Newsletter

From KING SKYFRONT to the world -NanoMedical Innovation
December
2021

9

Vol.

The ﬁnal issue

Concept of“In-Body Hospitals”
evolving toward the realizationof a smart life care society
Contents
2

Talking about COINS

Connecting COINS’creation to the next generation

MATSUDA Yuzuru, KIMURA Hiromichi, KATAOKA Kazunori,

6

Special Issue

Nine years history of COINS project
NanoSky Editorial committee

8

Listen to COINS' members

Looking back at the time of establishment
MIURA Atsushi, SAKURAI Toru, MATSUMURA Yasuhiro, ANZAI Tomohiro

What we have created

MIYATA Kanjiro, ANRAKU Yasutaka, ITAKA Keiji, IWASAKI Hirokazu,
AKINAGA Shiro, QUADER Sabina, TOSU Mariko, YOKOYAMA Miyako

Draw in the future

ICHIKI Takanori, NISHIYAMA Nobuhiro, SENGOKU Shintaro, TANABE Shihori,
SATAKE Mami, DATE Yusuke, ATSUMI Hiroshi, FUKAZAWA Yukiko

18 Activity Report

・Topics
・COINS Seminar Report - Global communication using online ・Editorial note

TALK

Connecting COINS’creation
to the next generation

Center of Open Innovation Network for Smart Health (COINS）will end this year. Dr. KIMURA Hiromichi,Project
Leader, Dr.KATAOKA Kazunori, Research Leader and Dr.MATSUDA Yuzuru, Visionary Leader COI STREAM Vision 1“Secure sustainability as a country advanced in its aging population and declining birth rate: Smart Life Care, AgelessSociety”look back at the beginning of the project, and evaluate the outcome. They discuss about future research andexpectations for Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM).

The Birth of the Term "In-Body
Hospitals" shares Vision andMission and promotes team unity.
■ What were your thoughts when you launched
COINS 10 years ago?
Kimura: Around 2011, I heard that Kawasaki City was going
to develop King SkyFront by narrowing the theme down tobiotech and medicine, but when I came to visit, it was just afield with a few buildings. This is the former site of the Isuzu
Motors’ plant, with the oil plant visible from the highway. Ina sense, this place is a symbol of the massive industries thathave supported Japan, and I thought it would be a shame not
to make use of this infrastructure. In the 1980s, I saw how
the IT and biotech industries were gathering in Silicon Valley
and the suburbs of Boston in the U.S. and how the cities werechanging. There was no reason why we couldn't do the samein Japan, so I was glad that I could be involved in building a
new mechanism for the world, and that I could do somethingthat no one else was doing.

Kataoka: I was hopeful that we would be able to achieve what
we had always wanted. When I became a professor at boththe Graduate School of Engineering and the Graduate Schoolof Medicine in 2004, I started Medical Nanotechnology Human
Resources Training Unit to accelerate the medical-engineeringcollaboration that was progressing at The University of Tokyo.
Next, I established a Center for NanoBio Integration within
the university. With the help of Dr. Kimura, we have gatheredscientists from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences andthe Faculty of Science. We also ran the FIRST program"Development of Innovative Diagnostics and Therapeutic
Systems Based on Nanobiotechnology." However, I felt thatit should not be confined to universities and academia todevelop this field further. That's when I heard about COI
STREAM, learning that it would allow us to set a visionand conduct research in collaboration with the industry,
academia, and government over a long period. Accordingly, I
decided to apply for the COI STREAM program. At the time,
nanotechnology compared to making the information in the

KATAOKA Kazunori

National Diet Library the size of the palm of one's hand, witha science fiction’ impression where medical nanotechnology

Vice Chairperson, KAWASAKIINSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIALPROMOTION
Director General, Innovation Centerof NanoMedicine (iCONM)
Research Leader, Center ofOpen Innovation Network for
Smart Health (COINS)

Dr. Kazunori Kataoka is the Vice Chairpersonof KAWASAKI INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIALPROMOTION (KIIP) and the DirectorGeneral of the Innovation Center of
NanoMedicine (iCONM) at KIIP. He is
also a Professor Emeritus, The Universityof Tokyo. Immediately after receiving his
Ph.D. (1979) from The University of Tokyo,
he started his academic career at theInstitute of Biomedical Engineering, Tokyo
Women’s Medical College. He moved to
the Department of Materials Engineering,Tokyo University of Science in 1989, andthen moved to the Department of Materials
Engineering, The University of Tokyo as a
Full Professor in 1998. He was appointed
joint-position of a Full Professor at theCenter for Disease Biology and Integrative
Medicine, The University of Tokyo Medical
School in 2004. In 2016, he moved tohis current position. He was appointed as
Adjunct Professor at the Eshelman Schoolof Pharmacy, University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill in 2015.

2 | NanoSky VOL.9 DECEMBER 2021

makes medicine more accessible or turns hospitals smaller. I'm
still amazed that this SF-like idea was adopted (laughs).

KIMURA Hiromichi
KAWASAKI INSTITUTE OF
INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION
Innovation Center of NanoMedicine
COINS Project Leader

In 1979, he completed the doctoral course
at the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences, The University of Tokyo. He is a
doctor of pharmacy. After working at Kyowa
Hakko and Morgan Bank, he served as
President of Amersham Pharmacia Biotech
Co., Ltd. and Monsanto Japan Co., Ltd. He
is currently a specially appointed professor
at the Institute for Future Initiatives, The
University of Tokyo,
A visiting professor of the Faculty of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Universityof Tokyo. He also serves as President
and Chief Executive Officer of Fast Track
Initiative Inc.

MATSUDA Yuzuru

Honorary Director, Kato Memorial
Bioscience Foundation
Visionary Leader, The Center of
Innovation Program (COI) “Securesustainability as a country advanced in
its aging population and declining birthrate: Smart Life Care, Ageless Society”
In 1977, he completed the doctoral course
at the Graduate School of Agriculture,
The University of Tokyo. He is a doctorof agriculture. He joined Kyowa Hakko
Kogyo Co., Ltd. and after working as amanaging director, he served as President
since 2003. In 2008, Kyowa Hakko Kogyo
Co., Ltd. merged with Kirin Pharma Co.,
Ltd., thus he became President of Kyowa
Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd. Currently, he serves
as an honorary director of Kato Memorial
Bioscience Foundation and an externalboard of director of Kubota Co., Ltd. and
JSR Corporation.

