Unlocking the Future: Hokkaido University Japan Bio-Tech You Need to Know!

The New Age of Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing and Cancer Detection

In the advancing realm of bio-tech and medical science, there is growing focus on are biopharama and cancer research. We are seeing rising cancer cases of 55% expected by 2040 and biopharama doubling the growth of traditional pharama at a annual rate of 8%. This signifies the urgency to find innovative solutions in both domains.

Hokkaido University's researching is contributing to innovative solutions to tackle the issues through increase reliability in bi-pharma manufacturing and drastically changing the cancer detection landscape.

The article will draw from information discussed at the CIC Tokyo event, with speakers Professor Akira Onoda (Environmental Materials Science,Faculty of Environmental Earth Science) and Professor Ryuzaki Sou (Associate Professor Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry)

Cancer Research: Early Detection and Efficient Treatment Tackling Growing Problem

The global surge in cancer cases is alarming. According to Cancer Research UK, by 2040, we anticipate 28 million cancer patients worldwide, marking a 55% increase from 2020. The urgency for accurate and early detection has never been more critical. Traditional methods, including Histological and body fluid diagnosis, have their limitations. While traditional tools like Histological diagnosis and body fluid tests play a role, they come with considerable downsides. CT, MRI, and PET scans, for instance, are not just pricey but also limited to detecting cancer at a specific size. On the other hand, body fluid diagnosis (tumor markers, liquid biopsy) often falls short in consistently identifying cancer biomarkers.

Hokkaido University's researcher Ryuzaki Sou and his team are exploring a groundbreaking solution: a body fluid test drawing solely from a blood sample. The test delves into the blood sample, analyzing its exosomes—specifically, the surface molecules. Using a one-of-one technology called Raman scattered light, they extract invaluable data from these molecules. The collected data is then analyzed using AI. The most recent tests resulted in a precision of cancer detection at approximately 98% and an identification of cancer types with about 95% accuracy.

What's the differentiation? This cutting-edge test is not only precise but also economical and rapid. The testing costs roughly $100 to $200 and only takes a few hours for results, which stands out in contrast to other exosome research that costs over $5000 and takes days for results. Such efficiency and affordability pave the way for integrating this technology into regular health screenings, ensuring timely detection and treatment of cancer.

Another notable factor of this research is if the Raman scattered light analysis of exosome surface molecules becomes solidified, it can also be applied to the drug delivery business. Possibly capturing part of the 200 billion dollar drug delivery system business, used to conduct quality inspection for exosome based vaccines.

Revolutionizing Biopharma Manufacturing: One-Step Protein Modification Technology

Consistency is vital in biopharma manufacturing. The products need to meet approved government regulations indicating homogeneous manufacturing. However, the sheer size and intricacy of large molecules (biologics) present a challenge. Despite manufacturers' efforts, achieving product consistency and quality remains an uphill battle.

Professor Akira Onoda from Ngeniess presents a innovative solution: a one-step protein modification that links to the n-terminus. This breakthrough greatly improves the homogeneity of biopharma manufacturing and is effective for various modalities. The function doesn't end there, the modification is capable of aligning the direction of protein.

The technology also extends to other industries. Research is being done to utilize the protein modification to reduce the fishing industry waste by extracting resources out of thrown out squid and shrimp waste. The technology is being applied to create other materials such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and livestock foods from the protein of the fish.

Why Research in Hokkaido

Hokkaido is turning into a hotbed for biotech innovation. Thanks to its pool of adept researchers, the region is witnessing a proliferation of potential biotech startups. These ventures are capitalizing on Hokkaido's rich research infrastructure and its culture of collaboration.

Furthermore, it's the harmony between a bustling city life and serene nature that truly distinguishes Sapporo and Hokkaido. This unique blend not only drives innovation but also ensures a balanced lifestyle for its inhabitants.

In Conclusion

Amid the surge in cancer diagnoses and the escalating importance of biopharma, the need for innovative solutions are evident. Stepping up to this need, Hokkaido University is setting a benchmark in overcoming traditional cancer detection limitations. Their innovative blood test doesn't just promise precision but also affordability. Parallelly, the university's advancements in one-step protein modification signal a transformative direction for biopharma production, blending consistency with versatility. To tackle today's pressing medical challenges, we need a supportive and collaborative ecosystem like Hokkaido's.

Stay Updated With Hokkaido Innovation

We hope you found the article insightful. If you're as passionate about Hokkaido’s innovation as we are and want to learn more, join us for Hokkaido Innovation Week from January 29~Feb 2!

To learn more:

Step 1: Stay informed and connected by subscribing to our newsletter on our website or follow us on LinkedIn.

Step 2: Let us know what content you would be interested in. We'd love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and questions.

Citation

Jacoby, R., Pernenkil, L., Harutunian, S., Heim, M., & Sabad, A. (2015). Advanced Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing: An Evolution Underway. https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/life-sciences-health-care/us-lshc-advanced-biopharmaceutical-manufacturing-white-paper-051515.pdf Otto, R., Santagostino, A., &

Schrader, U. (2014, December 1). Rapid growth in biopharma: Challenges and opportunities. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/life-sciences/our-insights/rapid-growth-in-biopharma

Worldwide cancer incidence statistics. Cancer Research UK. (2023, March 30). https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/worldwide-cancer/incidence#collapseOne