The company name is derived from "tuning fork" (tuning fork)
First of all, please give me an overview of your company.
Tuning Fork and Biohikiji: The Company is a Japanese subsidiary of Tunning Fork Bio, which was established in the United States as a new company in charge of the medical and health departments of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. We aim to build systems necessary for early diagnosis of diseases and the realization of personalized medicine using "antibody profiling technology," which was born through joint research with Fukushima Medical University. Specifically, the antibody contained in the blood and saliva is comprehensively profiled, and biomarkers that can help predict future disease risks and therapeutic effects are identified and used for early diagnosis and personalized medicine.
Our antibodies profiling technology was created by a combination of the protein microarray technology that was born at Fukushima Medical University and Yamaha's proprietary bioinformatics technology. When multiple antibody data in the blood is measured using the former technology, the latter technology selects antibodies that are particularly suitable for biomarkers and uses them for diagnosis of diseases. As for the disease area, we focus on cancer and central nervous system diseases with high unmet medical needs, and are currently conducting research and development in the same area.
Please tell us about the characteristics of your technology.
Tuning Fork and Biohikiji: Research on biomarkers that tell us the state of the body is progressing around the world, and various biomarkers are used from genes to metabolites, but in our case, we use "antibody" which is one of the proteins. The advantage of using antibodies in biomarkers is that it is possible to grasp not only the current health condition but also the possibility of past illnesses and future illnesses. Yamaha Motor, our parent company, is good at data science, and our strength is that we can utilize our technology, such as using artificial intelligence for data analysis.
Please tell us about the origin of the company name.
Tuning Fork and Biohikiji: The tuning fork of the company name is "tuning fork (equipment used to tune musical instruments)". Since Yamaha was originally born as an instrument manufacturer, a tuning fork was also designed on the logo of its independent motor division (Yamaha Motor). Therefore, in order to inherit the spirit of Yamaha, we named it Tuning Fork Bio with the aim of "tuning" people's health by using antibody profiling technology.
Why was a medical technology company born from Yamaha Motor?
Tuning Fork and Biohikiji: Yamaha Motor's main business is bikes and other businesses, but in fact, we have been developing our own cell handler, a handling device used for cell culture. In joint research with Fukushima Medical University, "cell handler" became an edge, and began with the development of applications to utilize the device. After that, when combined with microarray technology from the same university, the idea was born that new innovation could be born, and we were born to take on the challenge of commercialization in earnest.
Since there is a common equipment room, you can experiment immediately
Please tell us how you moved into Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 2.
Tuning Fork and Biohikiji: When we established our company, we decided to establish our headquarters in the Tokyo metropolitan area from the beginning. Yamaha Motor's headquarters is located in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture, but it is undeniable that it is disadvantageous in terms of securing human resources for healthcare and building networks. Therefore, I searched for a location in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and finally moved into Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 2. The reasons include the fact that there is a dedicated start-up compartment, a common equipment room, and excellent traffic access.
Please tell us if there is any "benefit of the lab" that you felt when you actually moved in.
Tuning Fork Bio Kunieda: I am very grateful to be able to use the common equipment room. It is quite difficult to prepare all the experimental equipment and detectors you need on your own. In that regard, if you are at Shinkiba Lab, you can start experimenting immediately after moving in. In addition, for us, starting a new laboratory was only my first experience, and for various procedures, Mitsui Link Labs provided support in various aspects. This was also very helpful.
Tuning Fork Bio Fujiwara: The building itself is very clean just for new construction, especially the comfort of the communication lounge is very good. If you go to the lounge and take a break between experiments and work, you will feel very good and feel like "Let's do our best again in the afternoon!"
Tuning Fork Bio-Kameoka: The facilities in the building are also substantial. There are not many places where you can eat outside of the station, but there is a cafe in the building and lunch is also prepared, so you can easily eat inside the building. The view from the lounge is good, and on a sunny day, you can enjoy the outside scenery while eating. There is also an unmanned convenience store, so I use it at night as well.
We want to deliver technology from Fukushima to the global healthcare industry
Please tell us about future developments.
Tuning Fork and Biohikiji: We plan to start providing contracted analysis services using protein microarray technology by the end of this year. In the future, we are considering the direction of commercializing the biomarkers we have discovered. This project has already been adopted by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development for Innovative Medical Technology Research and Development (in collaboration with industry, academia and government), and we plan to further deepen our technology in the future.
Are you participating in events such as exchange meetings?
Tuning Fork Bio-Kameoka: In fact, last year, I was busy with the launch of the lab, so I couldn't participate in exchange meetings very much. From this year, I would like to participate by all means.
Tuning Fork and Biohikiji: I would like to participate. In fact, before, there was an event in the cafeteria of Shinkiba Lab where I happened to meet again with my former boss. After talking for the first time in a long time, I learned that he is also a startup in Shinkiba Lab. We hope that this kind of encounter will trigger an expansion of the network that connects people.
Finally, please tell us about your future goals and prospects.
Tuning Fork and Biohikiji: Our vision for the future is "to deliver our antibody profiling technology to people around the world." The company was born from Great East Japan Earthquake's reconstruction support project "Fukushima Pharmaceutical-related Industrial Support Center Project (Fukushima Business)" and has also received the title of a venture from Fukushima Medical University. In order to meet everyone's expectations for recovery, I would like to do my best in the future with the aim of "delivering new technologies from Fukushima to the global healthcare industry."
