00:04From consumer DNA tests to cut-in-edge therapeutics, Japan's biotech sector is pushing the boundaries of health innovation.
00:12In this episode of SciTech, we discover more about two exciting research projects.
00:23With one of the world's fastest aging populations, prevention has become a priority in Japan.
00:29New technologies are helping people stay healthier for longer.
00:33At GeneQuest in Tokyo, founder Shoko Takahashi offers simple saliva-based DNA tests that help people assess their genetic health
00:42risks from home.
00:43The idea is to use genetic information to better understand each person's health profile.
01:14The process is simple.
01:16It takes just a few minutes, and you can do it on your own.
01:19The sample is then sent to a partner company, which extracts DNA from the submitted saliva, and then reads it.
01:27A few weeks later, users receive an online report linking their genes to metabolism and lifestyle risks, often encouraging healthier
01:35habits.
01:36I wonder what changes I'll be advised to make.
01:44Takahashi wants GeneQuest to become Asia's largest gene analysis company, building one of Japan's biggest private DNA databases.
01:53As most research focuses on Western populations, this data could help develop more personalized healthcare in Japan and beyond.
02:06But the country's biotech innovation goes far beyond prevention.
02:10Now, I'm going to meet a scientist whose work uses the body's own cellular communication system to deliver drug treatments.
02:19Here in Yokohama, Professor Asako Yamayoshi is developing ways to deliver cancer drugs only to tumors, instead of attacking the
02:28whole body.
02:29Her research was inspired by a family member who died from cancer after severe treatment side effects.
02:36Her study uses exosomes, tiny bubbles that already travel through our body, carrying messages between cells.
02:43She found a way to use these natural messengers.
02:57In simple terms, instead of creating artificial carriers, Yamayoshi's team simply attaches the medicine to these natural taxis, letting the
03:07body deliver the drug itself.
03:09This approach is unique, saving several days and speeding up the process.
03:15Most researchers first extract and purify exosomes in the lab.
03:19It's a complicated procedure, and during this process, exosomes are often denatured.
03:28But in our system, we can use the exome inside of the patient directories.
03:36So nucleic acid drugs can bind only to the target genes.
03:40That reduces side effects.
03:44Yamaayoshi's system could make treatments faster and easier to scale, strengthening Japan's position in advanced biotech research.
03:53By working closely with clinicians, the team is refining the technology and understanding how it could make a real difference
04:01in the future.
04:02Professor Yamayoshi proposed a novel way of treatment, and they directly treat peritoneal metastasis.
04:11Gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis is a very severe disease condition and is difficult to treat.
04:17Exome target treatment reduces the cost of the investigation and the manufacturing.
04:22So it's very important, not only the patient and family, but also the health care system and the health care
04:30government.
04:32Yamaayoshi's team is also testing light-controlled molecules to switch genes on and off with precision, another step towards gentler
04:41therapies.
04:43From accessible genetic data to targeted treatments, Japan's biotech scene is booming and pioneers like Takashi and Yamaayoshi are leading
04:52the way.
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