TOKYO, Nov 20, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), and NEC Networks & System Integration Corporation (NESIC), will begin demonstration testing in December to increase the cooling capacity of data centers without major modifications to existing facilities by introducing high-performance servers equipped with two-phase direct-to-chip cooling(1) systems to data centers currently in operation. The demonstration test is being conducted in response to the adoption of a proposal to introduce systems using MHI's two-phase direct-to-chip cooling to the data center, for a project from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs to support the early practical application of technologies to advance the establishment of GX-related industries. This demonstration aims to achieve energy savings in server power consumption and reducing CO2 emissions by utilizing existing data center facilities.1. BackgroundWith the spread of generative AI and other technologies, the use of high-performance processors such as GPUs is increasing, necessitating the reinforcement of equipment due to the large power consumption and high heat output. To accommodate high-performance servers equipped with these processors, newly built data centers can adopt the latest cooling solutions. On the other hand, replacing existing equipment is challenging, and increased capital investment was an issue. Accordingly, there is a need for solutions that can reduce capital investment by effectively utilizing the facilities in existing data centers, reduce power consumption, and meet the cooling requirements of high heat generating servers.2. Outline of the Demonstration TestThis demonstration will implement the cooling of high-performance servers using two-phase direct chip cooling provided by MHI in an operational air-cooled data center located in Tokyo, operated by NTT Com. In two-phase direct-to-chip cooling, an insulating refrigerant other than water is circulated in a two-phase (liquid/gas) manner to a cold plate on the processor inside the server for cooling. Since water is not used, there is no concern of malfunction even if the refrigerant leaks inside the server. In addition, the heat from the processor is efficiently dissipated, and the autonomous control of refrigerant circulation enhances power efficiency by using the two-phase cooling. NESIC will work with MHI to build the IT equipment and demonstrate the server operation. The test will demonstrate that the application of two-phase direct-to-chip cooling systems in conventional air-cooled data centers will enable the introduction of high-performance servers in currently operating data centers without major modifications to existing facilities.3. Roles of each companyMHI: Project management, supply of two-phase direct-to-chip cooling system, and demonstration testingNTT Com: Supply of data center servicesNESIC: Server procurement, IT load and operation testing4. Future ProspectsMHI Group will provide a one-stop data center utility solution for highly reliable and high efficiency power supply units, cooling systems, monitoring systems, and integrated control systems to meet the expected growth in AI data centers market. By using Green ICT, MHI Group aims to contribute to the realization of a carbon neutral world and the conservation of the global environment.NTT Com, to realize a sustainable world, is advancing the adoption of solutions that utilize two-phase direct-to-chip cooling, as well as IOWN APN(2), and Green Nexcenter®, a colocation service that supports liquid-cooled server devices. By leveraging green ICT, NTT Com will meet customer needs for generative AI and high-performance GPUs, as well as the new communication network IOWN APN.NESIC will leverage its strength in comprehensive system integration capabilities to develop and support solutions for next-generation data centers that contribute to carbon neutrality, and contribute to the conservation of the global environment.(1) Two-phase direct-to-chip cooling is a technology in which an insulating refrigerant is circulated in a two-phase manner to a cold plate on a semiconductor chip (processor) inside a server, for cooling without using water.(2) IOWN is a network and information processing platform that utilizes optical-related technologies and information processing technologies for the realization of a smart society. "IOWN®" is a trademark or registered trademark of Japan Telegraph and Telephone Corporation. APN is an all-optical network that utilizes photonics-based technologies across the entire system, from the network to the terminal.Related LinksDirect-to-chip cooling solutions introduction websitewww.mhi.com/products/infrastructure/direct_chip.html Companies selected to receive support of practical application of new GX-related technologieswww.