JCN Newswire

Fujitsu Kozuchi AI technologies assist AKOS AI in delivering solutions for EU AI compliance

19 4 月, 2025

Kawasaki, Japan and Naples, Italy, Apr 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and AKOS AI today announced that Fujitsu has provided the Italy-based startup with AI Trust technologies, consisting of five core tools from its Fujitsu Kozuchi AI service. These technologies will enable AKOS’s AI governance platform AKOS HUB, to offer EU AI Act compliance, risk management and general AI governance services and solutions to enterprise customers.AKOS AI offers AKOS HUB, which provides a set of packages of no-code/low-code tools and AI governance, supporting organizations of all sizes and industries in ensuring fairness, robustness, and risk management. AKOS HUB is comprised of the following packages that leverage Fujitsu Kozuchi :1. AI Act Package: Simplifies EU AI Act complianceThis package is based on the AI Compliance Assistant. By answering a questionnaire users determine their AI system's risk level and receive a list of required actions. The system then creates a compliance report. AKOS HUB also offers packages for ISO 42001 compliance the international standard for AI management systems, and the AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF) of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).2. AI Impact Assessment Package: Identifies risks based on ethical guidelinesThis package is based on the AI Ethics Impact Assessment. It evaluates AI systems by mapping components, identifying stakeholder interactions, and automatically pinpointing ethical risks. A comprehensive risk analysis table, based on EU guidelines and past incidents, is generated.3. AI Risk Assessment Package : Ensures the reliable and efficient implementation of AI system risk managementThis package is based on the AI Risk Management tool, which supports trustworthy AI development throughout its lifecycle, from planning to operation. It facilitates ethical risk identification, bias mitigation, and robust tracking of evidence for problem resolution and auditing. It ensures compliance with AI regulations (e.g., EU AI Act) and provides powerful visualization of AI projects for proactive governance.4. AI Fairness Package : Verifies and improves the fairness of AI modelsThis package is based on the Fujitsu AI Ethics for Fairness and mitigates AI bias across all phases using Fujitsu’s intersectional bias detection algorithm, ensuring fairness across multiple attributes (e.g., gender, age, ethnicity). It evaluates fairness and prediction accuracy, clarifying trade-offs for optimal model selection.5. LLM Package : Diagnose biases hidden within large language models from diverse perspectivesThis package is based on the LLM Bias Diagnosis and evaluates biases across LLMs on various ethical topics. Users can assess publicly available LLMs or their own LLM. Bias evaluation covers four Sustainable Development Goals areas: Climate Action, Gender Equality, Healthcare, and Education. It also provides services for evaluating LLMs based on OWASP security guidelines.Surya Josyula, Head of Business Incubation Division, Technology Strategy Unit, Fujitsu Limited, comments:“As an active contributor to several leading organizations including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), and as a recent pledge to the Hiroshima AI Process International Code of Conduct, Fujitsu has taken the lead in collaborating closely with partners, standardization institutes and industry regulatory bodies dedicated to setting global standards for AI trust and ethics. Fujitsu is a technology pioneer, and our goal is to research, develop and deliver new solutions based on these standards and promote safe, secure and trustworthy AI for society”.Alberto De Lazzari, AKOS AI Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder comments:“The increasing adoption of AI solutions presents companies with new challenges, such as the ethical and fair use of AI, which require sound governance practices. AKOS HUB, the AI Governance Platform, supports responsible AI by helping enterprises manage and oversee the legal, ethical, and operational aspects of AI.”The European Union AI Act, which came into force on August 1st, 2024, is the first comprehensive legal framework aimed at regulating AI within the EU. The Act classifies AI systems based on their risk levels, and its primary objectives are to ensure that AI systems safeguard individuals' health, safety, and fundamental rights, while addressing the risks posed by AI models.Future PlansFujitsu and AKOS AI recognize AI's potential as a catalyst for enterprise transformation and sustainable growth. The two companies’ vision is that AI is not only beneficial for people but also for the planet, ensuring a harmonious balance between innovation and environmental stewardship.Fujitsu and AKOS AI are also committed to developing secure AI systems to ensure the prevention of threats and attacks that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of an AI model or system powered by AI. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

JCN Newswire

Leqembi (lecanemab) is the First Medicine that Slows Progression of Early Alzheimer’s Disease to be Authorized in the European Union

