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Eisai’s E2086 Receives Orphan Drug Designation for Narcolepsy in Japan – Japan Industry News

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Eisai Co., Ltd. has introduced that its novel selective orexin 2 receptor agonist, E2086, has acquired orphan drug designation from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for the remedy of narcolepsy. This designation goals to help the event of medicine for ailments with small affected person populations and excessive unmet medical wants.

Narcolepsy, a continual sleep problem characterised by extreme daytime sleepiness (EDS), impacts an estimated 46,000 folks in Japan. The dysfunction is split into two subtypes: kind 1, which entails cataplexy, and sort 2, which doesn’t. The pathogenesis of kind 1 is linked to an autoimmune destruction of orexin-producing neurons, whereas the reason for kind 2 stays unknown, although it might contain lowered orexin neurotransmission.

E2086 is designed to activate orexinergic neurons, doubtlessly enhancing signs by enhancing orexin receptor exercise. Eisai offered Phase Ib scientific research knowledge on the World Sleep 2025 congress, suggesting that E2086 might enhance daytime wakefulness in narcolepsy kind 1 sufferers.

The orphan drug designation system in Japan affords a number of growth incentives, together with prioritized session, lowered software charges, and tax incentives, to encourage drug growth for uncommon ailments. To qualify, a drug should be meant to be used by fewer than 50,000 folks in Japan and supply important efficacy or security enhancements over current therapies.

Eisai has beforehand developed DAYVIGO, an orexin receptor antagonist for insomnia, leveraging its orexin platform. The firm views neurology, together with sleep-wake issues, as a key therapeutic space and goals to deal with excessive unmet medical wants by means of modern merchandise.

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Toyota Secures Historic 1-2-3-4 Finish in Rally Sweden – Japan Industry News

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Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team achieved a historic 1-2-3-4 end within the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship’s Rally Sweden, marking the second consecutive spherical the place the crew locked out the rostrum. Elfyn Evans led the cost, claiming victory and securing his third profession win in Sweden.

The Welsh driver, alongside co-driver Scott Martin, maintained a robust efficiency all through the rally, in the end profitable by a margin of 14.3 seconds over teammate Takamoto Katsuta. This victory comes after the same triumph at Rallye Monte-Carlo, making Evans some of the profitable non-Nordic drivers within the occasion’s historical past.

Katsuta, guided by co-driver Aaron Johnston, completed second, marking his eighth profession podium within the WRC. The Japanese driver excelled on the snow-covered roads, showcasing his rising prowess in winter situations.

Young Finnish driver Sami Pajari, with co-driver Marko Salminen, accomplished the rostrum with a third-place end. Pajari’s efficiency was a major rebound from a difficult Rallye Monte-Carlo, securing his second profession podium.

Oliver Solberg, who entered the occasion because the championship chief following a win in Monte Carlo, completed fourth. Despite a difficult begin, Solberg and co-driver Elliott Edmondson managed to get well and contribute to Toyota’s unprecedented consequence.

In the WRC2 class, Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally2 automobiles additionally achieved a one-two end, with Finnish driver Roope Korhonen and co-driver Anssi Viinikka taking the victory.

Akio Toyoda, chairman of the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team, praised the drivers’ performances, highlighting the contributions of youthful crew members like Pajari and Solberg. Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala expressed satisfaction with the crew’s general efficiency, emphasizing the drivers’ capacity to keep up aggressive speeds whereas avoiding main errors.

As the championship progresses, Evans leads the drivers’ standings with 60 factors, adopted by Solberg with 47 and Katsuta with 30. The Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team holds a commanding lead within the producers’ championship with 117 factors, effectively forward of Hyundai’s 66.

The subsequent spherical of the WRC would be the Safari Rally Kenya, scheduled for March 12-15. Known for its difficult situations, the occasion will check the groups on tough and rocky roads, providing a stark distinction to the snow and ice of Sweden.