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tosei/hodohappyo/press/2024/10/01/18.html (Japanese) [Press Release] "NTT Com Launches "Green Nexcenter™" Ultra Energy-Saving Data Center Service Compatible with Liquid-Cooled Server Equipment"https://www.ntt.com/about-us/press-releases/news/article/2023/1004_2.html About 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 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Nov 20, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment “Rozebalamin® for Injection25 mg” (mecobalamin) has been launched in Japan as a treatment for slowing progression of functionalimpairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The product received manufacturing and marketing approval in Japan on September 24, 2024, and was published in Japan’s National Health Insurance Drug Price List today.This approval is based on the results of JETALS (The Japan Early-Stage Trial of Ultrahigh-Dose Methylcobalamin for ALS),multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized Phase III clinical trial in 130 patients with ALS, that was conducted as an investigator-initiated trial by a research team with Extraordinary Professor Ryuji Kaji (Principal Investigator), Tokushima University, and Professor Yuishin Izumi (Coordinating Investigator), the Department of Neurology,Tokushima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and Professor Satoshi Kuwabara (Coordinating Investigator), the Department of Neurology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine.1ALS is an intractable, progressive, neurodegenerative disease that results in severe muscle atrophy and weakness in the muscles due to motor neuron dysfunction. As the main cause of death is respiratory failure due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles, without the use of an artificial respirator, death occurs within approximately 2 to 5 years from the onset of the disease.2 The number of patients in Japan is estimated to be approximately10,000.2 Currently, there is no curative treatment established for ALS, and since there are only limited number of medicines approved in Japan and abroad, this is a disease with significant unmet medical needs.Eisai considers neurology a therapeutic area of focus. As a human healthcare company, Eisai is committed to further addressing the diverse needs of, and increasing the benefits of, patients and their families by providing Rozebalamin as a new treatment option for ALS patients.Product OutlineProduct name: Rozebalamin® for Injection 25 mg Generic name: MecobalaminIndication for use: Slowing progression of functional impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosisDosage and administration: The usual dose of mecobalamin in adults is 50 mg a day, twice a week, injected intramuscularly.National Health Insurance (NHI) Drug Price: Rozebalamin® for Injection 25 mg 1 vial 10,425 JPY Packaging: Rozebalamin® for Injection 25 mg 8 vialsAbout Rozebalamin (generic name: mecobalamin, development code: E0302)Mecobalamin is approved and marketed as Methycobal®, a 500 µg injection of mecobalamin indicated for the treatmentof peripheral neuropathies and megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. Methycobal is also approved as a tablet formulation (250 µg and 500 µg) as well as a fine granule formulation (0.1%) indicated for the treatment of peripheral neuropathies. While the mechanism of action of mecobalamin against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not known, it has been suggested in non-clinical research that mecobalamin may have efficacy through a neuroprotective effect and regeneration of nerve axons. Since the 1990s, clinical research has been carried out by a study group on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, suggested that ultrahigh-dose mecobalamin, which is respectively 50 and 100 times the approved dosage of Methycobal, could have a clinical effect in ALS, and Eisai then conducted the Phase II/III clinical trial (Study 761) from 2006. Eisai submitted a new drug application in May 2015 but the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) indicated that additional clinical trials were necessary.After obtaining favorable results in the investigator-initiated Phase III trial JETALS, and following consultation withTokushima University, Eisai submitted a new drug application for the treatment of ALS in Japan in January 2024, leading to its approval in September, 2024 and leading to the launch today. In May 2022, Rozebalamin received orphan drug designation from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.About Japan Early-stage Trial of Ultrahigh-Dose Methylcobalamin for ALS (JETALS)The Japan Early-stage Trial of Ultrahigh-Dose Methylcobalamin for ALS (JETALS) is an investigator-initiated study conducted as a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized Phase III clinical trial to verify the efficacy and safety of high-dose methylcobalamin (mecobalamin) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).1Mecobalamin 50 mg or placebo was administered intramuscularly twice weekly for 16 weeks to 130 ALS patients who had suffered from ALS for less than one year, were classified as “definite”, “probable”, or “probable- laboratory supported” according to the Updated Awaji Criteria, had an ALS severity rating of grade 1 or 2, had a decrease