Matsuda: When I was asked to be a COI STREAM Visionary
Leader (VL), I was initially reluctant, since I had been
involved in government-led projects as a corporate scientist
and manager and felt that the roles of corporations andacademia were fixed and unattractive. However, I was
persuaded by the then Director-General of the Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT),
who explained that the project would be a long nine years,
have a large budget, and would be conducted under one roof
using backcasting so that only motivated companies would
participate.
In vision 1, "Secure sustainability as a country advanced
in its aging population and declining birth rate: Smart
Life Care, Ageless Society" which I oversaw, seven sites
were adopted. The difference between COINS and othercenters is that COINS is supported by Kawasaki City, is notuniversity-centered, and is a big challenge. Although COI

STREAM was supposed to be socially implemented in nine
years, that was impossible for COINS. There was then adiscussion about where to put the endpoints. As a VL, I wasconcerned that if we only aimed for social implementationin nine years, we would end up with a uniform proposal
such as "use IT technology to collect health check-up data,
analyze it, and return it to the community." I wanted to bringdiversity to the project. In that sense, the SF-like COINS is
unique, where we determined that the concept of creatinga platform for innovation with social implementation, suchas venture creation, would fit the purpose of COI STREAM.

■ How was the term“In-Body Hospitals”born?
Kimura: When we were thinking about the vision for COINS,
everyone came up with the words "In-Body Hospitals" and"Smart Nanomachines." I don't remember who started them.
Kataoka: I probably think it was when we were writing the
proposal. In the beginning, when we brought up the topic
of "In-Body Hospitals", we were like, "What is the meaningof this topic?" However, as the meetings went on, everyone
became more clear about this topic and started to think that
"we could realize it!". While this concept alone is precisely
science fiction, actual stage gates, such as the founding startup companies, are set with Dr. Kimura at the helm. It wasthen essential for us to know what we should do now.
Kimura: In pharmacy and biology, what we don't know
(the black box) is gradually revealed through research. On
the other hand, in engineering, we are always aware of
reality and gather logic and parts to assemble something
new. While it's interesting that the ideas are reversed, italso comes with some difficulties. When people with suchdifferent ideas come together to achieve a single goal, there
is power in creating your term to represent a concept andshare it as a vision to solidify the team.

An Innovation Ecosystem formed,
Human Resources nurtured, andexchanges with citizens promoted■ How do you evaluate the results of COINS?
Kimura: In my opinion, there are two results, one is theincreased exchange with the citizens of Kawasaki, whichis also the mission of COINS. Through tours, seminars, andsymposiums, interest in science and technology by citizens
has increased. While at the same time, scientists are now not
only accountable for explaining their research due to using
taxpayer money but also ready to make their research more
understandable to the public. While many scientists may live
in a world of isolation, saying, "They won't understand even
if I talk to them anyways," scientists at COINS have realizedthat it is important for citizens to understand science and

NanoSky VOL.9

DECEMBER

2021

|3

TALK
significance of a long-term project led by the government,
since if it can be done in two or three years, it'd be best toproceed without using taxpayer money.

■ How do you see the impact of the COVID-19
pandemic on research at COINS and on society?
What is important in a post-COVID era?

technology and that this will benefit them. These exchanges
have become an asset for both sides, with ones between
citizens and scientists essential for a science-based country.
The other result is that we were able to create the prototype
of an innovation ecosystem. Research based on backcasting,the launch of venture companies, the use of venture capital,
and intellectual property strategies have all taken shapeover the past nine years, and we are now ready to handover the baton to the next generation. We have reached thepoint where we can pass the baton to the next generation.
This has been in line with the direction Kawasaki City isaiming for. The next phase is to expand overseas. For thispurpose, we are making efforts to make English an official
language in COINS while building incubation projects andother mechanisms.
Kataoka: To a certain extent, we achieved the three P's(platform, patent, and paper) that VL Matsuda had mentioned
from the beginning, which is necessary for the creation ofventure companies. Another significant P, people, has also
been developed. We were able to teach young people how
to think about R&D in terms of formulating and sharing
a vision and mission, and how to think under one roof
about innovative things in the long-range. The COI was an
excellent opportunity for everyone to change their mindset.
Matsuda: In a little more than eight years, we have publishedpapers, created ventures, and raised funds from venture
capitalists to build a solid foundation for the realization ofan "In-Body Hospitals". I hope that the results of COINS willlead to the development of Kawasaki's industries.

■ What are the key issues and breakthroughs in
spreading“In-Body Hospitals”?
Kimura: There's the public acceptance of innovation. In a
survey conducted in collaboration with the National Museumof Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), we asked
people if they would use "In-Body Hospitals" if it were built,
and it felt that many Japanese people are skeptical about
using new technologies. It's important to improve scienceand technology literacy and create a system to make people
accept "In-Body Hospitals".
Kataoka: Under the pandemic situation, interest in scienceand technology is growing with high expectations, andthanks to the Internet, we all now have access to information.
Scientists need to communicate how their research is helpful
to society and what the risks are.
Matsuda: I hope everyone at COINS can stick to their goals
and create the right environment to achieve them. That's the

4 | NanoSky VOL.9 DECEMBER 2021

Kataoka: Going to the hospitals is recognized as a risk
during the pandemic, reminding the importance of "InBody Hospitals". My co-researcher, a doctor, told me thatminiaturized diagnosis equipment integrated with AI bots
and telemedicine would be delivered to people's homes in the
future. While we need to amend the Medical Practitioners'
Act requesting face-to-face medical care, I believe that thistype of online diagnosis may become a reality in the future.
Kimura: Public acceptance of the "In-Body Hospitals" will
drastically increase. As the world is not going back to
the way it was, social models that fit the new normal willcontinue to expand. Competition may possibly become more
intense in the field of medical nanotechnology, while there
may still be some areas that can be characterized locally.
This is a chance for COINS to rethink its approach.
Matsuda: In countries such as China and India, digitaltransformation (DX) in healthcare is progressing against a
backdrop of poor access to healthcare. While it is true thatJapan is lagging behind in DX, people will not be satisfied
with DX that just improves access to medical care when auniversal health insurance system exists with many areas
having free access to local medical facilities. What we need issomething revolutionary like the "In-Body Hospitals", which
I believe is the right approach for the post-COVID era.
Kimura: In the future, we must create a new standard thatbrings social science and science and technology together
alongside regulations, the latter of which Dr. Kataoka'sgroup is working on.
Kataoka: Commissioned by the European Medicines Agency,
we have been working with the Pharmaceuticals andMedical Devices Agency (PMDA) and the National Instituteof Health Sciences (NIHS) to prepare a reflection paperfor drug delivery systems (DDS) using polymeric micelles.
This work is a provisional step in developing Guidelines
for DDS using polymeric micelles. To popularize Japan's
superior technology in the drug delivery field, taking global
standards is essential. We need to work together with every
expert from an early stage in advance to review and revise
the regulations.

