Euglena Co., Ltd., in an effort to expand its research domain within the medical field, has opened the "Tohoku University Hospital Euglena Immunofunction Research Center" in collaboration with Tohoku University, with a focus on joint research. Building upon previous collaborative efforts with Tohoku University, which primarily involved functional research on the microalgae Euglena, we are now extending our research into the medical field. Through this partnership with a university hospital, we aim to actively engage in research and development activities in the medical field.

■Background

Currently, there is a global increase in the demand for research and development related to immunity, particularly from the perspective of implementing concrete measures to combat diseases like COVID-19. Euglena Co., Ltd. has been actively involved in immunology-related research and has achieved multiple research and development milestones, including confirming the effectiveness of Paramylon, a type of beta-1,3-glucan found in Euglena, in enhancing immune function and alleviating symptoms of influenza. Since 2019, Dr. Kengo Suzuki, our Chief Research and Development Officer, has also assumed a role as a Visiting Professor at Tohoku University, actively contributing to the development and societal implementation of medical technologies within the healthcare domain through the university's Future Medical Innovation Program.

In our ongoing commitment to expanding our research efforts in the medical field, we have embarked on a joint research initiative with Tohoku University Hospital. As part of this collaboration, we have established the "Tohoku University Hospital Euglena Immunofunction Research Center" within the hospital's Open Bed Lab. This research and development center will leverage the infrastructure of Tohoku University Hospital to accelerate our research and development activities in the medical field.

■About Tohoku University Open Bed Lab

The Tohoku University Open Bed Lab offers a research and development demonstration field within the hospital ward, where companies can conduct joint research and development of medical devices and healthcare systems. Companies occupying this space can incorporate the perspective of healthcare and medical practices, making it possible to develop and implement products and services that are readily accepted by healthcare professionals. Learn more here.

■Research Areas

1. Immunofunction Research:

We will conduct omics analyses using animal cells and human samples to elucidate the mechanisms of various sample actions related to immune responses, accumulating knowledge necessary for business development and reporting in the academic field.

Planned Research Themes Include:

Planned Research Themes Include:
・Exploration of immune-related biomarkers using metabolomics analysis centered around sulfur compounds (Research Cooperation: University of Tsukuba, Applied Microbiology, Otsu Laboratory).
・Functional assessment of immune responses using stem cells (Research Cooperation: MiCAN Technologies Inc.).
・Examination of immune appeal products (Research Cooperation: Pharma Foods International Co., Ltd.).

2. Medical Field Research:

We will support the development of practical technology seeds such as vaccines, devices, and medical systems, as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and regenerative medicine technologies for practical use.

Planned Research Themes Include:
・Development of medical devices using micro-needles (Research Cooperation: Think-Lands Co., Ltd.).
・Vaccine development for COVID-19 (Research Cooperation: KAICO LTD.).

3. Research Seed Incubation (Investment and Development Investigation in the Healthcare and Medical Fields):

We will investigate the applicability of various technology seeds in the medical field at Tohoku University, assess the business value of target technologies, and consider the possibility of hands-on investment.（Partner: Real Tech Holdings Co., Ltd.）

Euglena Co., Ltd. is committed to developing products and services that contribute to the realization of sustainable health through research and development and business promotion in the healthcare field. We aim to make a positive impact on society.