of 1 or 2 points inthe total score on the Revised ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) 12 weeks prior to administration, and had a forced vital capacity (%FVC) of more than 60%.3The primary endpoint was the change in ALSFRS-R total score from the end of the observation period to week 16 of the treatment period. The change was -2.7 [95% confidence interval (CI): -3.9, -1.5] in the mecobalamin50 mg group and -4.6 [95% CI: -5.8, -3.4] in the placebo group, with a difference in change of 2.0 (95% CI: 0.4, 3.5; p=0.012), verifying the superiority of mecobalamin 50 mg over placebo.3 The adverse drug reaction incidence rate was 1.6% (1/64 cases) in the placebo group and 7.7% (5/65 cases) in the mecobalamin 50 mg group. Adverse drugreactions observed in the mecobalamin 50 mg group were constipation, injection site pain, fever, electrocardiogram QT prolongation, and rash, occurring in 1.5% (1/65 cases) each.3(1) Oki R, et al. Efficacy and safety of ultrahigh-dose methylcobalamin in early-stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Neurol. 2022;79(6):575-583.(2) Japan Intractable Diseases Information Center, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Designated intractable disease (2). https://www.nanbyou.or.jp/entry/52. Last accessed: September 2024. (Japanese only)(3) Information stated in the package insert.Media Inquiries:Public Relations Department, Eisai Co., Ltd.+81-(0)3-3817-5120 Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Nov 20, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that it has launched fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor “TASFYGO® Tablets 35mg” (generic name: tasurgratinib succinate) in Japan for the treatment of patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer with FGFR2 gene fusions or rearrangements that progressed after cancer chemotherapy. The product received manufacturing and marketing approval in Japan on September 24, 2024, and was published in Japan’s National Health Insurance Drug Price List today.Discovered in-house by Eisai’s Tsukuba Research Laboratories, TASFYGO is an orally available novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor that demonstrates selective inhibitory activity against FGFR1, FGFR2 and FGFR3.The approval of TASFYGO in Japan is based on data such as the results of a multicenter, open-label, single- arm clinical phase II trial (Study 201) conducted by Eisai in Japan and China.1 A companion diagnostic test to detect FGFR2 gene fusions or rearrangements for the use of TASFYGO in biliary tract cancer, “AmoyDx® FGFR2 Break-apart FISH Probe Kit” by Nihon Stery, Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo) was approved in August 2024.(2)The estimated number of patients in Japan with biliary tract cancer is approximately 22,000,(3),(4) with approximately 25% of the five-year relative survival rate,(3) making it an intractable cancer with the second worst prognosis following pancreatic cancer. Since drug therapy options are limited in comparison with other cancers, it is a disease with significant unmet medical needs. FGFR2 gene fusions or rearrangements are observed in approximately 5-14% of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, which accounts for 15-30% of biliary tract cancers.(5),(6),(7) FGFR genetic aberrations such as the gene fusions are known to be deeply involved in the proliferation, survival and migration of cancer cells as well as tumor angiogenesis and drug resistance. As these genetic aberrations in FGFRs have been observed in various other types of cancers as well as biliary tract cancer, there is growing interest in FGFRs as a promising target for cancer therapy.TASFYGO is produced at the Kawashima Industrial Park (Gifu Prefecture), using innovative Continuous Manufacturing and Real Time Release Testing, a manufacturing technology that ensures product quality within production processes. Continuous Manufacturing is a production method in which processing is carried out continuously from raw material input to formulation. By incorporating real-time quality monitoring technology, multiple manufacturing processes are integrated, enabling automatic production. This method allows for higher quality control compared to conventional processes that focus on product release testing, by utilizing data within the manufacturing process and reducing human-error through automation.Eisai aims to make continuous efforts to meet the diversified needs of and increase the benefits provided to patients with cancer, their families, and healthcare professionals, by delivering TASFYGO as a new treatment option for biliary tract cancer with FGFR2 gene fusions or rearrangements.Product InformationBrand name: TASFYGO® Tablets 35mg Generic name: Tasurgratinib succinateIndications: Unresectable biliary tract cancer with FGFR2 gene fusions or rearrangements that progressed after cancer chemotherapyDosage and Administration: The usual adult dose of tasurgratinib is 140mg orally once daily under fasting conditions. The dose may be reduced appropriately according to the condition