We will support the progress of exsoms research and implement social implementation through commercialization.
First of all, please tell us about the history of your company's establishment and business details.
Mr. Enomoto Az Freya: When I heard a presentation by Professor Takahiro Ochitani of Tokyo Medical University's Institute of Medical Sciences held in 2017, the starting point was to focus on the existence of exosomes in the human body. This "exsoromium" is a substance with a diameter of about 50 to 150nm in diameter, secreted by various cells. It plays an important role in the development and development of many other diseases, and at the same time, and at the same time, it plays an important role in the development and progress of many diseases, including cancer. Therefore, Az Freya was established with the aim of supporting Professor Ochitani as a collaborator to support his progress in exosome research and to implement it in society through commercialization and other means.
Mr. Az Freya Kuniki: Starting with the development of cosmetics containing exosomy, we have been manufacturing and selling original products. Currently, OEMs and ODMs for a variety of products, such as cosmetic products and supplements focusing on plant-derived exosomes. In addition, we provide consulting services to medical institutions considering the introduction of regenerative medicine, to medical institutions considering the introduction of regenerative medicine.
What do you think of the strengths of your business?
Mr. Enomoto Az Freya: Ochitani is working hard every day to develop exosomes as a drug that is useful for diagnosis and treatment, rather than a regenerative medicine based on the pharmaceutical machine method. We believe that our strength lies in supporting the research of various life sciences companies, and at the same time, incorporating various sciences with free ideas, and creating products that add new value to exosomes, such as cosmetics and supplements.
The necessary equipment for a good location is ideal for conducting experiments.
What kind of research is being conducted at Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1?
Az Freya Chiwaki: One of the various initiatives is the research to prove that exosomes contained in culture solutions and culture supernatants are definitely exosomes. In addition, we are conducting research to obtain data for visualization so that we can see the presence of exsoms.
Mr. Enomoto Az Freya: We have a great ambition to raise the level of exosome research in Japan, rather than conducting research solely for our own business development. To that end, in the spirit of open innovation, we would like to listen to inquiries from various companies interested in exosomes and work together to create new technologies. We have already started joint research with companies living in Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1.
Please tell us why you decided to move in at Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1.
Mr. Az Freya Kuniki: We investigated a number of properties, but when we wanted to prepare a new laboratory we wanted, there were restrictions on the surrounding area, such as the problem of waste liquid, so we secured land in an area far from the city center, and it was a reality that there was no suitable thing unless we built it from scratch. Under such circumstances, we introduced this laboratory, which has the necessary facilities in a good location not far from Tokyo Station, and the talk proceeded smoothly until I moved in. Thank you very much.
What kind of impression do you have when you actually move in?
Az Freya Chiwaki: Since the lab is large enough, the equipment can be installed without any problems, making it an environment where experiments are very easy to conduct experiments. I also feel that various seminars are being held for tenant companies. Immediately after moving in, I took the "Basic Course on Environmental Laws" and gained knowledge of waste laws, which was very helpful. If you have a theme of interest, I would like to take the course in the future. The building itself is new, and the toilets are clean, and there are places where you can eat and rest, such as cafes, communication lounges, and common spaces.
Mr. Enomoto Az Freya: Since it is a P2-compatible area, there is no need to worry about contamination. The sense of security that properly managed as a research facility is a great advantage.
I would like to further revitalize joint research with other companies and produce results that surprise the world.
What are your expectations for Mitsui Link Lab in the future?
Mr. Az Freya Kuniki: We have already introduced several companies, not only the same Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1, but also companies that are moving in Mitsui Link Lab in other areas, which led to interviews. I would be glad if you could increase the number of initiatives to activate such encounters and exchanges. In addition, LINK-J seems to be able to support member companies to send press releases and hold tie-up events, so I hope that such opportunities will also create new encounters.
Mr. Enomoto Az Freya: I would like to create a situation where joint research with other companies will become more active, and we would like to create a situation where we would like to ask for more space.
Thank you very much. Finally, please tell us about our future prospects.
Mr. Az Freya Kuniki: Nowadays, cosmetics are commonly used in cosmetics described as "exosomes" in the world, but the plant-based ingredients we are focusing on research are no different from the foods you eat, and can be expected to be developed into a variety of products. Many of the manufacturers who contact us have a desire to sell products that have the ability as products, rather than selling them in Blanding, so we would like to show the effects of plant-derived ingredients and their evidence.
Mr. Enomoto Az Freya: I moved in about half a year ago, but thanks to Professor Ochitani's basic research, there are already a number of promising research that is expected to be applied. The application for patents based on the data obtained is progressing, and we believe that we will be able to announce the results that will contribute to the health and well-being of humankind, which will surprise you.