Going Beyond COINS – Passing the
Baton to the next generation ofscientists and giving them a push
■ Do you have any words of encouragement to
the members of COINS and scientists in Japan?
Kataoka: I would tell them that diversity, in the end, isessential from having worked in a variety of settings,
including research at the Faculty of Medicine after earninga Ph.D. in Engineering. While some people don't likeinteracting with people from different fields or positions,saying that it makes them "go off track," there is no trackin essence. When you are in a new place, you realize themistakes you made before and the narrowness of yourperspective, but you also understand the weaknesses there.
You can observe your knowledge and awareness objectively
and see where you stand. University labs are just like "silos"
where homogeneous people gather, and the mechanism fordiversity is weak, so I would invite you to somewhat get into
contact with the outside world.
Matsuda: I would probably say, "Take risks," where theword risk originally means "to try with courage." Scientists■ COINS R&D achievement displayed by 4 Ps
(Achievement until the end of September 2021)

Papers464

Submitted papers:

No. of citations
Top 10% of papers 15%

PeopleHuman resource development

Human resources for interdisciplinary research
Human resources for management

Products

Establishment of startup：

7companies

Braizon Therapeutics Inc. /AccuRna Inc./
iXstream, inc./SONIRE THERAPEUTICS/
iXﬂow, inc. /PrimRNA /Red Arrow Therapeutics Inc.

Patents

Patents no. of
applications:222

Includes 94 int’lapplications

do not have a long time to do what they like. Although
there seems to be a trend to not venture out while worrying
about one's future post and livelihood, I would invite you toactively go abroad and work in top-notch places. Of course,
the support of those around you is also important. In thisway, iCONM can be said to be an international place where
you can challenge yourself.
Kimura: It's essential in entrepreneurship to have thecourage to do what others are not doing and to take the lead.
Although Japan is said to be a vertically structured society,each of these vertically divided cylinders is packed withwisdom. Therefore, if you stick cross-sectional axes throughthem, innovation will spring forth, which is born whendifferent ideas collide. I would invite you to have a bit ofcourage and curiosity to meet people who are different thanthose you are used to. With the COINS general meetingsand other events, we've intended to provide opportunities
to meet people.

■ What are your future aspirations?
Matsuda: It has been a valuable experience for me to be
involved in a project from a completely different national
project through COI STREAM. As a special advisor for
COI-NEXT, a program for supporting the formation of cocreation places, I'd like to produce results that will hopefully
lead to research or industry.
Kimura: I'd like to continue to encourage young people whohave the courage by creating an environment that makes
it easier to take on the challenge of starting a business andfurther promoting the creation of a system that makes it
easier to succeed.
Kataoka:It's our role to support young scientists. I am relieved tohave inherited the vision and mission of iCONM and COINS,
which has developed human resources capable of managing.
On the other hand, research is a serious business, with ageirrelevant. Since my research is not yet complete, I'd like towater and take care of the seed I have sown.

■ If“In-Body Hospitals”were to become a reality,
would you use it?
Kataoka, Kimura, Matsuda: Of course, we'll take theinitiative to do so!
（Interviewer: Science Writer KOJIMA,Ayumi）
NanoSky VOL.9

DECEMBER

2021|5

Nine years history of
COINS project
2013

2014

2015

2017

2018

■ OHSUMI Yoshinori
Nobel Prize inPhysiology orMedicine

2019

2020
COVID-19
Pandemic■ YOSHINO Akira
Nobel Prize in
Chemistry■ HONJO Tasuku
Nobel Prize inPhysiology
or Medicine

2021

2045

Tokyo 2020
Olympic・
Paralympic
games■ MANABE Shukuro
Nobel Prize in Physics

Completion of
Tamagawa Sky Bridge
SDGs GOAL

Phase 1《early days》

Phase 2《growth》

Phase 3《leap forward》

Design facilities andorganizations from scratch

Progress in R&D

Towards Society and Post-COI

Design facilities and organizations fromscratch Progress in R&D

Facilitate intellectual property system/
Expansion of network

Launch of incubation

Acceptance of postdocs and trainees

Recruit young and global human resources
Joint research funds with companies/
Raise venture capital/ Crowd-funding

Circulate part of intellectual property income/Continuous support of Kawasaki City

Win a competitive funding/Debt loan from Kawasaki city

COI ProgramFirst mid-term
evaluation■ 11/2013
COINS startWin■ 4/2015
iCONM operation startA

Win■ Lab. meeting withyoung and global
scientists

S+

speciﬁc cells

Prevent aging and damage
Diagnosis microenvironments
inside the bodydiseasenon-invasively

Transform society■ 2022～
Operate incubation lab.

Win
3rd Japan Open
Innovation Award
Selection Committee
Special Award■ 6/2020
Conclude MOC with
US BioLabs

2/2021COINS【Mission】

insideOvercome barriers
the bodyTreat■ 4/2019
Advance into
Boston LabCentral■ 4/2019
Set up post
COI preparation oﬃce

COI Program
2nd mid-term
evaluation“In-Body Hospitals”【Function】

TargetPursue D&I

Completion of“In-Body Hospitals”■ OMURA Satoshi
Nobel prize inPhysiology orMedicine■ KAJITA Takaaki
Nobel Prize in Physics■ AKASAKI Isamu/
AMANO Hiroshi/
NAKAMURA Shuji
Nobel Prize in Physics

Coevaltimeline

2016

Under the background of building a new industry in the Keihin industrial area driven by the heavy chemical industry, Kawasaki City has
decided to work on the formation of the world's top class R&D base in King SkyFront District (KSF) of Tonomachi Kawasaki, which was
designated as an International Strategic Special Zone in 2011.
The Center of Open Innovation Network for Smart Health (COINS) started in 2013 in the Innovation Center of NanoMedicine as a core
institution, with the vision of "In-Body Hospitals" that integrates nanotechnology such as "nanomachines" and "nanobio devices" fordiagnosis and treatment, is aiming to realize a "smart life care society" where people can be free from illness and treatment, and are able
to autonomously obtain health in their daily lives without having burden of the labor, cost, and access required for medical treatment.