of the patient.National Health Insurance (NHI) Drug Price: TASFYGO Tablets 35 mg: ¥ 15,378.70 (per 1 tablet) Packaging: TASFYGO Tablets 35 mg: 56 tablets (14 tablet PTP sheet X 4)About “TASFYGO® Tablets 35mg” (tasurgratinib succinate, Development Code: E7090)Discovered in-house by Eisai’s Tsukuba Research Laboratories, TASFYGO is an orally available novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor that demonstrates selective inhibitory activity against fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFR) FGFR1, FGFR2 and FGFR3. Distinct from prior known FGFR inhibitors, TASFYGO has a basic structure which lacks the dimethoxyphenyl moiety, and in a kinetic interaction analysis study, it was observed that TASFYGO demonstrates antitumor activities due to inhibition of kinase activity with a binding mode (Type V) that exhibits rapid and potent binding as well as high selectivity to FGFR.(8),(9)In non-clinical studies for biliary tract cancer, NIH/3T3 cells expressing FGFR2-AHCYL1, FGFR2-KCTD1, FGFR2-BICC1 or FGFR2-TXLNA as FGFR2-fusion genes, provided by the National Cancer Center Japan, were used. The antitumor activity of TASFYGO against FGFR2 gene fusion-positive cancers was confirmed in these models by evaluating its effect on anchorage-independent growth and subcutaneously transplanted tumor growth in mice.(9)A Phase I clinical trial is underway in Japan in patients with estrogen receptor-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer.About Real Time Release TestingReal Time Release Testing is a quality control approach that ensures the quality of final products based on data from within the manufacturing process. Applying Real Time Release Testing requires a quality design approach based on Quality by Design (QbD), an advanced development method for manufacturing processes. QbD is a development method that emphasizes process control based on profound understanding of manufacturing processes, rather than conventional quality assurance methods which mainly focus on product release testing.Eisai integrates Process Analytical Technology (PAT) into QbD to achieve a higher level of quality control by managing critical attributes of pharmaceuticals within the production process.(1) Furuse J. et al. Pivotal single-arm, phase 2 trial of tasurgratinib for patients with fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)-2 gene fusion-positive cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). 2024 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium; Abstract No. 471. https://ascopubs.org/doi/pdf/10.1200/JCO.2024.42.3_suppl.471(2) AmoyDx® FGFR2 Break-apart FISH Probe Kit Approved as Companion Diagnostic for Eisai’s Tasurgratinib in Japan. Available at: https://www.amoydiagnostics.com/about/press-releases/245 Last accessed: September 2024.(3) Latest statistics, Cancer Information Service, National Cancer Center, Japan. (Japanese only)(4) The 23rd Follow-up Survey Reports for Primary Liver Cancer Cases in Japan (2014-2015), 2023. (Japanese only)(5) Arai Y. et al., Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 tyrosine kinase fusions define a unique molecular subtype of cholangiocarcinoma, Hepatology, 2014, 59, 1427-1434.(6) Maruki Y. et al., Molecular detection and clinicopathological characteristics of advanced/recurrent biliary tract carcinomas harboring the FGFR2 rearrangements: a prospective observational study (PRELUDE Study), J Gastroenterol. 2021; 56(3), 250-260.(7) Tsujie M. et al., Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusions in Japanese patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, Jpn J Clin Oncol. 2021; 51(6): 911-917.(8) Miyano SW. et al., E7090, a Novel Selective Inhibitor of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors, Displays Potent Antitumor Activity and Prolongs Survival in Preclinical Models, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, 2016, 15, 2630-2639.(9) Kawano S. et al., Antitumor Activity of Tasurgratinib as an Orally Available FGFR1-3 Inhibitor in Cholangiocarcinoma Models With FGFR2-fusion, Anticancer Research, 2024, 44, 2393-2406.Media Inquiries:Public Relations Department, Eisai Co., Ltd.+81-(0)3-3817-5120 Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTSRMB’000 (Unaudited)For the three months ended30 September 202430 September202330 June2024Revenue2,914,7852,059,6792,473,766- Office Software and Services1,206,8151,098,3251,187,730- Online Games and Others1,707,970961,3541,286,036Gross Profit2,454,4441,676,8542,042,035Operating Profit1,144,118376,073794,037Profit Attributable to Owners of the Parent413,44928,492393,353Basic Earnings per Share (RMB)0.310.020.29HONG KONG, Nov 19, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Kingsoft Corporation Limited (“Kingsoft” or the “Company”; Stock Code: 03888.HK), a leading software and internet services company in China, has announced its unaudited quarterly results for the three months ended September 30, 2024 (“period under review”).During the period under review, the revenue of Kingsoft increased by 42% year-on-year and 18% quarter-on-quarter to