CSV examples

Life Science

Contributing to measures against unknown infectious and other diseases that threaten humanity
GENECUBE® fully automated gene analysis system for PCR testing, and specialized reagentsContributing to both patients and the earth through high permeability
Cellulose-derived artificial kidney hollow fiber membrane unique to Toyobo

Toshihiro Kuroita

Kimihiro Mabuchi

General Manager
Biotechnology Operating Department

General Manager
Medical Materials Operating Department

Toyobo developed the GENECUBE® fully automated gene analysis system in 2011. The system’s combinationof fast-acting DNA amplification PCR enzyme KOD® DNA polymerase with a high-speed temperature control
system is able to return results as quickly as 25 minutes from the start of measurement. As COVID-19 beganrunning rampant across the globe in 2020, we leveraged our experience in the development of enzymes toaccelerate development of PCR testing drugs for SARS-CoV-2 tests, receiving regulatory approval in July ofthat year. At present, over 300 GENECUBE® units have been adopted by medical institutions in Japan, where
they contribute to society through use in daily testing.
About 70 years ago, Toyobo undertook the development of technology using microorganisms to treat
effluent generated from the manufacturing of pulp used as a raw material for rayon. We also investigated thepotential for industrial use of the enzymes created in the cells of microorganisms, and succeeded in applying
the enzymes to diagnostic drugs. Expanding the types of enzymes, about 40 years ago we moved into thefield of genetic research reagents, focusing on restriction enzymes for genetic engineering. Reagents using
the KOD® DNA polymerase PCR enzyme developed by our company, collected from unique microorganisms
inhabiting the undersea volcanic craters of Kodakara-jima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, demonstrate aparticularly fast DNA amplification rate and accurate
replication. This has led to the reagents’ use in genetic
diagnosis and many other applications. Today, enzyme
technologies have become core technologies in the life
science business.
Unknown infectious diseases and other diseases
that threaten humanity are expected to occur again in
the future. By providing higher-performance products
to clinical testing and other markets, we will contributeto the health of people around the world and to greater
efficiency in treatment.
GENECUBE® fully automated gene analysis system

The life science business’s products are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, contributing
to patients and society. Hollow fiber membranes are a core product of the business. Since the late 1970s,
we have engaged in development of hollow fiber membranes for seawater desalination. We developed
artificial kidney hollow fiber membranes as one of the applications and launched full-scale production in
1984. For four decades years since then, we have provided artificial kidney hollow fiber membranes for everincreasing numbers of dialysis patients. The product features two main strengths. First, it boasts outstanding
waste removal performance with little change over time during dialysis, thanks to our proprietary film-forming
technology. Second, it features outstanding biocompatibility, with few cases of allergies. While general dialysis
membranes are made from petroleum-derived materials, our cellulose triacetate (CTA) membrane uses natural
cellulose from cotton as its starting material. This confers the advantage of very few patients experiencing
allergic reactions during treatment due to conversion of hydroxy groups that affect patients to acetate. Our
precise control of the membrane surface further prevents clogging and thus a lower likelihood of pressure
fluctuations during dialysis, letting patients undergo treatment with confidence.
We are now working with NIPRO Corporation to build a new plant capable of integrated production thatspans hollow fiber manufacturing to processing into
dialyzers (filtration devices) and commercialization, withthe start of operation scheduled for July 2024.
We have also extended our film-forming technology
to other treatments and developed concentrated ascites
reinfusion therapy (CART) membranes in 2020. These
membranes see application in treatment that filters ascites
accumulated due to conditions such as cancer andcirrhosis of the liver, then collects beneficial proteins witha concentrator and returns them to the patient’s body. We
are also advancing development of acute blood purification
membranes for patients with conditions including sepsis,
Illustration of Dialyzer using Toyobo’s CTA membranewith delivery to patients planned for fiscal 2024.