■ Evolution of“In-Body Hospitals” research

Detection

Main themes in progress (as of 9/2021)

Greatly suppress recurrence
and metastasis of cancer

Theme 1

Facilitate drug delivery to the brain

Theme 2

Cancer Nanomachines carrying anti-cancer drug ……… Clinical trial

Treatment

Cancer Nanomachines carrying Nucleic acid drug ……… Clinical trial

Diagnosis

Cancer Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) ……… Nonclinical trial
Cancer Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) …………… Clinical trial (scheduled)

Establish regenerative technology for
motor and sensory cells

Theme 3

Establish precise prevention diagnostic
technology

Theme 4

Promote fast treatment that does not
require hospitalization

Theme 5

Vaccine Adjuvant free vaccine …………………… Nonclinical trial

Revolutionize medical business models
through new venture companies

Theme 6

Diabetes Artiﬁcial pancreas to paste …………… Exploratory clinical trial (Scheduled)

Nanomachines carrying
anti-cancer drug

Alzheimer’s diseas Nanomachines crossing the BBB into the brain …… Nonclinical trial

Nanomachines carrying
Nucleic acid drug

Brain central nervous system Regeneration of function by mRNA… Nonclinical trial (Scheduled)
Chondropathia Regenerative medicine with mRNA …… Nonclinical trial
Cancer diagnosis Development of quick cancer diagnostic device… Commercialization (Scheduled)Portable quick
diagnostic system

mRNA vaccine

Realization of as m a r t life c a r esociety where
society becomes
healthy auto n o m o u s ly

▶Footprint of COINS Symposium■ Kickoﬀ
Realization of open
innovation for smart life
care society■ 1stInnovation and Social
Implementation for
Smart Health■ 2ndOpen Innovation
Platform for Smart
Health Society▶Establishment of Venture companies■ 4th
Nanotech →“In-Body
Hospitals” →Smart Life
～Future Health carewith Nanomachine～■ 5th
Shaping a dream! “In-Body
Hospitals” －Future healthcare created by Kawasaki
ventures－● 2015Braizon Therapeutics,Inc.
AccuRna,Inc.

Phase 1 (Total of 23 institutions)■ 6thKing SkyFront
Bridges the World■ 7th
Future Medicine isComin' to Town
※ held online using
ZOOM due to COVID-19.

● 2018iXstream,inc.

■ 8thFrom Sick Care to
Health Care ～Future
Society Created by“In-Body Hospitals”～● 2020
SONIRE THERAPEUTICS
iXﬂow,inc.

Phase 2 (Total of 27 institutions)● 2021
PrimRNARed Arrow Therapeutics,Inc.

Phase 3 (Total of 29 Institutions）27 Institutions as of September, 2021.
Kawasaki City

Kanagawa Pref.

Miii

JRIA

CIEA

RIKEN

QST

TMDU

NCC

TWMU

TUS

Tokyo TechU TokyoTokyo Med Univ.

iXflow

iXstream

Nitto

FUJIFILM

KOWA

Nippon Kayaku

NanoCarrier

NOF

Teijin Limited
SHIMADZUAJINOMOTO

JSR

TORAY

BRAIZON

AccuRna*

SBI Pharma

NittoboKawasaki City

Kanagawa Pref.

Miii

JRIA

RIKEN

CIEA

NCC

QST

TMDU

TWMU

TUS

Tokyo Tech

FUJIFILM

U TokyoNippon Kayaku

KOWA

NanoCarrier

NOF

SHIMADZUTEIJINAJINOMOTO

JSR

TORAY

BRAIZON

AccuRna

SBI Pharma

NittoboKawasaki City

Kanagawa Pref.

JRIA

Miii

CIEA

RIKEN

NCC

QST

TWMU

TMDU

Keio Univ.

U TokyoTokyo Tech

FUJIFILM

Nikon

HITACHI

Nippon Kayaku

NOF

NanoCarrier

TEIJINJSRSHIMADZUAJINOMOTO

6 | NanoSky VOL.9 DECEMBER 2021

■ 3rd
Towards Smart HealthSociety ‒ Challenge of
Kawasaki based Medical
Innovation＊AccuRna, Inc. merged with NanoCarrier Co., Ltd.
(September, 2020)
Works with iCONM
Withdraws from COINS

NanoSky VOL.9

DECEMBER

2021|7

Listen to

COINS'
Members

MIURA Atsushi

Looking back at the time of establishment

Chairperson,
Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion

World class approach from
Kawasaki City

I have been involved in the development of King SkyFront
since my previous job as Deputy Mayor of Kawasaki City.

T Since I was involved in the development ofdevelopment of King SkyFront.

In the same year, the Central Institute for Experimental

In 2008, Kawasaki City started discussions withAnimals, the first facility of King SkyFront, started

King SkyFront as a Kawasaki City employee at therelated parties and decided on a policy of aiming totime when it started, it was a long way.

Scientist, Division of Developmental Therapeutics, EPOC,National Cancer Center Research Institute
MATSUMURA Yasuhiro Visiting
Director of Research, RIN Institute Inc.
Principal Research Scientist/Laboratory Head, Innovation Center of NanoMedicine

Aiming for integration of materials
engineering and materials biology

I am engaged in research aiming establishmentof antibodies focusing on cancer specificity andclinical application.

I felt it was my responsibility to take over thatmolecule for micelle. I n colla boratio n withline of work. As for my own theme, the starting

NanoCarrier, we have successfully produced

operation and was designated as a National Strategic

W unlike normal research, it was too grandand beyond my own control.

point was research on the effects of EPR overanti-TF, antibody-added micellar nanoparticles

integrate cutting-edge technologies and R&D

Special Zone.

Nevertheless, I had been doing joint research

35 years ago, I had shown that high molecularwith Dr. TAKASHIMA Hiroki (Leader of Division

Globalization, that started with the fall of the Berlin

functions in fields such as the environment, health,

In 2013, with the support of the government and thewith Dr. KATAOKA Kazunori since 1995 andweight proteins, especially IgG, naturally collectof Developmental Therapeutics, EPOC, NCC)

Wall in 1989, had a serious impact on Japan as well,welfare, and medical care. Around that time, I heard

city, iCONM construction has progressed, and we

had the chance to think about the contribution

in cancer, and tumor vascular hyperpermeability,

a s t h e l e a d a l o n g wit h t h e s u p p o r t of D r.

with the collapse of the bubble economy and long-from one of the companies located in the coastal area

applied for "COI STREAM" to obtain research funds.

I could m a ke as a m e m b e r of th e N atio n al

which is essential for EPR effect, is based on

YASUNAGA Masahiro (Director of Division ofterm stagnation, Kawasaki City was also urged to shiftthat they were conducting joint research with Dr.

In applying, academia concerned had discussed

Cancer Center Japan (NCC).

the production of vascular hyperpermeability

Developmental Therapeutics, EPOC, NCC) andfrom heavy industry. Isuzu Motors Ltd. in Tonomachi

KATAOKA Kazunori, a professor of The University ofthrough the night, then Dr. ANZ AI Tomohiro

I also had to decide what to do with my theme.

factor as a by-product of blood coagulation by

Dr. KOGA Yoshikatsu (Chief of Department ofalso moved to somewhere else, and in 2001, half ofTokyo. I met him and Dr. KIMURA Hiromichi after that.

summarized. It was successfully adopted in OctoberPrior to this project, I had been working together

cancer.

Strategic Programs, EPOC, NCC). We hope thatthe site was sold to UR Urban Organization.

