Based on Proteomics, we will develop two pillars of business
First of all, please tell us about your business.
Forness Life Mr. Hirai: Currently, we are developing two major businesses. One is SOMASCAN® DISCOVERY, a protein contract measurement service for pharmaceutical companies and universities that search for biomarkers and develop pharmaceuticals. The other is "Forness Business," which supports lifestyle improvement by predicting the risk of developing future diseases from a small amount of blood for companies, local governments, or individuals promoting health management. The latter is not able to diagnose diseases due to laws and regulations, but we visualize the risk of developing diseases such as dementia, myocardial infarction, stroke, and lung cancer in the future, and provide them as test results through medical institutions.
The core of our business is SomaScan® technology, which measures approximately 7,000 types of protein at once. This technology was established by the founder of a United States startup called SomaLogic Operating Co., Inc. (“SomaLogic”). The NEC (Nippon Electric Co., Ltd.) Group, which we belong to, has been the first to focus on the company and has built a cooperative relationship for many years. In 2014, NEC Group acquired exclusive marketing rights in Japan to commercialize a service that became the predecessor of SOMASCAN® DISCOVERY using this technology. After SomaLogic succeeded in developing technology for predicting disease risk from multiple proteins, we established our company in April 2020 and started business development by branding "SOMASCAN® DISCOVERY" and "Forness Business".
What do you think is the "strength" of your business?
Forness Life Mr. Hirai: SomaScan®, a protein measurement technology derived from SomaLogic, and future disease risk prediction technology based on the results, as well as the NEC Group's AI and big data analysis technology and IT solutions. Originally, "SomaScan®" is a highly original technology that receives voices from pharmaceutical companies and university researchers who use it for biomarker search and drug development, saying, "I'm a big fan of this technology!" However, "Forness Business" derived from this technology is a brand that embodies our collective strength. "Forness Business" provides services in combination with NEC Group smartphone apps and other healthcare products, which encourages not only research experts but also general users to work on improving their lifestyle while verifying and realizing the effects of improvement on their own. Recently, we have been expanding our business scope by collaborating with several local governments to develop and provide services that lead to non-illness and prevention of residents.
It is also a great advantage to be able to gain various lessons through regular workshops.
Please tell us about your activities at Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1.
Forness Life Mr. Hirai: Our lab (hereinafter referred to as Shinkiba Lab) in Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1 undergoes a series of processes in which we receive specimens of the core of our business, namely frozen state, measure proteins using an automatic analyzer, and output the results to data. Some specimens will be sent to the United States as they need to be measured by SomaLogic, USA.
Please tell us why you decided to move into Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1.
Forness Life Mr. Hirai: As it is essential for our business to receive and receive frozen specimens with our customers and send them to the United States, the surrounding environment was very important. Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1 has many shipping companies in the surrounding area, and I felt the good location and the access environment that is close to Haneda Airport.
Forness Life Kato (Yuzu): Our Shinkiba Lab opening project was a very tight schedule until the start of operation, so I think it was also a big point that Mitsui Fudosan was able to respond flexibly. At the schedule adjustment stage of pre-occupied construction, we found that some parts could not be delivered in time, and there was a possibility that the start of operation could be delayed, but thanks to the gradual progress of the construction, we were able to start operation within the target month.
The head office building of the parent company (NEC Solutions Innovator Corporation) is also located in Shinkiba.
Forness Life Kato (Yuzu): Our parent company is very close to Shinkiba Station, and our close distance to our company also encouraged us to move in. In addition to the fact that the lab supports biosafety level 2, the in-house facilities such as conference rooms and rest spaces that can be used for web conferences, as well as the beautiful and stylish interior I was attracted.
When you actually move in, what kind of impressions do you have? 。
Forness Life Inoue: I'm very helpful. Some reagents used for measurement require strict temperature control, but the air conditioning can be operated 24 hours a day, so it can be stored indoors. Since seminars on environmental laws and biosafety are held regularly, it is also an advantage to always be able to obtain the latest information even if there is a law revision. Also, I was very grateful that I received emergency food and other disaster prevention goods when I moved in, because it was before preparation.
In the future, I want to aim for a One-Stop service that realizes a future where no one gets sick.
Do you have any opportunities to interact with other residents?
Forness Life Kato (Yuzu): Participating in resident-only social gatherings to exchange business cards, and introducing each other's companies was triggered by greeting when they met in the hallway, talking a little bit, etc. The opportunities for exchange have gradually increased.
Forness Life Mr. Hirai: In addition to social gatherings, various events organized by LINK-J have created exchanges with other residents and outsiders. The other day, we exhibited at the "Meet UP booth" at a public symposium on the latest state of drug discovery technology (Frontier 2023).
Are there any new challenges you would like to take on at Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1?
Forness Life Kato (Hiro): Recently, there has been an increasing number of opportunities to receive media coverage, especially with regard to "Forness Business". Therefore, in the future, with the aim of further raising our awareness, we are considering enhancing and expanding public relations activities starting from Shinkiba Lab, with a view to accepting laboratory visitors. I would like to make an appeal video of the lab that introduces our measurement technology. In addition, we would like to work on "open innovation" that allows residents of Mitsui Link Lab to deepen their collaboration and utilize mutual technologies to create new value.
Thank you very much. Finally, please tell us about your future prospects.
Forness Life Kato (Hiro): As our awareness increases, if the number of service users increases, it is expected that Shinkiba Lab alone will not be able to respond. In addition, we believe that it is necessary to establish a backup system in preparation for emergencies such as disasters. Therefore, in the future, we plan to open labs in other regions to respond to the increase in the number of inspections due to business expansion and tobe prepared for disaster. To this end, Shinkiba Lab aims to serve as a model case for the new establishment of our lab in the future.
Forness Life Mr. Hirai: SomaScan®, the foundation of our business, plans to expand the range of measurable proteins at once through further technological development (currently about 7,000 types). In addition, "Forness Business" will expand the number of diseases that can predict the risk of developing future diseases to around 50. By providing these technologies at One-Stop in combination with services that are useful for non-illness and prevention, we hope to realize our vision "a future where no one gets sick and a society where everyone can live on their own."
