of the small-sized UAV that make it ideally suited for wide-area inspection, patrol, and monitoring missions to conduct wide-area and rapid surveys of damage in the early stages of disasters, and patrols of rivers and roads. In addition, MHI aims to use the medium-sized UAV to transport relief supplies to isolated areas, which is a challenge in the event of frequent disasters. It could also serve as an alternative to trucks and ships to enhance the efficiency of logistics on routes with low cargo volumes, such as remote islands and mountainous areas, and to transport materials for construction work in mountainous areas with limited road access, such as the construction and repair of transmission towers.MHI will continue to work to offer solutions to various challenges by using UAVs, and contribute to the realization of a safe, secure, and comfortable world.Specifications of the Medium-Sized UAV- Payload: 200kg- Cruising range: 15km (prototype), 200km (planned)- Dimensions: Overall length approx. 6m- Motive power: Battery typeHybrid type (power generated by engine) under development- Ease of transport: Can be transported by truck to takeoff/landing points- Additional equipment for demonstration testing:Specifications of the Small-Sized UAV- Single-rotor type that takes wind resistance (wind speed 20 m/s) into consideration- Dimensions: Approx. 2 m x 0.5 m x 0.9 m (length x width x height)- Flight duration: Up to 2 hours- Air speed: Cruising speed of 80 km/h (maximum 130 km/h)- Payload: 7kg (including fuel)- On-board visible light camera- Motive power: Driven by a gasoline engine(An electric motor type was used during this training because of the short flight distance, so the specifications vary slightly from the above.)(1) Nankai Rescue 2024 is a disaster response training exercise conducted in preparation for the occurrence of a major earthquake in the Nankai Trough. Held from January 13-17, 2025, in the Kinki, Tokai, Chugoku, and Shikoku region, it was one of the largest disaster response drills ever conducted, involving approximately 11,300 members of Japan's Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces (GSDF, JMSDF, and JASDF), 32 aircraft, 7 naval vessels, and numerous local governments and private companies, as well as about 210 members of the U.S. Forces in Japan. Various drills using UAVs were held on Awaji Island on January 15.(2) Source: MHIAbout MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Mar 5, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that they will conclude their co-promotion based on the co-promotion agreement in Japan regarding the orally-administered antifungal agent NAILIN® Capsules 100 mg (generic name: fosravuconazole) which is manufactured and marketed by Sato Pharmaceutical, as of March 31, 2025. Sato Pharmaceutical and Eisai have concluded a new agreement, under which Eisai will carry out promotional activities for this drug and transfer operations to Sato Pharmaceutical during a transition period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.NAILIN® Capsules 100 mg have been marketed by Sato Pharmaceutical in Japan since July 2018, with a co-promotion agreement between both companies. However, following the conclusion of the co- promotion agreement and the signing of a new agreement, Sato Pharmaceutical will independently conduct promotions starting from April 2026, following a transition period. Additionally, inrelation to this matter, Sato Pharmaceutical will pay Eisai a lump sum.About fosravuconazoleFosravuconazole is a new oral antifungal component developed by Eisai. Fosravuconazole is a prodrug that improves thesolubility and bioavailability of ravuconazole, the main active ingredient. When administered to humans, it is rapidly converted toravuconazole. Ravuconazole demonstrates antifungal activity by inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis, a membrane component of fungal cells.In Japan, Seren Pharmaceuticals Inc., which was granted exclusive development and commercialization of this drug by Eisai, has been advancing its development for onychomycosis with Sato Pharmaceutical. Sato Pharmaceutical obtained manufacturing and marketing approval in January 2018, and since July 2018, it has been marketed as Nailin Capsule 100mg.Sato Pharmaceutical and Eisai entered into a license agreement in July 2024, under which Sato Pharmaceutical will undertake the development and commercialization in Asia and Oceania* for fungal diseases.