#Japan #Bunkyo, Tokyo #Seed Planning #Tohoku Medical Mega Bank #dbTMM

Seed Planning's New Role in Medical Research

Seed Planning, headquartered in Bunkyo, Tokyo, has recently made strides in the medical research field with its registration as a support provider for the Tohoku Medical Mega Bank Organization (ToMMo)'s integrated database, known as dbTMM. This initiative allows the company to assist researchers and businesses using samples and information amassed under the Tohoku Medical Mega Bank project.

Supporting Medical Research

Seed Planning offers a comprehensive range of support aimed at enhancing research initiatives. By acting as a facilitator, the company enables efficient access to crucial health data and biological samples that can be instrumental in groundbreaking medical inquiries.

Pre-research Support

Before research commences, Seed Planning actively engages in pre-research activities. This includes conducting searches and reviews of the integrated database, dbTMM, to identify relevant information aligned with research criteria. Additionally, they assist in confirming the availability of required samples. This foundational work is essential for ensuring that researchers have access to the necessary resources before diving into their projects.

Administrative and Contractual Assistance

Seed Planning also provides support in navigating the administrative and contractual processes associated with research projects. This aspect of their service ensures that all the necessary legal frameworks are in place for smooth project execution, allowing researchers to focus on their scientific endeavors without administrative burdens.

Ongoing Research Management

Once the research has commenced, Seed Planning continues to play a vital role through progress management and operational support. They facilitate stakeholder meetings, ensuring that all parties involved are aligned and informed throughout the research process. Furthermore, Seed Planning conducts market research to enhance the efficacy of the studies, providing invaluable insights that can shape research directions.

Overview of the Tohoku Medical Mega Bank Project

The Tohoku Medical Mega Bank project, also known as TMM, is a comprehensive biobank initiative aimed at advancing personalized medicine and preventative healthcare. This ambitious project has seen the collection of health and lifestyle information, alongside various samples from approximately 150,000 participants, making it one of the largest data sets globally. Notably, the genomics data collected includes full genome sequencing from over 100,000 individuals, providing a rich resource for research on disease-related genes and biomarker identification.

Types of Information Collected

ToMMo actively encourages the use of the information and samples gathered from general residents through extensive follow-ups. The unique combination of data types enables a wide range of analyses, including longitudinal studies comparing data before and after disease onset. Types of data collected include:

• - Genomic Information: SNPs, Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), etc.
• - Health Survey Information: Lifestyle choices, medical history, etc.
• - Omics Information: Metabolomics studies, etc.
• - Imaging Data: MRI scans, etc.

Model Examples of Information Utilization in Research

Drug Discovery Research Example

One model example illustrating the utility of the data collected through the TMM project involves the identification of disease-related genes and the evolution of drug targets. Chronic diseases, such as hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes, necessitate effective molecular target discovery. By leveraging the extensive cohort data from the Tohoku region and integrating whole genome analysis with health metrics, researchers can pinpoint genetic risk factors and candidate genes for drug targeting.

Pharmaceutical Development Applications

Based on identified targets, pharmaceutical companies can develop screening assays and explore compound libraries for potential hits. Promising candidate compounds are then subjected to preclinical evaluations, utilizing insights provided by the TMM project data for patient stratification in trials.

Other Application Areas

• - Neurodegenerative Diseases: Early biomarker discovery for Alzheimer's disease.
• - Cardiovascular Diseases: Screening genetic high-risk groups and discovering novel pathways.
• - Cancer Research: Developing personalized medicine strategies based on genetic susceptibility.
• - Infectious Diseases: Analyzing host factors related to severe disease outcomes.

Food and Cosmetic Research Applications

Beyond pharmaceuticals, TMM data can also aid in the personalized development of food and cosmetic products. Researchers can utilize genetic and lifestyle information to establish scientific foundations for product efficacy verification, targeting specific demographics and addressing health risks.

Utilizing TMM-Collected Samples and Information

Researchers can tap into TMM-collected samples and information through two primary methods: distribution and joint research. By accessing the integrated database, users can identify available information that satisfies their research parameters.

• - Distribution: This involves methodically organizing and providing necessary samples and information to researchers under established guidelines. Importantly, Tohoku Medical Mega Bank researchers do not engage directly in the associated research, with intellectual property rights belonging to the user.
• - Joint Research: This allows close collaboration between users and Tohmo researchers for the collection and analysis of targeted samples and information, particularly beneficial for preliminary information use prior to public distribution.

Contact Information

For inquiries related to this initiative, please reach out to:

• - Company: Seed Planning
• - Contact Person: Watanabe
• - Email: watanabe@seedplanning.co.jp

In summary, Seed Planning is poised to make substantial contributions to the biomedical research landscape through its recent role in supporting the Tohoku Medical Mega Bank's integrated database, fostering innovative research partnerships and advancing healthcare solutions.