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Japan’s GDP Returns to Growth in October–December however Lacks Momentum

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TOKYO, Feb 16 (News On Japan) –
Japan’s actual gross home product (GDP) for the October–December interval posted an annualized enhance of 0.2%, marking the primary progress in two quarters, although the restoration stays weak.

The slight return to optimistic progress suggests the influence of Trump-era tariffs has eased, however the outlook for the Japanese economic system stays removed from optimistic.

GDP grew at an annualized 0.2% within the October–December quarter, returning to optimistic territory for the primary time in two quarters, pushed partially by a rise in capital funding amid a worsening labor scarcity.

However, personal consumption, which accounts for greater than half of GDP, rose solely 0.1%, persevering with to hover at low ranges.

Persistently excessive meals costs seem like reinforcing customers’ frugal mindset, underscoring ongoing warning in family spending.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara mentioned, “Based on the idea of responsible proactive fiscal policy, we intend to increase employment and income and achieve a strong economy.”

The authorities plans to convene a nationwide council as quickly as potential to debate measures reminiscent of a two-year consumption tax minimize on meals merchandise, although some query whether or not such steps might be efficient in addressing rising costs.

To increase consumption, a sustained cycle of wage progress and secure value will increase might be needed, elevating questions on whether or not the Takaichi administration can implement insurance policies with a long-term perspective.

Source: TBS

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Takaichi Cabinet Support Hits 72%

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TOKYO, Feb 16 (News On Japan) –
The cupboard led by Sanae Takaichi continues to get pleasure from sturdy public help, with its approval ranking standing at 72%, in accordance with an opinion ballot carried out over two days by February 15, the primary weekend following the House of Representatives election.

The survey, carried out by FNN utilizing random digit dialing to each landline and cell phones on February 14th and fifteenth, gathered responses from 1,008 women and men aged 18 and older nationwide, with outcomes weighted to match census knowledge.

Support for the Takaichi cupboard rose 1.2 share factors from January’s 70.8% to 72%, marking the fifth consecutive survey for the reason that administration’s launch by which approval has remained within the 70% vary. The share of respondents who stated they didn’t help the cupboard fell 0.6 factors from January to 22.8%.

More than half of respondents, 55.6%, stated they considered the current House of Representatives election outcomes—by which the Liberal Democratic Party secured greater than two-thirds of seats—as optimistic, whereas 31.5% stated they didn’t.

Asked about the popular framework for the subsequent administration, 34.8% favored sustaining the present coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, making it the preferred possibility. A coalition together with the Democratic Party for the People alongside the LDP and Ishin was supported by 26.5%, whereas 9% most well-liked an LDP-only authorities. Another 24.1% chosen different preparations.

On coverage priorities, respondents most regularly cited measures to deal with rising costs and potential consumption tax cuts at 40.7%. Social safety insurance policies, together with pensions and healthcare, adopted at 22.6%, with international and safety coverage at 10.8%. Political reform resembling decreasing the variety of lawmakers and tightening guidelines on political donations was chosen by 8.2%, adopted by international resident coverage at 5.9%, constitutional revision at 3.3%, and vitality coverage together with nuclear energy at 3.2%.

A proposal promoted by the ruling events through the election to scale back the consumption tax on meals and drinks to 0% for 2 years drew majority help, with 52.5% saying it needs to be carried out. However, 40.3% opposed the measure. Among these in favor, 75.5% stated the tax lower ought to start inside this yr, 18.6% stated subsequent yr, and 5.3% stated it might wait two years or extra.

If funding for a consumption tax lower might solely be secured by issuing deficit-covering authorities bonds, 56.8% stated the tax lower shouldn’t proceed, in contrast with 33% who stated bonds needs to be issued to fund the discount.

Regarding the brand new centrist occasion fashioned by the merger of House of Representatives members from the Constitutional Democratic Party and Komeito beneath the identify “Centrist Reform Alliance,” simply over 13% stated its picture had modified following a management transition, whereas greater than 81% stated it had not.