*10 ASEAN member states, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, TaiwanMedia InquiriesEisai Co., Ltd.Public Relations Department TEL: +81 (0)3-3817-5120Sato Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department TEL: +81-(0)3-5412-7354 Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Smaller "head" than the existing model, more efficient for handling subcompact mini vehicles・Domestic production allows for more focused after-sales service, as well as customization in a timely manner to meet customer needsTOKYO, Mar 4, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machinery Systems (MHI-MS), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has finalized domestic development of an autonomous car and vehicle transportation and storage system (hereafter referred to as "a vehicle transport robot") to move automobiles autonomously, and has started trial operations and endurance tests at its production plant.MHI-MS launched a collaborative project in 2021 with its partner Stanley Robotics (SR), a French venture firm, with the intention of importing the robots from France and marketing them domestically. It was later decided to produce a domestic model with Japanese specifications, allowing for more focused after-sales service in Japan, as well as customization in a timely manner to meet customer needs. With the switch to a domestic production policy, MHI-MS is pursuing measures for domestic production, including submitting applications and registering core patents in Japan.(Note1) The Japan market model has a smaller "head" than the existing model, this makes smaller vehicles easier to handle. In addition, at the customer's request, MHI-MS provides a "dress-up service" where the exterior of the head can be customized based on the customer's preference.MHI-MS has established a network of about 100 maintenance and other service bases in Japan. This hub network can also be used to provide service for vehicle transport robots. The adoption of domestic production will allow MHI-MS to provide "Made in Japan" quality with prompt after-sales service.Utilizing these robots for automated transport of finished vehicles(Note2) will greatly improve the work environment for workers engaged in vehicle transport on a regular basis, even in bad weather, extreme heat, and other harsh environments, while also responding to the demands of the logistics industry such as DX (digital transformation) and efficiency improvement.For automated valet parking(Note3) at commercial facilities, the robot will park the car in a vacant space, making it possible to turn the distant parking spaces that people tend to avoid into "close" parking spaces. It also eliminates the problem of drivers being distracted while looking for a vacant space, and causing an accident due to inattention. Further, CO2 emissions from driving vehicles through the site are suppressed, contributing to the realization of a society that is friendly to both people and the planet.Going forward, MHI-MS, as a pioneer in vehicle transport robots in Japan, will combine this innovative technology with the advanced intelligent transportation systems including traffic flow control technology, unmanned system monitoring and EV operation management technology developed by MHI Group to provide services that meet a wide range of customer needs.(1) See the following press release regarding the domestic registration of core patents. www.mhi.com/jp/news/24091101.html (Japanese)(2) The system can operate 24 hours a day year-round in automobile factories, ports, motor pools, and other compounds where vehicles need to be moved, solving the problem of a shortage of skilled drivers while at the same time delivering safe transport at low cost.(3) When the driver stops at a designated berth close to the facility, instead of having to find a parking space on their own, the vehicle transport robot moves the vehicle to a vacant space, taking over parking on behalf of the driver. The process is reversed when retrieving the vehicle, with the robot transporting the vehicle back to the berth at the time specified by the driver in advance using the smartphone app. For drivers, there is no need to find a parking space or park, and no concerns about brushing against the adjacent car when opening the door. For more information on the demonstration test of automated valet parking conducted at a commercial facility in Japan, see the following press releases. www.mhi.com/news/220613.htmlhttps://www.mhi.com/news/221118.htmlAbout MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Mar 4, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. announced today that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia has confirmed the initial decision to decline the approval of humanized anti-soluble aggregated amyloid-beta (Aβ) monoclonal antibody lecanemab (generic name) as a treatment for early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (mild cognitive impairment due to AD and mild AD dementia).In October 2024, the TGA made the decision not to register lecanemab in Australia for the treatment of patients with early AD. In December 2024, Eisai requested reconsideration of the decision, proposing to the TGA the same apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) noncarrier and heterozygote indication that was agreed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA). In the course of the reconsideration of the initial decision, the TGA proposed an alternative narrow therapeutic indication only for ApoE4 noncarriers as an increasing number of ApoE4 alleles is a potential risk factor for ARIA. They did not agree that safety has been established for ApoE4 