Notice of opening of "Tohoku University Hospital Euglena Immune Function Research Center"
Accelerate R & D in the medical field with a focus on research on immune function

Euglena Co., Ltd.

　Euglena Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Mitsuru Izumo, hereinafter "Euglena") is the functionality of the national university corporation Tohoku University (hereinafter "Tohoku University") and the microalga Euglena (hereinafter "Euglena"). We have promoted joint research on the theme of research. And this time, in order to expand the research area to the medical field, we will conclude a new joint research contract with Tohoku University Euglena Immunological Function Research Center" in Tohoku University Hospital. With the opening of this research base, we will collaborate with Tohoku University Hospital and aim for more active research and development in the medical field.

About "Tohoku University Hospital Euglena Immune Function Research Center"

■ Background
　Currently, the need for research and development related to immunity is increasing worldwide from the viewpoint of actions to concretely implement measures against new coronavirus infections. We have been working diligently on immune-related research, and confirmed the effects of paramylon, a type of β-1,3-glucan contained in Euglena, involved in immune function and alleviating influenza symptoms * 1. We have a track record of multiple research and development. From 2019, Kengo Suzuki, Executive Officer in charge of R & D, will be appointed as a specially appointed professor (guest) at Tohoku University, and will be engaged in technological development and social implementation in the medical field through the university's Future Medical Creation Outstanding Graduate School Program. , We are working to contribute to technological development in the healthcare field.
　This time, we have decided to carry out joint research with Tohoku University Hospital for the purpose of further expanding the research in the medical field that we have been working on so far. Among them, the "Tohoku University Hospital Euglena Immune Function Research Center" was newly opened in the Open Bed Lab * 2, which is a research and development demonstration field in the university hospital. With the opening of this R & D base, we will utilize the R & D infrastructure of Tohoku University Hospital to accelerate R & D activities in the medical field.
* 1 Released on November 1, 2017 https://www.euglena.jp/news/20171101-2/
* 2 A problem-solving R & D demonstration field that provides companies with a part of the Tohoku University Hospital ward as a test site and conducts joint research and development of medical equipment and medical systems and services. Resident companies will be able to develop and put into practical use products and services that are easy for medical sites to accept by incorporating the perspective of medical care and healthcare at the site of Tohoku University Hospital. https://www.shp.hosp.tohoku.ac.jp/OBL/

■ Address of base: Tohoku University Hospital West Ward 15th floor, 1-1 Seiryomachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8574
■ Contract period: October 1, 2020-March 31, 2023 (planned)

"Tohoku University Hospital Euglena Immunological Function Research Center" (Open Bed Lab) Image Photo (Courtesy of Tohoku University Hospital)

Implementation of joint research

We and Tohoku University are planning to carry out research and development activities in the following areas through joint research at the "Euglena

■ Immune function research
　In animal cell tests and human clinical trials related to the function of immune response, we aim to clarify the mechanism of action by conducting omics analysis of various samples.

Research theme to be conducted:
・ Search for immune-related biomarkers using metabolome analysis centered on sulfur compounds (Research cooperation: Otsu Laboratory, Department of Biofunctional Science, University of Tsukuba)
・ Functional evaluation of immune response using stem cells (Research cooperation: MiCAN Technologies Inc.)
・ Examination of prescription of immune appeal products (Research cooperation: Pharma Foods International Co., Ltd.)

■ Medical area research
　We aim to develop practical technology seeds for vaccines, devices, medical systems, etc. for practical use as technologies for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, regenerative medicine, etc.

Research theme to be conducted:
・ Development of medical devices using microneedles (Research cooperation: Thinkland Co., Ltd.)
・ Vaccine development for new coronavirus infection (Research cooperation: KAICO Co., Ltd.)

■ Incubation of research seeds (Investment development business survey in healthcare and medical fields)
　We will investigate the applicability of various technology seeds in the medical field at Tohoku University, evaluate the business value of the target technology, and examine the possibility of hands-on investment. (Partner: Real Tech Holdings Co., Ltd.)

　Through research and development and business promotion in the healthcare field, we will develop products and services that realize sustainable health and aim to contribute to society.

<About Euglena Co., Ltd.>
In 2005, we succeeded in establishing the world's first edible outdoor mass culture technology for the Euglena In Euglena and Chlorella, we are also conducting research toward the production of biofuels. Euglena GENKI Program, which has been in operation since 2014 to deliver Euglena cookies with abundant nutrients to children in Bangladesh, will be expanded to all group products including cosmetics from April 2019. Listed on TSE Mothers in December 2012. TSE First Section market change in December 2014. We define "Sustainability First" as the Euglena Philosophy and develop our business. https://euglena.jp

-Contact for inquiries from the press-
Euglena Co., Ltd. Corporate Communication Division