When requested concerning the future form of the alliance, 16.2% stated the present association—restricted to decrease home members—was adequate, whereas 22.1% stated higher home and native lawmakers from each events must also be part of. A majority of 51.8%, nonetheless, stated it might be higher for the Constitutional Democratic Party and Komeito to stay separate.

Source: FNN

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Sensex, Nifty open Weak, issues of AI affect on IT sector proceed to stress markets

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 16 (ANI): The home stock markets began the contemporary week on a weak word on Monday, with each benchmark indices opening within the purple amid continued issues about synthetic intelligence (AI) disruptions within the IT sector.

The Nifty 50 index opened at 25,423.60, down by 47.50 factors or 0.19 per cent. Similarly, the BSE Sensex opened at 82,480.40, declining by 146.36 factors or 0.18 per cent. The decline displays cautious sentiment amongst buyers initially of the buying and selling week.

Market consultants mentioned issues about AI-driven disruptions proceed to have an effect on IT firms, that are an essential a part of the Indian stock market.

Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, mentioned, ‘Persistent issues round AI-driven disruption proceed to behave as a key overhang for IT heavyweights, reversing a part of the optimism earlier sparked by the US-India interim commerce framework and reinforcing a broader risk-off undertone. Stabilisation throughout the IT sector shall be essential for rebuilding broader market confidence.’

He additional added, ‘FII participation has turned blended and cautious in latest classes, whereas regular DII inflows are providing a level of home help. In the close to time period, sentiment stays fragile, with markets more likely to commerce in a consolidation section till clearer route emerges from international macro indicators.’

The broader market indices on the NSE additionally noticed declines. The Nifty 100 was down by 0.22 per cent, whereas the Nifty Midcap 100 fell by 0.46 per cent. The Nifty Smallcap 100 additionally declined by 0.62 per cent, indicating weak spot throughout firms of various sizes.

Among sectoral indices, most sectors have been underneath stress. The Nifty Metal index declined by 0.81 per cent, whereas the Nifty PSU Bank index fell by 0.46 per cent. The Nifty FMCG index additionally slipped by 0.18 per cent. However, the Nifty IT index confirmed marginal energy and was up by 0.04 per cent.

Meanwhile, gold and silver costs additionally declined on Monday. Gold costs fell by 0.68 per cent to Rs 154,830 per 10 grams for twenty-four karat gold. Silver costs noticed a sharper fall, declining by 2.92 per cent to Rs 237,222 per kilogram.

In different Asian markets, actions remained largely flat. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index was down marginally by 0.09 per cent at 56,890, whereas Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index gained marginally by 0.29 per cent. Markets in Taiwan and South Korea remained closed because of holidays.

Overall, main Asian markets confirmed restricted motion, reflecting cautious investor sentiment. Indian stock market might stay in a consolidation section within the close to time period till clearer international financial indicators emerge and stability returns to the IT sector. (ANI)

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(MICO2026)ITALY-MILAN-OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES-FIGURE SKATING-PAIR SKATING-SHORT PROGRAM

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(260215) — MILAN, Feb. 15, 2026 (Xinhua) — Minerva Fabienne Hase (entrance)/Nikita Volodin of Germany compete throughout the determine skating pair skating brief program match on the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy, Feb. 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Yichen)

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Perfect Swiss beat Britain, US tops Norway in males’s curling

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(Photo credit score: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images)

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Yannick Schwaller’s Switzerland group downed world champions Great Britain to stay unbeaten within the males’s curling competitors on the Winter Olympics on Sunday.

The British rink, led by Bruce Mouat, pushed the Swiss exhausting and compelled an additional finish, however their opponents had the hammer and last-stone thrower Benoit Schwarz-van Berkel ensured a 6-5 win.

Switzerland sits atop the desk at 5-0, with Brad Jacobs’ Canada in second place after they beat China 6-3 to select up their fourth victory. The United States moved stage with Great Britain at 4-2.

Third-place Britain beat 2024 European champions Germany 9-4 within the morning session.

