Japanese office equipment and camera maker Canon Inc. plans to branch out into biotechnology by commercializing DNA chips for use in medical diagnosis, aiming to build a new pillar for future growth. The move comes on the heels of plans by Canon, the world’s largest office machine maker, to enter the flat-television market by launching advanced flat panel displays as part of efforts to widen its business portfolio. Canon will seek approval at its shareholders meeting on Wednesday to include “production and sales of pharmaceutical products” in its operational objectives, getting ready for the commercialization of biotechnology products, a spokesman said.
