Corporate
Profile

[Company strength]
Intestinal environment analysis: We initiated research on technology for the analysis of intestinal flora in 2001. We created a database of human intestinal flora in joint research with Hokkaido Food Processing Technology Center, and made a presentation at an academic conference. We made use of this technology to launch our T-RFLP flora analysis service in 2006, which was the first service of its kind in Japan. We continue to be involved in joint research with research institutes including universities. We are also expanding our test items to include chemical analysis of the components of feces (such as organic acid and putrefaction products), and so on.

[Business description]
We are a consignment analysis organization that specializes in classification identification of microorganisms (bacteria, mold, and yeast). We provide taxonomy-based inspection and analysis regardless of the user’s field. This includes quality control in manufacturing industries, new species proposals in research fields, thesis presentations, and patents. We offer services including DNA sequence analysis, property inspection of physiological and biochemical features, and form observation. We offer structure analysis of microorganism communities, intestinal environment analysis, and system analysis systems. We also sell microorganism identification databases, and hold technical seminars.

[Industry]
Service industry (consignment testing and analysis)

[Strength of products/technologies]
Our T-RFLP flora analysis involves extracting and analyzing mixed DNA of bacterial origin from feces. It is possible to approximately ascertain the relative percentage of the dominant classification group at the family or genus level. A greater number of specimens can be analyzed in a short period in comparison with flora analysis using the cultivation method. It is most suitable as a method to investigate flora change before and after intake in R&D of functional foods, and so on. We also develop and sell feces sampling kits that can be maintained at room temperature.

[Representative's message]
We started our business as Japan’s only testing and analysis service company that specializes in microorganism identification. At that time there were few consignment analysis companies that specialized in microorganism identification testing anywhere in the world, let alone in Japan. We have earned customer trust as an analysis organization that can make use of taxonomy-based analysis to offer data for academic papers, research presentations, and patent applications. We launched our T-RFLP flora analysis service in 2006, and we have also been focusing on improving our intestinal environment analysis. We want to support R&D for manufacturers that are considering compliance with the new food functionality indication system, and medical institutes that focus on intestinal fora.

[Company structure for market development/overseas expansion]
Three staff members in our sales department visit customers and participate in exhibitions. We plan to add one staff member in the next fiscal year. We acquired ISO 17025 certification in June 2016. This is an international standard for analysis organizations (microorganism identification using DNA base sequence analysis). This certification made it possible for us to receive consignment orders from enterprises that require public certification for selecting outsourcing entities. We also accept second-party audits of outsourcing entities at any time. 



[Awards and media coverage]
[Awards]

[Media]
TV-Tokyo Channel 12, “World Business Satellite” (April 2015).



[Authorization/Certification]
Acquired ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 17025 certification. 

[Joint research and development]
National Institute for Genetics: Construction of a bacteria standard stock database (2005). 
Hokkaido Food Processing Research Center: Creation of a database for human intestinal flora using the T-RFLP method (2006).
Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties: Analysis of fungus molecule communities that affect the biological deterioration of cultural assets (2009). 
Hirosaki University: Investigation of the influence of the aging of the general population in Hirosaki City on indigenous intestinal bacteria (2014). 


[Main Clients / Business History (domestic)]
Kao, Sunstar, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Dai Nippon Sumitomo Pharmaceutical, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Nipro, Nichinichi Pharmaceutical, Danone, Rohto, FANCL, Takanashi Milk Products, Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, University of Tsukuba, Keio University, University of Shizuoka, Shiga University of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Independent Administrative Institution), National Institute of Agro-Environmental Sciences (Independent Administrative Institution), Agricultural Food Industrial Technology General Research Organization, and RIKEN, Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (Independent Administrative Institution).