In that sport, Britain’s Bobby Lammie had a stone eliminated for double touching, which got here amid elevated officiating within the wake of dishonest accusations levied by Sweden towards Canada.

The incident occurred within the ninth finish and had little impact on the result. Governing physique World Curling has since returned to much less stringent officiating.

Niklas Edin’s Sweden, who gained gold in Beijing 4 years in the past, struggled to learn the circumstances of the ice on the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium as they slipped to an 8-5 defeat by the hands of a younger United States group.

In the night session, the U.S. went on to say a 10-8 win over Norway, who had crushed hosts Italy 10-7 earlier within the day. Italy additionally beat the Czech Republic 10-5.

SWEDISH WOMEN CONTINUE WINNING RUN

While the Swedish males’s group has been struggling, the Anna Hasselborg-led ladies’s outfit has made a flying begin to the competitors, beating Britain 10-7 to clinch its fifth straight win and cement its place atop the standings.

Madeleine Dupont’s Denmark group gained 7-2 over Italy, which conceded with two ends remaining, whereas South Korea’s Gim Eun-ji ensured a 7-5 win towards Japan with the final shot of the sport.

Tabitha Peterson’s U.S. group fought again from a 4-1 deficit on the midway mark to beat China 6-5. The Americans (4-1) are second within the standings.

Teams play 9 matches within the round-robin stage, which continues on Monday. The high 4 advance to the semifinals subsequent week.

–Reuters, particular to Field Level Media

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(MICO2026)ITALY-MILAN-OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES-SPEED SKATING-WOMEN’S 500M-FINAL

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(260215) — MILAN, Feb. 15, 2026 (Xinhua) — Gold medalist Femke Kok (C) of the Netherlands, silver medalist Jutta Leerdam (L) of the Netherlands, and bronze medalist Takagi Miho of Japan pose for images after the awarding ceremony of the velocity skating ladies’s 500m on the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy, Feb. 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi)

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Vietnamese nationwide suspected of rising 200 marijuana crops in Ibaraki – TokyoReporter

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IBARAKI (TR) – Ibaraki Prefectural Police have arrested a male Vietnamese nationwide who’s suspected of rising greater than 200 marijuana crops inside a house in Tsukuba City, stories the Ibaraki Shimbun (Feb. 13).

Police allege that the unnamed Vietnamese nationwide, 32, was cultivating 208 marijuana crops for revenue inside a two-story wood dwelling within the metropolis on November 26 final 12 months.

He has been indicted on suspicion of violating the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.

Police didn’t reveal whether or not the suspect, who lives in Tsukuba, admits to the allegations.

According to prefectural police, police have additionally arrested different Vietnamese nationals on suspicion of violating the identical management act.

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What to stream: Emma Thompson, Jennifer Garner, 'The Night Agent,' Dove Cameron and Hilary Duff

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The Emma Thompson-led thriller “Dead of Winter” and Hilary Duff’s first full-length album in 11 years are a number of the new tv, movies, music and video games headed to a tool close to you.

Also among the many streaming choices value your time this week, as chosen by The Associated Press’ leisure journalists: A brand new season of “The Night Agent” lands on Netflix, Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia star within the new collection “56 Days” for Prime Video and Harris Dickinson’s good directorial debut, “Urchin,” lands on Hulu.

— Harris Dickinson may be greatest identified for his appearing in movies like “Babygirl,” however final yr he proved himself to be a filmmaker to look at as nicely. His good directorial debut, “Urchin,” streaming on Hulu on Tuesday, follows within the social realist custom of Ken Loach in chronicling the ups and downs of an unhoused addict (Frank Dillane) in London.

— HBO Max has the Emma Thompson-led thriller “Dead of Winter” arriving on Friday, Feb. 20. Thompson performs a grieving loner who will get misplaced close to a Minnesota lake throughout a blizzard and stumbles on a cabin the place a younger lady is being held by an armed couple.