RMB2,914.8 million. Revenue from the office software and services represented 41% and online games and others represented 59% of total revenue. Gross profit increased 46% year-on-year to RMB2,454.4 million. Operating profit before share-based compensation costs surged by 168% year-on-year and increased by 37% quarter-on-quarter to RMB1,202.4 million.Mr. Jun LEI, Chairman of Kingsoft, commented, “In the third quarter, our core businesses made steady progress, further solidifying our market presence. Kingsoft Office Group remains dedicated to R&D of AI and collaboration, empowering individual and institutional customers with technological innovation, bringing users a one-stop AI-empowered office experience, and promoting the application of new productive forces within the office services sector. With respect to online games business, we continue to refine our classic JX online series and actively expand into new game genres.”Mr. Tao ZOU, Chief Executive Officer of Kingsoft, added, “In the third quarter, fueled by the robust performance of our game products, the Group achieved significant growth in both total revenue and operating profit, both reaching a record high. Total revenue amounted to RMB2,914.8 million, representing year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter increases of 42% and 18% respectively. Revenue from online games and others business reached RMB1,708.0 million, representing a notable year-on-year increase of 78% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 33%. Revenue from the office software and services business amounted to RMB1,206.8 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 10% and quarter-on-quarter growth of 2%. The operating profit of the Group surged to RMB1,144.1 million, demonstrating a substantial 204% year-on-year and a 44% quarter-on-quarter growth.”BUSINESS REVIEWOffice Software and ServicesFor the third quarter of 2024, revenue from the office software and services business increased by 10% year-on-year and 2% quarter-on-quarter to RMB1,206.8million. The year-on-year increase was mainly due to the growth of Kingsoft Office Group’s domestic individual office subscription business.In the domestic individual office subscription business, Kingsoft Office Group continued to optimize the features of WPS AI, providing users with a more convenient and efficient creative experience, further enhancing user stickiness and conversion rates. Our domestic institutional subscription business, leveraging the continuous improvement of the WPS 365, steadily advanced its SaaS transformation, and expanded its customer base among large and medium-sized private enterprises and local state-owned enterprises. Overseas business also maintained healthy growth. With respect to AI application innovation, the Group launched a series of core capabilities and solutions, including AI Co-writing, AI Docs (intelligent document library), Kingsoft Government Office Model, and the AI assistant – WPS Lingxi. The Group also released the WPS HarmonyOS NEXT, further promoting the development of the AI office ecosystem.Online Games and OthersFor the third quarter of 2024, revenue from online games and others business for the third quarter of 2024 increased by 78% year-on-year significantly and 33% quarter-on-quarter to RMB1,708.0 million. The year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter increases were mainly attributed to the outstanding performance of JX3 Online and the successful launch of JX3 Ultimate further boosting the game popularity, and the active operation and enhanced experience of other games.JX3 Online continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience. JX3 Ultimate has performed outstandingly since its launch, and the number of returning players has exceeded expectations. In October, JX3 Online released its annual expansion pack, featuring a new class, increased level cap, and innovative gameplay, further enhancing players’ emotional engagement and activity. The sci-fi mecha game Mecha BREAK completed its first public beta test in August, with player enthusiasm exceeding expectations, sparking widespread attention globally. The game has garnered nearly 3 million global pre-registrations and peaked at 17th on the Steam Global Wishlist. Furthermore, the mobile game The Fate of Sword: Zero has received license approval and is scheduled to launch next year.Mr. Jun LEI concluded, “In the third quarter, we focused on refining and optimizing our core products and services to lay a solid foundation for future development. Kingsoft Office Group will continue its long-term investment in AI and collaboration and address users’ office needs across various scenarios and deliver more intelligent and efficient office experience. Meanwhile, our online games business will remain dedicated to ongoing innovation and quality enhancement, offering exceptional gaming experience and rich content to global players.”About Kingsoft Corporation LimitedKingsoft (3888.HK) is a leading Chinese software and internet service company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. It