19 4 月, 2025

TOKYO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Apr 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. announced today that the European Commission (EC) has granted the amyloid-beta (Aβ) monoclonal antibody Leqembi® (lecanemab)  Marketing Authorization (MA) in the European Union (EU). This makes the medicine the first therapy that targets an underlying cause of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to be granted a MA in the EU.1,2Lecanemab is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with a clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia due to AD (early AD) who are apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4*) non-carriers or heterozygotes with confirmed amyloid pathology.1 The lecanemab MA applies to all 27 EU Member States as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.3Lecanemab is the only approved Aβ monoclonal antibody that preferentially binds and clears toxic protofibrils** (soluble Aβ aggregates), in addition to targeting and reducing Aβ plaques (insoluble Aβ aggregates).1,2,4-7 Protofibrils are a key toxic form of Aβ that accumulate in the brain and cause neuronal injury.4-10MCI due to AD and AD dementia currently affects an estimated 15.2 million and 6.9 million people in Europe, respectively.11 AD progresses in stages that increase in severity over time, and each stage of the disease presents different challenges for those living with AD and their care partners. There is a significant unmet need for new treatment options that slow down the progression of AD from its early stage and reduce the overall burden on people affected by AD and society.“Today’s decision makes lecanemab the first treatment option in the EU that can slow the progression of early Alzheimer's disease. We are proud that our about 40-year heritage in dementia has led to this important milestone, as we aim to be part of the solution for a better future for those impacted by this disease globally,” said Haruo Naito, Chief Executive Officer at Eisai. “Eisai is working collaboratively with national reimbursement authorities and healthcare providers to support access for those eligible for lecanemab as soon as possible, aiming to make an impact not only on patients but also on their caregiving families and society in the EU.”  “The approval of lecanemab by the European Commission marks the thirteenth approval of this important medicine, which has already benefitted thousands of patients in the United States, Japan and other regions of the world,” said Christopher A. Viehbacher, President and Chief Executive Officer at Biogen. “Lecanemab is the first treatment which showed that the reduction of the Aβ plaques in the brain is associated with the slowing of cognitive decline in patients at the early stage of the disease. This is a landmark advancement in a field where there has been no or little innovation in the past 20 years.”Eisai serves as the lead for lecanemab’s development and regulatory submissions globally with both Eisai and Biogen co-commercializing and co-promoting the product and Eisai having final decision-making authority. In the EU (excluding the Nordic countries), Eisai and Biogen will co-promote the medicine, with Eisai distributing the product as the MA Holder. In the Nordic countries, Eisai and BioArctic will co-promote the medicine, with Eisai distributing the product as MA Holder.* Apolipoprotein E is a protein involved in the metabolism of lipid in humans. It is implicated in AD. People with only one (heterozygous) or no copy (non-carriers) of the ApoE ε4 gene are less likely to experience ARIA than people with two ApoE ε4 copies (homozygous).2 ARIA is a recognized important side effect with lecanemab that involves swelling and potential bleeding in the brain.1,2**  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 of this progressive, debilitating condition.7 Protofibrils cause injury to neurons in the brain which, in turn, can negatively impact cognitive function via multiple mechanisms,7 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.8 It is believed the reduction of protofibrils may slow the progression of AD by reducing damage to neurons in the brain and cognitive dysfunction.8▼: This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. If you have any side effects, talk to your healthcare professional. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via your national reporting system. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.For more information, visit https://www.eisai.com/news/2025/news202532.html. MEDIA CONTACTSEisaiEisai Co., Ltd.Public Relations DepartmentTEL: +81 (0)3-3817-5120Eisai Europe, Ltd.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.

JCN Newswire

Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Launches Next-Generation Inverter System to Support Stable, Resilient Power Grids

19 4 月, 2025

TOKYO, Apr 18, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd. (HIES) has begun operating a next-generation power conditioner(1) called a Grid Forming Inverter (GFM), at its Narashino Works facility in Chiba Prefecture. This cutting-edge system helps stabilize electric power systems as global transition to renewable energy, by simulating the stabilizing effects once provided by large power plants.As renewable energy becomes a bigger part of the power mix, older systems that relied on heavy rotating generators are retiring, but they also provided valuable "inertia" that kept the grid stable during power fluctuation between demand and supply. GFM technology helps recreate inertia, supporting a reliable power supply for the future.Why This MattersElectricity must be supplied at a stable frequency to keep our power systems running smoothly -typically at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Traditionally, large power plants helped maintain that frequency because their heavy turbines had "inertia," a natural resistance to sudden changes.As more renewable energy sources like solar and wind replace thermal power plants using fossil fuels, that inertia in power system is decreasing. These newer systems can't stabilize frequency in the same way, increasing the risk of frequency fluctuations or even blackouts.This is where GFMs come in. They simulate this lost inertia, helping to balance the grid and maintain a stable supply of electricity – even when demand suddenly changes, or renewable output fluctuates.About Grid Forming Inverters (GFM)Unlike conventional inverters that simply follow the power grid, GFMs can create and stabilize their own grid, working together with other units to form self-sustaining microgrids(2). This makes them important for supporting local energy systems, improving grid resilience and enabling carbon neutrality.Powering Narashino WorksNarashino Works now runs on a system that combines solar energy, battery storage and inverter technology to reduce CO₂ emissions and keep operations required in the emergency event– even during blackouts of utility grid.81.9 kW of solar power (54 kW new and 27.9 kW existing) is used for the system, expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 39.2 tons of CO2 annually.A newly built AC microgrid, powered by paralleled three GFMs, keeps systems like water pumps (also made by HIES) and internal announce equipment running smoothly, even when solar power fluctuates.A DC microgrid uses solar energy more efficiently, stores surplus power in batteries and feeds it back into the plant, helping reduce conversion losses and saving energy.The system can operate independently during emergencies, strengthening Narashino Works' disaster resilience.Since DC power supply has an advantage in environmental performance, this system was selected for a carbon reduction subsidy from Japan's Ministry of the Environment.(3)(1) A device that converts DC power supplied from solar power generation systems, storage batteries, etc., into AC power that can be used in buildings, etc.(2) A system to develop small-scale power generation facilities within a facility or region and become self-sufficient in electricity(3) Ministry of the Environment: Selected for a subsidy for carbon dioxide emission control measures in fiscal 2024About Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems enhances productivity across various industries – including data centers, batteries, electronics and semiconductors and pharmaceuticals – through high-efficiency products such as compressed air systems, grid edge solutions, drives and coding and marking equipment. Our innovative solutions and services integrate digital technology to drive customer success and contribute to a more sustainable society. We support customers throughout the entire product lifecycle, from maintenance to recycling. For more information on Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems, please visit https://www.hitachi-ies.com/.For inquiries, please contactYoji IkedaHitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.Power Transmission and Distribution Systems Division, Alternating Grid Development Projectikeda-youji@hitachi-ies.co.jp Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.