— And if Emerald Fennell’s “Wuthering Heights” leaves you wanting extra (or moor) Cathy and Heathcliff, there are many different variations streaming on varied platforms. There is in fact William Wyler’s lush however a lot condensed 1939 movie, with Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon (on HBO Max and Criterion Channel). The 1992 model (free on Kanopy) starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche is among the most devoted to Brontë’s textual content for really together with the second era of Lintons and Earnshaws. Andrea Arnold’s underseen movie, launched in 2011, (free on Tubi) notably incorporates a multiracial actor, James Howson, as Heathcliff, reverse Kaya Scodelario’s Catherine. There’s additionally the British tv miniseries from 2009 with Charlotte Riley and Tom Hardy that’s obtainable on BritBox.

— AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr

— The millennial queen hath returned. Hilary Duff will launch her first full-length since 2015’s “Breathe In. Breathe Out.” on Friday, Feb. 20. Titled “luck… or something,” the album is a 11-track assortment of nostalgic pop, the best listening expertise for these nonetheless devastated by the tabled, grownup “Lizzie McGuire” reboot. Of course, this time round, Duff has received out, and the themes are, as one track title places it, “Mature.”

— It is just not too late to hop aboard the Megan Moroney prepare, however the remainder of us are pulling out of the station — and following her to greener pastures. The nation singer-songwriter emerged as a fully-realized expertise with the discharge of her platinum-selling single “Tennessee Orange” just a few years again; her 2024 sophomore album “Am I Okay?” solely strengthened her charms. Now she’s getting ready to launch “Cloud 9,” out Friday, Feb. 20, to win over much more hearts. There’s a purpose “6 Months Later” has been inescapable on nation music. Isn’t it time you discovered why?

— AP Music Writer Maria Sherman

— Dove Cameron and Avan Jogia star in a brand new collection “56 Days” for Prime Video as Ciara and Oliver who meet by probability at a grocery retailer and embark on a whirlwind, passionate romance. Fifty-six days later, murder detectives discover a decomposed physique in a bath which could possibly be Ciara or Oliver leaving the query, who killed who? It’s based mostly on a best-seller by Catherine Ryan Howard. Cameron and Jogia, who began out on Disney and Nickelodeon respectively, present they don’t seem to be youngsters anymore on this horny thriller. It premieres Wednesday.

— A brand new season of Netflix’s “The Night Agent” arrives Thursday. It stars Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland, a secret operative working in counter-intelligence for the FBI. In Season 3, he is on a mission to discover a treasury secretary who has fled to Istanbul after committing homicide, that results in the invention of a darkish cash community. Information could also be energy, nevertheless it will also be lethal and Peter’s in bother.

— Jennifer Garner’s “The Last Thing He Told Me” returns Friday, Feb. 20 on Apple TV. It’s based mostly on novels by Laura Dave. Garner performs Hannah Hall, a brand new spouse and stepmom whose world is rocked in Season 1 when her new husband, Owen, (performed by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) disappears, leaving a notice to guard his teen daughter, Bailee (performed by Angourie Rice). Season 2 picks up 5 years later when (spoiler alert nevertheless it’s within the trailer) Owen exhibits again up. Now, the three are at risk. Garner, who mastered battle scenes for her breakout position within the TV present “Alias” and as Marvel murderer Elektra, will get to indicate her kicks and punches.

— Alicia Rancilio

— Stealth video games like Thief, Dishonored and Splinter Cell have seen higher days, however a minimum of one developer — France’s Cyanide — is making an attempt to hold the style ahead. In Styx: Blades of Greed, you’re a goblin who isn’t significantly well-equipped to battle toe-to-toe in opposition to orcs and different bullies. But when you take the sneaky strategy you may fill your pockets with quartz, probably the most precious and risky substance on this fantasy world. Magic powers like invisibility and thoughts management make it somewhat simpler to keep away from brawling, but when issues get out of hand you may whip out a glider and fly away. The heist begins Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S and PC.

— Lou Kesten

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