We confirmed that we would make a world-classof the same year and in April 2015, iCONM started

with NanoCarrier and Nippon Kayaku in charge

From such this backdrop, we came up with thethis drug will be used as a prototype for the

In 2003, the government issued a policy for re-initiative in Kawasaki. This was the beginning of theoperation with the vision of "In-Body Hospitals".

as well as Dr. HAMAGUCHI Tetsuya, a current

idea of selecting a tissue factor (TF) antibody,

creation of more advanced complexes in the

expansion and internationalization of Haneda Airport

establishment of Innovation Center of NanoMedicine

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all ofprofessor at Saitama Medical University, on

whic h is a trig ge r m ole cule fo r exoge n o u s

future.

and the other half of the site of Isuzu was sold to(iCONM).

you who supported us for your ef for ts andclinical trials of micelles encapsulating anti-

coagulation that we established, and adding it

Yodobashi Camera. This was the beginning of the

In 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred.

cooperation.

cancer drugs.

to t h e mic elle s u r fa c e to s e r ve a s a pilot

he COINS project has reached its final year.

SAKURAI Toru

hen I heard about this project, I felt that,ANZAI Tomohiro

Administration Manager
Innovation Center of NanoMedicine

Tumultuous decade since preparationfor opening of iCONM“L only a little.”This is what Kawasaki City asked

I am involved in the iCONM management
and operation from the day one preparation
for the opening of the Innovation Center of
NanoMedicine.

I work on social implementation of research
results under Theme 6 at COINS and disseminate seeds from academia to the world
as my life work.

remember we were relieved.

know how long I will be able to stay, but I look

The foundation specialized to support small andforward to the day when I can witness the historic

I SkyFront in Tonomachi. Only the Centralme, but I am still here although it supposed to be only

medium-sized

moment of the realization of an "In-Body Hospitals"

a little. Construction of“Center of Monozukuri

establish iCONM because of advice and support

without waiting for 2045.

Medical Innovation (Initial name) =photo, andt

was in 2010 that I first visited the King

Principal Research Scientist, Innovation Center of
NanoMedicine
COINS Theme 6 Leader

The day when the “In-Body Hospitals”
was borndisciplinary research center in this area.

esta blishment, where we talked a bout the

In order to create a proposal led by Professor

future health care, we shall continue to work

Institute for Experimental Animals, which is

Kataoka, it is essential to have discussions thaton the realization of "In-Body Hospitals" and thescheduled to open next year, was there, and thecontinue until midnight to solidify the concept.

construction of an innovation ecosystem.

from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,

other lots were completely vacant. I still remember

Also, not only faculties from The University of

opening of research center was like a change

Science and Technology-Japan, JST, Kawasaki

that the sky looked very wide. It's been 11 years

Tokyo but also faculties from other universities andof job for me. While responding to construction

City, Collaborative University, National Cancer

since then . M a ny com pa nies a n d resea rch

local governments participate in a wide range ofwork, everything such as applying for researchCenter Japan, KISTEC, and Central Institute for

institutions are gathering together here, and a

discussions in the cross-sector and sharpen theinstitution, going through e-RAD procedure, making

Experimental Animals. We would like to take thiscommunity is steadily being formed. Now that thecontent of the proposal. Our vision is shared withrule, making real estate transaction, etc. was foropportunity to thank everyone who supported us.

Tama River Sky Bridge, which was our fervent

everyone involved and a sense of unity is fostered

the first time. We had trouble opening the phone

For tumultuous decade, as a core base of thewith, is about to be completed. I feel the time justthrough this process.

and the Internet, and among the members of the

COINS project, iCONM has become a world classflies by.

The word "In-Body Hospitals," which is our goal,

preparation room, we were often anxious about wenanomedical research institute in Japan, and a

It was in the winter of 2012 that we started

is a word that suddenly came down from the

couldn't make it in time for the opening, however,symbol of King SkyFront.

preparations with Dr. Kataoka and Dr. Kimura

discussions that inquired into the concept.

it was finally opened just the day before and I

I am proud of being involved in this project. I don't

to propose the establishment of a new inter-

Keeping the passion we had at the time of ouret us just have your name. It is ok to help us

enterprises

could

successfully

Center of Monozukuri Medical Innovation (Initial name)=photo Construction scene

8 | NanoSky VOL.9 DECEMBER 2021

Overlook Haneda Airport, where iCONM is located(photographed in 3/2013)

NanoSky VOL.9

DECEMBER

2021|9

Listen to

COINS'
Members

MIYATA Kanjiro
Involved in the research and developmentof nanomachines that "target" cancer,Iam particularly focused on the researchof nanomachines for gene/nucleic aciddelivery.

What we   have created

Professor, Department of Materials Engineering
Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
COINS Theme 1 Leader

Bringing “Panacea on the desk” toReality

I delivery in April 2000. As I learned moreto the progress in delivery technology as wellwith our lab members on further research toas th e integrate d d evelo p m e nt of n u cleic

realize a true panacea.

about nucleic acids in medicine, I realized the

ITAKA Keiji

Professor, Department of Biofunction ResearchInstitute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Laboratory Head/Principal Research Scientist, Innovation Center of NanoMedicine
COINS Theme 3 Leader

Believing in the Future of mRNA
Medicine and Vaccines
A his team have worked on major projects

coincides with our achievements at COINS.

acid chemistry, cell biology, and evaluationsuch as Center for NanoBio Integration andsensory organ regeneration for Theme 3, andappeal and excellent potential they have totechnology.

First program prior to COINS, so old members

coincidentally, a project for articular cartilage

become a panacea. Since the most important

As such, the R&D of nanomachines equippedsuch as myself are probably less aware of whentherapy was launched this spring, which aims

issue was said to be "delivery technology,"

with nucleic acid medicine from COINS has

COINS started.

for the practical application of Japan's firstI felt the importance of my own research andprogressed, and the start of clinical trials forIf you look back at the materials of the firstmRNA medicine. Of course, this is a first for all

began focusing on it. On the other hand, thecancer treatment became a big step in my

General Meeting in 2013, other than alreadyof us and many twists and turns to be expected,

practical application of nucleic acid drugs

research life. I think that this progress washaving the word mRNA in it, you can also see

however, the experience and network cultivatedhad not progressed in spite of the huge R&D

possible due to COINS' promotion of integrated

a diagram of animal experiments via pDNA

at COINS will be another great asset for us. The

cost, which, around 2010, made me feel that

research as well as its open innovation projects

next to it, which makes you realize how long

R&D for vaccines and their application to many

it was just a panacea on the desk. However,with companies. This achievement has not only

COINS has been as a program. As Modernadiseases is just beginning, and we hope to movethis situation has changed drastically in the past

been a big step but also a first step. Although

was founded in 2010, mRNA drug discovery

forward step by step in collaboration with many

few years, with new nucleic acid drugs being

there are still many issues to be solved in nucleic

is still a young field, in which I am very happy

scientists and companies.

approved every year. This can be attributedacid delivery, we will continue to work together

to have been involved in terms of mRNA andstarted my research on nucleic acids you all may know, Dr. Kataoka andAt COINS, I have been working on motor-

Members from Miyata Lab.
Department of Materials Engineering, UTokyoANRAKU Yasutaka

A Brighter future seen beyond the
Blood-Brain BarrierWith lab. members of Dr. Kariko（March, 2015）

IWASAKI Hirokazu

Project Associate Professor, Department of Bioengineering
Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
COINS Theme 2 Leader

Our goal is to develop smart nano-machines
using precisely designed and synthesized
macromolecules as building blocks, which will beapplied to innovative diagnostic and therapeutictechnologies for neurological diseases.

