[Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.] Announcement of conclusion of basic agreement regarding “joint clinical research using biological genetic resources” with Indonesian government agencies
*Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.*
Press release: August 23, 2024
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Announcement of conclusion of basic agreement regarding “joint clinical research using biological genetic resources” with Indonesian government agencies
*~Contributing to the healthy growth of infants and young children in Indonesia through joint clinical research~*
[From left: Morinaga Milk Vice President Okawa, Indonesian
Agricultural Standardization Organization Director Fadjry Djufry, RSAB Harapan Kita Ockti
Representative of Palupi】
Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. and Indonesian Agricultural Standardization Organization (Badan Standardisasi Instruments) Pertanian) and RSAB Harapan Kita (RUMAH SAKIT ANAK DAN), a medical institution designated by the Indonesian Ministry of Health. BUNDA HARAPAN
The three parties (KITA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct joint clinical research using biological genetic resources such as intestinal bacteria in Indonesia.
We would like to inform you that we have concluded an understanding (hereinafter referred to as MoU) on August 22nd.
Convention on Biological Diversity
In Indonesia (hereinafter referred to as “the country”), which has ratified the Nagoya Protocol (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol, in order to carry out survey and research activities using the country’s biological genetic resources from overseas, the government must, in principle, comply with the country’s domestic system. It is necessary to obtain prior permission from a competent authority to ensure that the benefits derived from the use of biological genetic resources are shared fairly and equitably.
These biological genetic resources include intestinal bacteria, and by signing this MoU, we have agreed with the competent authority to begin research on intestinal bacteria in the country. Furthermore, by building a joint research system with universities and research institutes in the country, we intend to promote the acquisition of clinical evidence for functional materials such as bifidobacteria. In addition, we will not only provide clinical evidence obtained through joint research to the country, but also provide academic and technical support for intestinal microbiota analysis, in order to build and develop a sustainable research system. We will contribute to the healthy growth of infants and young children in the country.
* -Background- *
The human intestine is home to an estimated 40 trillion bacteria of hundreds of types. This diverse group of bacteria is called the “intestinal flora” or “intestinal microbiota,” and research has revealed that it is closely related to human health. While researching and developing baby milk, we noticed that there are many
bifidobacteria in the intestines of babies who drink breast milk, and we have been conducting research on bifidobacteria for over 50 years since the 1960s. Also in 1979
Since we started exporting baby milk to Indonesia in 2012, we have been engaged in the business of baby milk containing bifidobacteria and other ingredients for over 40 years.
One of the Morinaga Milk Group’s 10-year visions is to become a global company that can demonstrate a unique presence in the world (overseas sales ratio of 15% or more by the fiscal year ending March 2029), and we have established an overseas business policy. We aim to contribute to the building of nutritional infrastructure mainly in Asia by strengthening our “childcare milk business,” which is one of our mainstays. Indonesia is one of the countries in Asia with a large infant milk market, with a market size of approximately 220,000 tons per year*1, which is approximately 10 times the size of Japan. *1 Source: Euromonitor International research (August 2024)
Based on the idea that “breast milk is the best nutrition for babies,” we continue to research the composition of breast milk and the nutritional ingredients that babies need, develop manufacturing technology, and pursue safety and security. Utilizing the knowledge we have cultivated to date, we will further strengthen our Indonesian business and continue to contribute to the healthy growth of infants and children in the country. In addition, we received consulting support from Hirata Kiko Co., Ltd.’s “Plants Pro” for this conclusion.
Reference information
* -Morinaga Milk Group Indonesia Business- *
・1979: Started exporting baby milk to Indonesia
・1986: Started licensing business for childcare milk production technology and Morinaga Milk brand to Indonesia’s largest
pharmaceutical manufacturer “Kalbe Pharma” group.
・In 2005, through a joint venture with Kalbe Pharma, PT. Kalbe Morinaga Indonesia (PT.Kalbe Morinaga Indonesia), a child milk manufacturing company,
Established “Indonesia”
* -Morinaga Milk Group Biodiversity Policy- *
https://www.morinagamilk.co.jp/sustainability/policy/#biodiversity
* -About bifidobacteria research- *
Bifidobacteria mainly live in the intestines of humans and animals, and produce organic acids such as acetic acid and lactic acid to maintain the intestinal environment. It is widely known that lactic acid bacteria are necessary to make yogurt, but not all yogurt contains the beneficial bacteria Bifidobacterium.
Bifidobacterium-containing yogurt is manufactured by specially adding Bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria are representative of beneficial bacteria that are beneficial to health.
Morinaga Milk discovered Bifidobacterium BB536 in infants in 1969, and has been researching Bifidobacteria and intestinal flora for over 50 years, and is No. 1 in the world in the number of clinical research papers related to Bifidobacteria that live in humans. *2.
*2 Researched by Knowledge Wire, as of January 2024 (No. 1 in the world in terms of number of research papers by companies on
PubMed/Ichushi WEB)
https://prtimes.jp/a/?f=d21580-1137-391ea316978b04589264436fae5fce9e.pdf