has three main subsidiaries: Kingsoft Office, Seasun Holdings and Kingsoft Shiyou. With the implementation of the “transformation toward mobile internet” strategy, Kingsoft has completed a comprehensive transformation in its overall business and management model. The Company has established a strategic layout with office software and interactive entertainment as its pillars, and cloud services and artificial intelligence as its new starting points. Kingsoft has nearly 8,000 employees worldwide and holds a significant market share domestically. For more details, please refer to http://www.kingsoft.com.Kingsoft Investor Relations:Li YinanTel: (86) 10 6292 7777Email: ir@kingsoft.comFor further queries, please contact Hill and Knowlton:Ovina ZhuTel: (852) 2894 6315Email: kingsofthk@hkstrategies.com Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

News Highlights:By configuring the cloud endoscopy system with the latest IOWN APN1 (All Photonics Network; “APN”) technology, issues with latency were resolved, confirming that real-time diagnosis and treatment for patients through a remote server 150km away is feasible.Based on this result, NTT and Olympus will collaborate in studying the technical challenges towards the full-scale implementation of the cloud endoscopy system.TOKYO, Nov 19, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NTT Corporation (TSE: 9432; "NTT") and Olympus Corporation (TSE: 7733; "Olympus") today announced that, following the start of their joint experiment in March of the world’s first cloud endoscope system which processes endoscopic videos on the cloud, they jointly established a cloud endoscopy system utilizing the IOWN APN technology, and have demonstrated that the APN technology can solve network issues in realizing the cloud endoscopy system. Moving forward, the two companies will collaborate for the full-scale implementation of the cloud endoscopy system and enable performance and functional improvements of endoscopy systems through the cloud, contributing to society through improving access to advanced medical care.Parts of the results of this joint experiment will be exhibited at the NTT R&D FORUM 2024 - IOWN INTEGRAL2 event in Tokyo from November 25 to 29, 2024.Figure 1: Overview of Cloud Endoscopy SystemBackgroundAn endoscope is a medical device in which a flexible tube is inserted into the natural openings of the body to perform an examination and obtain tissue samples. Instances where endoscopes can be utilized are increasing year by year due to the equipment’s low level of invasiveness and high level of safety, and the technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated.However, current endoscopes handle all its functions within the endoscope device, making performance limitations and maintainability an issue. In addition, it is expected that more cases in the future will require flexible feature improvements and updates based on new user needs, such as real-time remote diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, there is discussion on cloud computing endoscopes, in which some functions with a high processing load, such as image processing, can be done on the cloud.To achieve image processing of endoscopes on the cloud, a network that connects the endoscope device and the cloud is vital. A lag in the network can lead to delay in the images in response to the endoscope operation, causing discomfort to the endoscopy operator. To prevent this, high-quality images captured by the endoscopy must be sent stably and with low-latency to an image processing system in the cloud, which has been a challenge.Overview of demonstration experimentThis demonstration experiment combined the advanced technology of Olympus’ endoscopes with NTT's high-speed, low-latency APN technology aimed at realizing real-time endoscope video processing in the cloud (Figure 1).(1) Configuration of the cloud endoscopy systemIn this joint demonstration experiment, we connected a video processing server (“server”), distanced 150km away from the device that inputs endoscopy images (“edge device”), to the APN and configured it as the cloud endoscopy system (Figure 2).The video captured by the endoscope was sent to the edge device via an endoscope processor, and then was transferred without any compressing to the server via the APN. The server then processed the video utilizing AI and other technology, and sent the processed video back to the edge device. Finally, the monitor which is connected to the edge device displayed the processed video for the endoscope operator to view.Figure 2: Configuration of the Cloud Endoscopy System and APN Experiment(2) Roles of each companyThe roles of each company for the demonstration experiment were divided as following.NTT:Provided the APN experiment environment and evaluated the APN connectivity and network quality.Olympus:Provided the endoscope device and evaluated the performance of the cloud endoscopy system and the processing capability of the software.Results of the joint demonstration experimentThe experiment used both a local configuration