Vice Director, Innovation Center of NanoMedicine

I supported PL and RL as a COINS Research Promotion Leader.
I have been a Vice Director since iCOMN started.

Build a unique innovation platform

I innovative therapeutic technologies foris safe in vivo and has glucose molecules onachieving the same therapeutic effect with 1/10of the dosage of the antibody administered alone

W meet the challenges that were required one after

new members with a proven track record in private

its surface layer. This nanomachine is localizedneurological diseases with the keyword "goin the cerebral vascular endothelial cells thatby using the BBB-crossing nanomachine in an

another, but when iCONM started its operation in April

strategy ⇒ paper publication ⇒ public relations strategy

beyond" when it comes to nanomachines forconstruct the BBB, appropriately recognizes

Alzheimer's disease model mouse.

2015, "Under one roof”and "Back casting approach⇒ commercialization opportunity" began to rotate. I am

realizing the "In-Body Hospitals". The brain is

glucose transporter 1 whose localization changes

I n a d ditio n to t his re s e a rc h , I h ave als ofrom the vision" provided a tangible foundation to

proud to say that we could build a unique innovation

protected by a highly developed barrier (Blood-according to the blood glucose concentration, andparticipated in many outreach activities. One offunction.

platform that sets us apart from existing universities andBrain Barrier: BBB), which makes it difficult topasses through the BBB according to the change

my most memorable moments was a talk session

When we launched, we had a very busy period, however,research institutions. Particularly,

deliver bioactive substances to the brain. As ain blood glucose concentration. Using this BBB-

held at the National Museum of Emerging

we thought it would be good to design iCONM suitable

I am proud of the relationship of trust with the COINS

result, the prevalence of neurological diseases

crossing nanomachine as a platform, we have

Science and Innovation, where I had a chancefor the core of COINS, therefore we thought that while

participating institutions and members, and also theis high in the aging society while no effective

succeeded in delivering a wide variety of modalities

to hear directly from people who are interested

advancing COINS which aims to realize "In-Body

collaboration between the Research Promotion officetherapeutic approach has been found.

into the brain. For example, we succeeded inin cutting-edge science and technology about

Hospitals" and backcasting from the vision of aiming

and the Kawasaki Institution of Industrial Promotion

In the midst of this, our research group has

efficiently suppressing the expression of a target

their high expectations and concerns about ourfor the most innovative research center in the world,

Foundation team who made this possible. The

developed a "BBB-crossing nanomachine," aprotein by delivering a nucleic acid drug into thenanomachines. The comments we received there

we should be able to create an innovation platform. To

surrounding environment is changing. As we respondnanomachine that "goes beyond" the BBB and isbrain, and for an antibody drug that can control

have been a great motivation for us to continuebuild the organization, human resources, management,

to new challenges, I am sure that this experience, we

composed of a precisely designed polymer thatthe post-translational process, we succeeded inour research activities.

etc. were challenges from a scratch. However, withwill continue to have the resilience to adapt to change.

n Theme 2, we have been developing

With Dr. Karikó Katalin(who is much talkabout) in front of Head office of BioNTech

hen COINS started, we were working hard just tocompanies, the cycle of "R&D⇒intellectual property

With Ms. Mayuko Suzuki of the COINS Research
Promotion office, who holds the Japan Open Innovation
Award.

10 | NanoSky VOL.9 DECEMBER 2021

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Listen to

COINS'
Members

AKINAGA Shiro

What we   have createdManaging Director of R&D Division & CSO
NanoCarrier Co. Ltd.

TOSU Mariko

Founder & Chairperson
Braizon Therapeutics, Inc.

A unique drug discovery procedure by small venture company
that cannot be achieved by major pharmaceutical companies

Aiming for Intel in the field of therapeutic agentsfor central nervous system diseases

A company in 2017, I joined AccuRnaflowered as a new modality, then the interest inwhen we can hand them over to pharmaceuticalcompanies to create a medicine. As an individual

B 2015 by FTI, led by Professor Kimura,and scientists who share our ambitions tomRNA drugs has been increasing in Japan as well.

and participated in collaborative research andWhen I was thinking about the strategy of thescientist, after receiving the mRNA vaccine, I can

as a recipient of the social implementation ofand it has become possible to proceed with

development of nucleic acid drugs with iCONM.

company, as the CEO of AccuRna, I received

imagine that mRNA activates our immunity in the

COINS research results. We challenge social

in-house research along with the discussions

We had little knowledge the new field of mRNAan M&A offer from Mr.Matsuyama, the CEO

body like a SF movie "Fantastic Voyage".

implementation of "drug delivery technology

with Professor Kataoka and Professor Anraku.

drug discovery, which was still rare in Japan, butof NanoCarrier. The company was merged bythat efficiently delivers drugs to the brain"

In 2019, we opened our own laboratory in both

we managed to start research activity. However, onabsorption and I have become the CSO forthat solves key issues in the development of

iCONM and in Boston. I feel that all the members

the way, we invited and collected our colleagues

NanoCarrier again in September 2020. It has

therapeutic agents for the treatment of central

are working together to accelerate research andfrom the previous company to the research teambeen four and a half years since I entered into

nervous system diseases.

play a role to connect the results of COINS toand managed to build a structure to catch up thethe venture industry world. We have not "created"

It was one person company when I took over thethe hopes of society. We would like to become

cutting-edge research. While human beings face

anything as medicine, but I am in the midst

management in 2017. Initially, I had no researchsuch a company that Braizon's technology isan unprecedented crisis of a COVID-19 pandemic,of "creating" new corporate values of the newability systematically, thus I was going backalways fully utilized in the therapeutic drugs forthe mRNA vaccine for the virus has been approved

NanoCarrier after a replacement of the president.

and forth alone with the great cooperation ofcentral nervous system diseases of the brain

at an astonishing speed of less than one year of

From now, the major focus will be on how far we

Dr. Kataoka, Dr. Anraku, Mr. Iwasaki, and Dr.

marketed by pharmaceutical companies all overdevelopment. As a result, mRNA therapeutics has

can advance mRNA drug candidates in-house andFukushima.

the world.

