We will support the progress of exosomes research and implement them in society through commercialization and other means.
First of all, please tell us about the background of your establishment and the details of your business.
Mr. Enomoto Az Freya: At the Japan Society for Regenerative Medicine held in 2017, I heard a presentation by Professor Takahiro Ochitani of the Tokyo Medical University Research Institute, which triggered me to focus on the existence of exosomes in the human body. This "exosome" is a substance of a diameter of about 50 to 150 nm secreted by various cells, and when the inner packaging is passed between cells, it is involved in various life phenomena, and at the same time plays an important role in the development and development of many diseases, including cancer. As Freya was established with the aim of supporting Professor Ochitani's progress in exosomes research and implementing social implementation through commercialization and other means.
Mr. Kuniki Az Freya: Starting with the development of cosmetics containing exosomes, we have been manufacturing and selling original products. Currently, OEMs and ODMs of various products, such as cosmetics and supplements focusing on plant-derived exosomes, are the main constituents. In addition, we provide consulting services to medical institutions considering the introduction of regenerative medicine to provide comprehensive support from the preparation of the provision plan to the application.
What do you think is the "strength" of your business?
Mr. Enomoto Az Freya: Dr. Ochitani is working hard every day to develop exosomes as a medicine that is useful for diagnosis and treatment, not a regenerative medicine product based on the medicinal machine method. Through our involvement, we can support the research of various life science companies and at the same time incorporate a variety of sciences with free ideas, and create products that add new value to exosomes, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and supplements.
An ideal environment for conducting experiments with facilities necessary for a good location
What kind of research is being conducted at Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1?
Mr. Chiwaki Az Freya: One of the various initiatives is to prove that exosomes contained in culture and culture liquids are definitely exosomes. In addition, we are conducting research to obtain data for visualizing so that we can see the existence of exosomes with an eye.
Mr. Enomoto Az Freya: We have a great ambition to raise the overall exosomes research in Japan, not just for the development of our own business. To this 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 located in the same Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1.
Please tell us why you decided to move into Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1.
Mr. Kuniki Az Freya: We investigated a number of properties, but when we decided to prepare a new laboratory we wanted, there were restrictions on water around the area, such as the problem of waste liquid, so we secured land in an area far from the city center, It was a reality that there was no suitable thing unless we built it from scratch. Under such circumstances, we introduced this lab, which is well-equipped in a good location not far from Tokyo Station, and the story proceeded smoothly until moving in. I'm very grateful.
When you actually move in, what kind of impressions do you have?
Mr. Chiwaki Az Freya: Due to the large size of the lab, equipment can be installed without any problems, making it very easy for experiments to be conducted. In addition, I feel that various seminars are held for tenant companies. Immediately after moving in, I also took the "Basic Course on Environmental Laws" and gained knowledge about the law on waste, which was very helpful. If you have a theme that you are interested in, I would like to continue taking the course in the future. Because the building itself is new, the toilets are clean, and it is nice to have 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 compartment, there is no need to worry about contamination. The sense of security that has been properly managed as a research facility is a great advantage.
We would like to further revitalize joint research with other companies and produce results that surprise the world.
Please tell us your expectations for Mitsui Link Lab in the future.
Mr. Kuniki Az Freya: We have already introduced several companies, not only the same Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1, but also companies that are moving into Mitsui Link Lab in other areas, which led to interviews and other events. I would be glad if you could increase your efforts to revitalize such encounters and exchanges. In addition, LINK-J seems to be able to support member companies' press releases and hold tie-up events, so we hope that new encounters will be born from such opportunities.
Mr. Enomoto Az Freya: I hope that joint research with other companies will flourish, and we will create a situation where we would like to ask for more space.
Thank you very much. Lastly, please tell us about your future prospects.
Mr. Kuniki Az Freya: Nowadays, it is generally human-derived ingredients that are used in cosmetics labeled "exosomes" in the world, but the plant-derived ingredients that we focus on research are no different from the foods you eat, and you can expect them to develop into various products. Many of the manufacturers who contact us want to sell products that are effective as products rather than selling them in Blanding, so we would like to show the effects of plant-derived ingredients and the evidence thereof.
Mr. Enomoto Az Freya: I just moved in about six months ago, but thanks to the basic research of Dr. Ochitani, there have already been a number of promising research that is expected to be applied. The application for patents based on the data obtained is also progressing, and we believe that we will be able to publish one after another the results that will surprise you and contribute to the health and well-being of humanity.