with a distance of 5m (assumed to be processed within the endoscope device) and an APN configuration with a distance of 150km which each processed the endoscopy video. The capture cards recorded the videos displayed on the endoscopy operator’s monitor, measured the network’s data latency, and compared the two videos (Figures 3 and 4).Due to the nature of endoscopy procedures, where operators perform examinations and surgeries while checking the video displayed on the monitor in real-time, the video captured by the scope needs to be processed and displayed without delay. If the video data (4K/60fps) is delayed even by a few frames, it will cause discomfort to the operator.This experiment was conducted with the goal of achieving a data transfer latency within 1 frame (under 16 milliseconds), considering the distance of approximately 150km. In result, the latency was 1.1 milliseconds, demonstrating that it was possible to transfer data at 1/10 of the target latency (Figure 5).Furthermore, regarding the difference between the videos processed locally and via the APN, a visual review by the operator confirmed that there was little difference in latency and fluctuation, demonstrating that latency in the APN would not be an issue in video processing.Through confirming that video processing between an edge device and a server separated by 150km is possible, this demonstrates the possibility of combining the video processing of hospitals in large areas, such as the entire metropolitan area, to a remote server, which is a valuable insight for the implementation of a cloud endoscopy system in the future.Figure 3: Connection Configuration of the Demonstration ExperimentFigure 4: Comparison of Processed Videos from APN Configuration and Local ConfigurationFigure 5: Result of Long-Distance (approx. 150km) Demonstration Experiment Using the APNIn light of these results, we were able to demonstrate that the APN can resolve network challenges related to a high-capacity network for transmitting high-quality images, which is necessary to realize the cloud computing of endoscopes, and a low-latency network for displaying inspection images without delay.OutlookMoving forward, the two companies will continue to study technical issues for social implementation of cloud endoscopy, such as advanced security measures for medical data in network transmission and real-time remote diagnosis and treatment by sharing image information among multiple hospitals.Through this initiative, NTT will establish a reference model for medical device networks that solves the various technical issues involved in the cloud computing of medical devices, and Olympus will contribute to the establishment of optimal networks and reference models for cloud endoscopy systems and other such systems.Terminology1. IOWN APN (All Photonics Network)The IOWN is comprised of three components: the "All Photonics Network (APN)," which makes it possible not only for networks but also for device processing; the "Digital Twin Computing," which enables advanced and real-time interaction between objects and humans in cyberspace; and the "Cognitive Foundation," which efficiently deploys various ICT resources.By introducing new optical technologies from the network to devices and chips, APN achieves ultra-low power consumption and ultra-high-speed processing, which has been difficult to achieve. By assigning wavelengths to each function on a single optical fiber, we can provide multiple functions that support our social infrastructure, including information and communication functions such as the Internet and sensing functions, without interfering with each other.2. NTT R&D FORUM 2024 - IOWN INTEGRAL official website: https://www.rd.ntt/e/forum/2024/About NTTNTT contributes to a sustainable society through the power of innovation. We are a leading global technology company providing services to consumers and business as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications, and consulting provider. Our offerings include digital business consulting, managed application services, workplace and cloud solutions, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. We are over $97B in revenue and 330,000 employees, with $3.6B in annual R&D investments. Our operations span across 80+ countries and regions, allowing us to serve clients in over 190 of them. We serve over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, thousands of other enterprise and government clients and millions of consumers.About OlympusAt Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide best-in-class solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. For more information, visit https://www.olympus-global.com/ and follow our global X account: @Olympus_Corp.Media contactsNTT IOWN Integrated Innovation CenterPublic Relationshttps://tools.group.ntt/en/rd/contact/index.php?param01=R¶m02=101Olympus CorporationPublic RelationsGlobal-Public_Relations@olympus.com Olympus Corp [TYO: 7733][ADR: OLYMY][FRA: OLYS] https://www.olympus-global.com Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.