My lifework is to create new medicine, focusing
on translational research from the drug discovery
stage to obtaining clinical POC in human. I haveextensive experience to cross the "death valley”indrug discovery towards human clinical trials.

fter retiring from a domestic pharmaceuticalraizon Therapeutics, Inc. was founded in

However, from 2018, colleagues

innovate on this social issue have increased,

We conduct research even during COVID-19 pandemic.

New and old members create core values together.

QUADER Sabina

YOKOYAMA Miyako

Senior Research Scientist
Kataoka・Kinoh Laboratory, Innovation Center of NanoMedicine

Witnessing iCONM becoming a global
research hub
A san, Wu-san, and me, from Kataoka-lab

trainees from all over the world came to iCONM toat the Material Engineering Department of theWorth mentioning here that the streng th of

University of Tokyo, came to iCONM to continue

pril ２０
１５, Kinoh-sensei, Mochida-san, Liu-

Nanomedicine for the treatment of Brain Cancer

All of us are working together to open a newdoor to the development of therapeutic agents forpatients who suffer from intractable brain diseases
around the world. We cause a paradigm shift in thetreatment of central nervous system diseases.

Launching member of iCONM. In the COINS
project, I have been mainly involved in accounting.

I Construction of iCONM was completed inbecame a member of COINS in 2014.

Account Department / Secretary
Management office, Innovation Center of Nanomedicine (iCONM)
COINS Research promotion officeStarting from scratch-Rewarding
to create from there
so that a large number of accounting slips

reagents, etc., and to create COINS accounting

were not converted into data, budget execution

reports accurately and quickly. I would like to2015 and COINS research and promotion officemanagement

connect our work to the years to come as a resulto u r C O I N S i n n ova tive re s e a rc h lie s i n it s

moved its base from The University of Tokyo. I

creating an accurate accounting report was

our nanomedicine research. We had so many

multidisciplinary nature, contributed by researchers

was involved as one of the launching members,difficult. I explained the foundation about theunopened boxes to open, so many machines towit h d ive r s e a c a d e mic a n d g e o g ra p h ic a land now we have reached the final year of the

difficult situation and proposed systematization.

install, and so many laboratories to set up.

backgrounds. Today, I feel satisfied; our mission to

COINS project. iCONM that has just establishedWe discussed about systematization that can

It took six months to start my first experiment at

make iCONM a prominent global research hub has

had nothing in the beginning and started fromcollectively manage orders, deliveries, payments,

iCONM; since then, our COINS research project

been achieved. The next goal is to make iCONM

scratch, thus I was extremely busy with moving,

and budget management and after exchanging

relentlessly escalated to reach the top.

one of the leading research centers in the world.

organizing a new office and a regular work.

opinions between the headquarter of Kawasaki

I have seen many world-renowned academics

I was assigned to work as an accountant. Firstly,

Institute of Industrial Promotion and iCONM,

and researchers visiting our center; I have

I had to learn the rules of the core organization

the long-waited online purchasing system went

witnessed their appreciation and acknowledgment

Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion and to

into full-scale operation in 2020. I was pleased

towards our world-class research facilities andcreate a business flow of iCONM.

to know that this has made it possible for our

cutting-edge scientific research. Many research

In addition, there was no online purchase systemscientists to check the status of orders forexperience doing innovative research.

Our research strength – diversity・equality・inclusion

12 | NanoSky VOL.9 DECEMBER 2021

was

extremely

inefficient,andof our efforts.

Accounting ladies taking care of research funds

NanoSky VOL.9

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Draw in  the future

Listen to

COINS'
Members

Department of Materials Engineering
ICHIKI Takanori Professor,
Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo

Laboratory head/Principal Research Scientist, Innovation Center of NanoMedicine
COINS Theme 4 Leader

Beyond COINS: From Sick Care to
Health Care

Conducting R&D for new diagnostic equipment
and measurement technologies that hold the
key to preventive medicine

SENGOKU Shintaro

Professor, School of Environment and Society
Tokyo Institute of Technology

Promote an innovation process based on
citizen participation in Kawasaki

I am engaged in research and education on technology
and innovation management at the Tokyo Institute ofTechnology. I have participated in COINS in 2014 andam engaged in R&D management research.

F that COINS aims for. The novel idea of aintelligence, predicts that the fusion of AI andphysical and mental health but also includes thecare provision system that is different from the past,act of finding the seeds of abnormalities that

F which will be the key to a healthy society

citizens at the same time.

nanomachines will lead to the realization of tiny

Specifically, it is urged that we will set up a system

the mental health care of the frailty of the elderly

medical team boarding a miniaturized submarine

molecular machines that can enter the body tooccur daily in the body and returning to an originalin the future, it is indispensable that in addition tofor utilizing health data such as public healthdue to stay at home, and the younger generation.

and treating patients from inside their bodies

treat diseases, repair genes, and manage healthstate. I believe that the nanomedical technology

technological development to realize the iCONM’scheckup and receipt data, develop intervention

We need to set a goal for a resilient society thatwas depicted in the 1960s science fiction filmin the 2030s.

developed at COINS has the potential to realize

concept "In-Body Hospitals", the local government,

measures based on technologies such as machine

protects and develops the health of citizens even

Fantastic Voyage, and now, 50 years later, that

The nanomachines and nano diagnostic devices

not only sick care but also advanced health carewhich is responsible for health and welfare

learning and nudge, implement, evaluate andin an emergency. From now on, through awarenessworldview is getting closer to reality thanks to thedeveloped at COINS will be linked to AI andthat enables so-called preventive medicine.

administration, will directly play a principal role inverify trials through social experiments in theof these issues and a series of measures, we shallnanomedical technology that COINS is promoting

data science in the future and will function with

The participation (participatory) of many citizens is

the citizens and process to implement and verify

demonstration field, and proceed system design

pursue SDGs such as "Good Health and Well-in R&D. Nanomachines for cancer treatment aredramatic intelligence. They are expected to bringsaid to be essential for the development of health

together.

and development to initiate the program as a part ofBeing"(contributing to the achievement of universal

one step closer to practical application, and theabout a major change in consciousness, that is,care technology. By deepening partnerships withNot

citizen's life and city administration.

health coverage) and "Quality Education"(fostering

R&D of nanodiagnostic devices that can detecta health care transformation, from "sick care to

local governments and local communities andHospitals", but also it is necessary to develop