heterozygotes. Eisai proposed alternative indications, one of which was to maintain the ApoE4 noncarrier and heterozygote indication, but with heterozygotes treated in specialist centers and supervised by physicians with expertise in treatment of AD and monitoring for ARIA; however, the TGA rejected our proposal. “We are extremely disappointed and surprised by the TGA’s decision and understand that the AD community in Australia may also feel disheartened, especially given that eleven countries and regions across the globe have granted marketing authorization. We tried earnestly to reach a compromise with the TGA on an indication that would adequately represent the data in the application but were unfortunately unsuccessful at this time,” said Lynn Kramer, M.D., Chief Clinical Officer at Eisai. “The TGA proposed a narrow indication that would limit access to only ApoE4 noncarriers. This indication would deny approximately two-thirds (~70%) of all potentially eligible patients access to a treatment that could slow the progression of AD. Eisai believes ApoE4 heterozygote carriers should at least also have access to lecanemab given the similar benefit-risk profile to the noncarrier population. Therefore, we could not accept this restrictive indication as it is not patient-centric. Given this outcome, we are deeply concerned that Australians living with Alzheimer’s disease will not have access to a treatment that slows the progression of early Alzheimer’s disease by targeting its underlying causes. Eisai remains committed to ensuring eligible Australians with early Alzheimer’s disease can access lecanemab and is exploring options to achieve this, including potentially seeking review by the Administrative Review Tribunal.”In Australia, the number of people living with dementia was estimated to be approximately 411,000 in 2023, and is reported to increase to approximately 849,000 by 2058.1 AD is considered the most common cause of dementia, typically accounting for 60-70% of cases.2 AD progresses over time in stages with increasingly severe symptoms that greatly impact not only those who are living with AD, but also their loved ones, care partners and society. There is a significant unmet need for new treatment options that slow down the progression of AD from its early stage.=Aβ which is involved in the onset of AD, gradually aggregates in the brain 15 to 20 years before symptoms appear, eventually forming insoluble plaques, a pathological feature of AD. AD is a progressive, relentless disease caused by a continuous underlying neurotoxic process that begins before and continues after plaque removal.3,4,5 Only lecanemab works to fight AD in two ways: continuously clearing protofibrils* ,the most toxic Aβ species, and rapidly clearing plaque. This mechanism has been shown to reduce the rate of disease progression and to slow cognitive and functional decline. Lecanemab has been approved in the U.S., Japan, China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Macau and Oman. Regulatory filings for the treatment have been made in the EU and 17 other countries and regions. In the EU, in February 2025, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use reaffirmed its positive opinion for lecanemab in early AD, adopted in November 2024, and the European Commission is proceeding with the decision-making process for lecanemab’s marketing authorization.Eisai serves as the lead for lecanemab’s development and regulatory submissions globally with Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.*Protofibrils are believed to contribute to the brain injury that occurs with AD and are considered to be the most toxic form of Aβ, having a primary role in the cognitive decline associated with this progressive, debilitating condition.6Protofibrils cause injury to neurons in the brain, which in turn, can negatively impact cognitive function via multiple mechanisms, not only increasing the development of insoluble Aβ plaques but also increasing direct damage to brain cell membranes and the connections that transmit signals between nerve cells or nerve cells and other cells. It is believed the reduction of protofibrils may prevent the progression of AD by reducing damage to neurons in the brain and cognitive dysfunction.7About lecanemabLecanemab is the result of a strategic research alliance between Eisai and BioArctic. It is a humanized immunoglobulin gamma 1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against aggregated soluble (protofibril) and insoluble forms of amyloid-beta (Aβ).Lecanemab is approved in the U.S.,8 Japan,9 China,10 South Korea,11 Hong Kong,12 Israel,13 the United Arab Emirates,14the United Kingdom,15 Mexico16, Macau and Oman. Eisai has submitted applications for approval of lecanemab in 17 countries and regions. In the EU, in February 2025, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use reaffirmed its positive opinion for lecanemab in early AD, adopted in November 2024, and the European Commission is proceeding with the decision-making process for lecanemab’s marketing authorization. In January 2025, the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for intravenous (IV) maintenance dosing of the treatment was approved in the U.S. After an 18 months initiation phase with once every two weeks of dosing, a transition to the maintenance dosing regimen of 10 mg/kg once every four weeks or continuing 10 mg/kg once every two weeks may be considered. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted Eisai’s Supplemental Biologics License (BLA) for the LEQEMBI subcutaneous autoinjector for weekly maintenance dosing in January 2025 and set a PDUFA action date for August 31, 2025.Since July 2020 the Phase 3 clinical study (AHEAD 3-45) for individuals with preclinical AD, meaning they are clinically normal and have intermediate or elevated levels of amyloid in their brains, is ongoing. AHEAD 3-45 is conducted as a public-private partnership between the Alzheimer's Clinical Trial Consortium that provides the infrastructure for academic clinical trials in AD and related dementias in the U.S, funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, Eisai and Biogen. Since January 2022, the Tau NexGen clinical study for Dominantly Inherited AD (DIAD), that is conducted by Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU), led by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is ongoing and includes lecanemab as the backbone anti-amyloid therapy.About the Collaboration between Eisai and Biogen for ADEisai and Biogen have been collaborating on the joint development and commercialization of AD treatments since 2014. Eisai serves as the lead of lecanemab development and regulatory submissions globally with Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority.About the Collaboration between Eisai and BioArctic for ADSince 2005, Eisai and BioArctic have had a long-term collaboration regarding the development and commercialization of AD treatments. Eisai obtained the global rights to study, develop, manufacture and market lecanemab for the treatment of AD pursuant to an agreement with BioArctic in December 2007. The development and commercialization agreement on the antibody lecanemab back-up was signed in May 2015.About Eisai Co., Ltd.Eisai's Corporate Concept is "to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides." Under this Concept (also known as human health care (hhc) Concept), we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology.In addition, we demonstrate our commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by working on various activities together with global partners.For more information about Eisai, please visit www.eisai.com (for global headquarters: Eisai. Co., Ltd.), us.eisai.com (for U.S. headquarters: Eisai, Inc.) or www.eisai.eu (for Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, Australia and New Zealand headquarters: Eisai Europe Ltd.), and connect with us on X (global and U.S), LinkedIn (for global, U.S.and EMEA) and Facebook (global).About BiogenFounded in 1978, Biogen is a leading biotechnology company that pioneers innovative science to deliver new medicines to transform patients’ lives and to create value for shareholders and our communities. We apply deep understanding of human biology and leverage different modalities to advance first-in-class treatments or therapies that deliver superior outcomes. Our approach is to take bold risks, balanced with return on investment to deliver long-term growth.The company routinely posts information that may be important to investors on its website at www.biogen.com. Follow Biogen on social media – Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube Biogen Safe HarborThis news release contains forward-looking statements, including about the potential clinical effects of lecanemab; the potential benefits, safety and efficacy of lecanemab; potential regulatory discussions, submissions and approvals and the timing thereof; the treatment of Alzheimer's disease; the anticipated benefits and potential of Biogen's collaboration arrangements with Eisai; the potential of Biogen's commercial business and pipeline programs, including lecanemab; and risks and uncertainties associated with drug development and commercialization. These forward-looking statements may be accompanied by such words as “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “hope,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “prospect,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words and terms of similar meaning. Drug development and commercialization involve a high degree of risk, and only a small number of research and development programs result in commercialization of a product. Results in early-stage clinical trials may not be indicative of full results or results from later stage or larger scale clinical trials and do not ensure regulatory approval. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Given their forward-looking nature, these statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that may be based on inaccurate assumptions and could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Given their nature, we cannot assure that any outcome expressed in these forward-looking statements will be realized in whole or in part. We caution that these statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control and could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document, including, among others, uncertainty of long-term success in developing, licensing, or acquiring other product candidates or additional indications for existing products; expectations, plans and prospects relating to product approvals, approvals of additional indications for our existing products, sales, pricing, growth, reimbursement and launch of our marketed and pipeline products; our ability to effectively implement our corporate strategy; the successful execution of our strategic and growth initiatives, including acquisitions; the risk that positive results in a clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent or confirmatory trials or success in early stage clinical trials may not be predictive of results in later stage or large scale clinical trials or trials in other potential indications; risks associated with clinical trials, including our ability to adequately manage clinical activities, unexpected concerns that may arise from additional data or analysis obtained during clinical trials, regulatory authorities may require additional information or further studies, or may fail to approve or may delay approval of our drug candidates; the occurrence of adverse safety events, restrictions on use with our products, or product liability claims; and any other risks and uncertainties that are described in other reports we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on information and estimates available to us at this time. Should known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, actual results could vary materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and in our subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and Form 10-K, in each case including in the sections thereof captioned “Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in our subsequent reports on Form 8-K. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.References(1) Dementia in Australia https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dementia/dementia-in-aus/contents/population-health-impacts-of-dementia/prevalence-of-dementia(New Window)(2) World Health Organization. Dementia Fact Sheet. March 2023. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia(New Window).(3) Eisai presents full results of lecanemab Phase 3 confirmatory Clarity AD study for early Alzheimer's disease at Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) conference. Available at: https://www.eisai.co.jp/news/2022/news202285.html(New Window)(4) van Dyck, H., et al. Lecanemab in Early Alzheimer’s Disease. New England Journal of Medicine. 2023;388:9-21. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2212948(New Window).(5) Hampel H, Hardy J, Blennow K, et al. The amyloid-β pathway in Alzheimer’s disease. Mol Psychiatry. 2021;26(10):5481-5503.(6) Amin L, Harris DA. Aβ receptors specifically recognize molecular features displayed by fibril ends and neurotoxic oligomers. Nat Commun. 2021;12:3451. doi:10.1038/s41467-021-23507-z(7) Ono K, Tsuji M. Protofibrils of Amyloid-β are Important Targets of a Disease-Modifying Approach for Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(3):952. doi: 10.3390/ijms21030952. PMID: 32023927; PMCID: PMC7037706.(8) U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2023. FDA Converts Novel Alzheimer's Disease Treatment to Traditional Approval. Last accessed: October 2024.(9) Reuters. 2023. Japan approves Alzheimer's treatment Leqembi by Eisai and Biogen. Last accessed: October 2024.(10) The Pharma Letter. 2024. Brief - Alzheimer drug Leqembi now approved in China. Last accessed: October 2024.(11) Pharmaceutical Technology. 2024. South Korea's MFDS approves Eisai-Biogen's LEQEMBI for Alzheimer's. Last accessed: October 2024.(12) Pharmaceutical Technology. 2024. Hong Kong approves Leqembi for Alzheimer's treatment. Last accessed: October 2024.(13) BioSpace. 2024. Leqembi approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in Israel. Last accessed: October 2024.(14) United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health & Prevention. 2024. Registered Medical Product Directory. Leqembi. Last accessed: October 2024.(15) BioSpace. 2024. Leqembi authorized for early Alzheimer's disease in Great Britain. Last accessed: October 2024.(16) COFEPRIS authorizes innovative treatment for Alzheimer’s patients. Available at: https://bit.ly/3OKks6Y(New Window). Last accessed: December 2024.MEDIA CONTACTSEisaiEisai Co., Ltd.Public Relations DepartmentTEL: +81 (0)3-3817-5120Eisai Europe, Ltd.(UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Russia)EMEA Communications Department+44 (0) 797 487 9419Emea-comms@eisai.netEisai Inc. (U.S.)Libby Holman+1-201-753-1945Libby_Holman@eisai.comEisai Co., Ltd.Public Relations DepartmentTEL: +81 (0)3-3817-5120Eisai Europe, Ltd.(UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Russia)EMEA Communications Department+44 (0) 797 487 9419Emea-comms@eisai.netEisai Inc. (U.S.)Libby Holman+1-201-753-1945Libby_Holman@eisai.comBiogen Inc.Jack Cox+ 1-781-464-3260public.affairs@biogen.com Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, March 4, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Prideone Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo; CEO: Yasushi Akutagawa) has announced the concept for a new film tentatively titled "Fellers" to mark the 80th anniversary of the post-war era.Akutagawa said, "Fellers is an epic historical spectacle that looks behind the scenes of history from the perspective that it was an American officer, Bonner Fellers, and a group of Christians who saved the Emperor immediately after World War II."Akutagawa, who was the original planner and producer of the 2012 American-Japanese film Emperor (with a production budget of 3 billion yen), also focused on Bonner Fellers in that film. However, various interpretations were incorporated, and the final cut differed considerably from the original idea. The film became a love story between Bonner Fellers, played by Matthew Fox, and an imaginary Japanese lover.In response, various individuals, including Yoshiko Isshiki, former chairperson of Keisen Women's School, strongly suggested that a true-to-history depiction of Fellers be made in this 80th year since the end of the war. This led Akutagawa to create a new film from the fresh perspective. A Japanese director has been chosen for the project, and an original script based on historical facts has already been completed.Post-war Japan began on August 30, 1945, when General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, landed in Japan and started the full-scale American occupation. MacArthur initiated mass arrests of war criminals and began activities to prosecute them. In the United States, there were strong calls from both the government and public to prosecute the Emperor. On the other hand, MacArthur considered the construction of an "anti-communist bulwark" in the Far East to be of utmost importance. He also eyed a future political career and a potential presidential run, so he felt that he needed to achieve success in post-war governance of Japan at all costs. From this viewpoint, he believed that arresting and executing the Emperor would gain him popular support. MacArthur ordered his subordinates to gather evidence that the Emperor had played a decisive role in Japan’s decision to go to war, including the attack on Pearl Harbor. Meanwhile, Bonner Fellers, an American officer with a deep knowledge of Japan, was tasked by MacArthur to investigate. Fellers, who had become acquainted with Yuri Isshiki before the war, was persuaded by the writings of Lafcadio Hearn, a renowned writer he was introduced to by Yuri, and believed that the Emperor should not be executed. Fellers immediately began searching for the whereabouts of Yuri and her mentor, Michi Kawai. This marked the beginning of a grand political drama and historical spectacle that would lay the foundations for what is now modern Japan. Had these events not unfolded as they did, Japan as we know it might not have existed.Currently, the project is progressing with filming planned for 2027 (in Japan and New Zealand) and release in the fall of 2028. Prideone Entertainment is forecasting a production budget of 4 billion yen, with an additional 1 billion yen for prints and advertising, and is seeking financing options.About the Producer and Executive Producer, Yasushi Akutagawa:Born April 3, 1956, in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. He graduated from the Film Department of the College of Art at Nihon University. Akutagawa started making 8mm films while attending Kumamoto Prefectural Seiseiko High School and decided to pursue a career in film production at university. After graduation, he worked at a major advertising agency before founding Prideone Entertainment Co., Ltd. Since then, he has been involved in producing a wide range of projects in film, television, theater, and radio.Notable Works:- 1991: Futari (Starring: Hikari Ishida) Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi- 1995: Ashita (Starring: Kaori Takahashi, Yasufumi Hayashi) Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi- 1998: Kaze no Uta ga Kikitai (Starring: Ryo Amamiya, Yuri Nakae, Tokyo International Film Festival Special Invitation) Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi- 1999: Ano Natsu no Hi (Starring: Keiju Kobayashi, Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival Special Invitation) Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi- 2000: Den'en no Ytsu (Starring: Tomokazu Miura, Mitsuko Baisho, Tokyo International Film Festival Special Invitation) Directed by Keisuke Kawahara- 2013: Emperor (Starring: Matthew Fox) Directed by Peter WebberFor inquiries:Prideone Entertainment Co., Ltd.https://yasushi-akutagawa.studio.site/PR: Tsukiokaakidiginfo@gmail.com Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.