#Japan #Tokyo #Clinical Research #Wish #GeneQuest

Wish and GeneQuest: A New Era of Clinical Research

In a groundbreaking move, Wish Inc., based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, and GeneQuest, located in Minato-ku, Tokyo, have entered into a strategic cooperation agreement. This partnership aims to advance participant recruitment support in food clinical trials leveraging genetic data. Joining them in this innovative endeavor are Imeq RD Inc. and CPCC Inc., both based in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, which will contribute as research planning and operational support partners. Together, they will assist in every stage of clinical trial planning and execution.

Background and Service Details

As the demand for new functional materials in developing specific health foods and foods with functional claims increases, there is a pressing need for a more efficient approach to gathering evidence about their functionality while ensuring safety. To address these challenges, Wish and GeneQuest have established a framework that allows for the use of genetic information from monitors within a controlled scope. This will enable comprehensive access to genetic data throughout the trial's design and follow-up phases. The goal is to facilitate hypothesis testing that includes obtaining effective evidence safely and effectively.

Specifically, the partnership will focus on utilizing genetic data to improve the efficiency and safety of existing clinical trial development while also enabling the search and development of materials for personalized nutrition.

Expected Outcomes of the Partnership

Precision in Evidence Acquisition

Promoting detailed evidence gathering on the efficacy of functional materials will allow for a deeper understanding of mechanisms through the analysis of genetic responders and non-responders. Since genetic information remains constant throughout a person's life, it facilitates reanalysis of the efficacy verification of previously completed trials by integrating genetic data, ultimately resulting in a more refined understanding of functional ingredients.

Construction of Safer Clinical Trials

By leveraging the genetic profiles of trial participants, this collaboration can not only assess the functionality of target food materials but also address individual differences regarding side effects. This comprehensive approach will lead to high-resolution safety evaluations and contribute to building safer clinical trials.

New Strategies for Food Material Development

Currently, an estimated 500,000 people in Japan have undergone genetic testing, but evidence tailored to individual attributes for functional materials is still lacking. Aim to collect and accumulate precise evidence, the partnership will provide new strategies for developing functional foods and support the planning of products utilizing food materials that contribute to personalized nutrition.

Future Prospects

The service rollout will initially take place via Wish’s clinical trial volunteer platform, “Monitan,” conducting pilot operations. The intent is to expand the service across all clinical research projects supported by the company in the future.

Company Information

Wish Inc.

• - Location: 6-2-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Hiroki Osawa
• - Website: monitan.co.jp

Founded in 2022, Wish focuses on providing participant recruitment support for clinical trials (PRO) and operates advanced monitoring services supporting the development and evaluation of health foods and healthcare products. With over 80,000 members in its own panel, it has achieved extensive reach and high-accuracy market research.

GeneQuest Inc.

• - Location: 5-29-11 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Osamu Iwata
• - Website: genequest.jp

GeneQuest offers genetic testing services analyzing over 360 items related to lifestyle diseases and personal traits, aiming to enhance lifestyles through research and the correct application of genetic data.

Research Planning and Operational Support Partners

Imeq RD Inc.

• - Location: 6-2-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Hiroki Osawa
• - Website: imeqrd.co.jp

As a CRO specializing in clinical trial support for foods and pharmaceuticals, Imeq RD brings unique expertise and collaboration with medical professionals and researchers to ensure precision in trial planning and execution.

CPCC Inc.

• - Location: 3-3-10 Nihonbashi Honmachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
• - CEO: Masaru Okawa
• - Website: cpcc.co.jp

Founded in 2003, CPCC is a clinical trial organization specializing in food clinical trials, providing comprehensive support from trial planning to o reports and publications. Last year, they expanded their facilities to increase testing capacity significantly.