N-NOSE is a cancer screening test takes advantage of the keen olfactory sensors of nematodes. The test has been available to the public in Japan in January 2020.
The world's first biological ”diagnostic” technology.
At Hirotsu Bio Science, we contribute to the development of revolutionary disease diagnostic technologies to lessen your concerns over health.
I believe that health is the bedrock of a fulfilling life. As long as the body stays healthy, the mind naturally becomes optimistic. At Hirotsu Bio Science, we contribute to the development of revolutionary disease diagnostic technologies to lessen your concerns over health.
Conventional medical diagnostics have primarily been conducted with man-made devices, which makes it difficult to strike a balance between high levels of sensitivity and low costs. The new concept of “biological diagnostics” will break through this barrier. Biological diagnostics deliver a high level of sensitivity by leveraging the astounding power of biology, surpassing the sensitivity of man-made devices, while enabling costs to be kept low by selecting organisms that cost nothing for upkeep. Based on this premise, we at Hirotsu Bio Science are working towards the practical use of the world’s first ever biological diagnosis, a cancer test known as “N-NOSE.” The test uses urine samples and is therefore non-invasive and simple, combining together numerous benefits including high sensitivity, low costs, and early detection. We are dedicated to pushing forward rigorously with our research and development to bring N-NOSE to market at the earliest possible juncture.
Groundbreaking scientific innovations are brought about by the rich ideas and tireless efforts of researchers. Although the environment surrounding researchers in Japan has been increasingly harsh in recent years, Hirotsu Bio Science values research and development above all, and aspires to become a company where researchers are the stars.
I have focused on research regarding the olfactory sense of C. elegans since my doctorate program. I am especially interested in neural mechanisms creating and regulating preferences toward smells. In March 2000, my first paper was published in the journal Nature. My research on changing preferences based on odor concentrations and olfactory experience was reported in Science and sister journals of Nature and Science. In July 2012, I was the first in the world to successfully create a visual representation of single protein activation in C. elegans. In May 2013, I began research on whether C. elegans can detect the smell of cancer cells, publishing my research in March 2015. In September 2016, I established a venture company, Hirotsu Bio Science Inc., aiming for practical application of C. elegans cancer test “N-NOSE” and assumed office as CEO.