In addition, as it has become apparent due to thea health care mindset and improving science andcancer with a single drop of blood is also underway.

health care" in 10 years' time. The origin of the

preparing a grassroots R&D environment, I woulda social system for providing the technology andrecent spread of COVID-19 that establishing a so-

medical literacy through public awareness activities

On the other hand, futurist Ray Kurzweil, whoword "health" comes from the word "heal" withlike to expand the circle for the creation of new

products created by COINS as a healthcare

called new normal lifestyle that contributes to healthand outreach activities) and contribute to the

advocates the arrival of a singularity in which"-th" added to it, in other words, to heal. That is

health care technologies and health/medical

service by making dialogues with government

measures and prevention of spread has become arealization of a wellness and health society from

artificial intelligence (AI) will surpass humanto say health care does not just mean maintaining

industries.

and regulatory agencies and communicating withnew issue such as the construction of a medical

Kawasaki.

uture medical care "In-Body Hospitals"

NISHIYAMA Nobuhiro

or

only

expandingbuilding

preventive

narrowly

medicaldefinedcare,"In-Body

Professor, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Laboratory head/Principal Research Scientist, Innovation Center of NanoMedicine
COINS Theme 5 Leader

2045 – For the Realization of “In-Body
Hospitals”

We are conducting R&D for imaging-based
pathological diagnosis and non-cutting surgery
via the integration of nanomachines and medical
devices in hopes to realize day-case treatmentthat does not require hospitalization.

TANABE Shihori

Senior Researcher, Division of Risk Assessment
Center for Biological Safety and Research, National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS)

Promote a development of medical health researchwith broad view in international collaboration

Conduct molecular network research of risk assessment of medicine,etc., OECD AOP R&D, Participate in international collaboration,
Delegate of The Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine,
Delegate of The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, Board of trusteeof Society for Regulatory Science of Medical Products

T running for about 10 years with thethe people involved in Theme 5 for their efforts.

in the field of medicine, regenerative medicine,gene therapy, nucleic acid medicine, andI Year’s party that was held when NIHS

a n d N I H S , w e w e r e a b l e to g et a d e e p e r

While COINS is coming to an end soon, "In-grand concept of "In-Body Hospitals", has

Body Hospitals" is aiming for realization inm o re h ave b e e n p ut to p ra ctic al u se , withmoved here at Tonomachi end of 2017 to 2018

introducing each other's research. I am grateful

finally reached its final year. As a leader

2045, and we will continue to run at full speed

various technological innovations such asthat I encountered iCONM. The joint research

for Prof. Kataoka, Director General of iCONM

of Theme 5, I have been involved in R&D

for another 24 years. 24 years ago, I was a

wearable d evic e s a n d A I - b a s e d d ia g n o s tic

with Dr. QUADER Sabina of iCONM was theand iCONM members for introducing the latest

on

and

graduate student in the laboratory led by iCONM

s u p p o r t , which have brought great changes

trigger to the valuable opportunity to participate

nanomedicine trend when I visited iCONM for

Medical Devices," achieving research results

Director General, Prof. Kazunori Kataoka, whereto our lives. In the next 24 years, we wouldin the 150th anniversary ceremony of diplomatic

COINS seminar or lab. Tour. Due to the impactthat had a social impact such as pathological

I received my Ph.D. for research on micelles

like to steadily implement nanomachine-based

relations with Spain at the AMED Japan-Spainof the COVID-19 after 2020, the importancediagnosis by imaging (NatNanotech, 2016)

encapsulating anticancer drugs.

diagnosis and treatment in our society, step byInternationalStartof problem-solving on a global scale from an

and cancer treatment by liquid glue (SciAdv,

One of our results is the NC-6004, which is

step, and realize "In-Body Hospitals". "Nothing

Commemorative Symposium in Madrid, Spain.

international perspective is increasing. I hope2020). We were able to advance the research

currently in phase 2 clinical trials at NanoCarrier

is impossible." "No dream, no success." In thisAfterwards, this led to the publication of co-

we will be able to develop problem-solving byof boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) andCo,.

milestone of the end of COINS, I would likeauthored papers at Nanomedicine, discussions

taking advantage of diversity.

sonodynamic therapy (SDT ) toward social

Social implementation is a dream I have had forto renew my mind and strive toward our great

at cancer and stem cell-related conferences,

implementation. As the Theme leader, I would

many years, and I feel that it is my responsibility

dream with my colleagues who share the sameand publication of papers.

like to express my gratitude once again to all

to fulfill it as a scientist. In the past 24 years

aspirations as me.

W h e n ove rse as scie ntists visite d iC O N M

he

"the

COINS

project,

Integration

14 | NanoSky VOL.9 DECEMBER 2021

of

which

has

Nanomachines

beenthink it was at the King SkyFront New

Joint

Research

Project

understanding of the actual research site by

Spanish and Japanese researchers, Dr. Suematsu,
AMED First Director (at that point) and other scientists
at the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation andUniversities（photographed in November 2018）

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COINS'
Members

SATAKE Mami

Draw in  the future

Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion
Research Coordinator, COINS Research Promotion Support
OfficeATSUMI Hiroshi

Innovation Center of NanoMedicine
Office for post COINS, Business Strategy Manager

I want to say! “In-Body Hospitals”

Shape our own future with our own hands

It has become difficult to meet face to face due

O grown in a field to my apartment in Tokyo.

exceptional scientists. However, it is not easy

I was in Boston, people involved in startups

to COVID-19, however we could manage holding

for one organization to provide these supports.

looked very vibrant and energetic. The energy

disseminatedvarious workshops and general meetings online.

I planted them in a pot and found they did not

Even in Boston, the central of biotech, theis transferred to others (energy transfer!) andinformation through symposiums and seminars, andUtilization of online has some problems, but I thinkgrow well because of spider mites. In nature (myvarious supports are always provided by diverse

finally will shake our society. That is exactly

at the same time, we held the first iCONM Public

it has become easier for people to participate thanhometown), there are insects that eat pests andecosystem members.

what I want to do and will help to shape our

Lecture in March 2021. The lecture plan wasface to face event in the difficult circumstances.

the moderate humidity enables plants to grow,The incubation for start-ups that I am currently

own future.

finalized by the scientists, the research promotion

The goal of "In-Body Hospitals" is to realize bywhich are needed to grow well. It seems difficult

involved will be a member of the ecosystem,

support office, and the iCONM management office2045.

to grow plants in urban balconies because of ab e c a u se a p p ro p riate wet- la bs h elp biote c hin order for general publics who did not have a

I would like to continue working and keep

lack of "the helps". It is said that an appropriate

start- ups to be able to concentrate on theirknowledge on "In-Body Hospitals" to readily

increasing our fans and enhance the sense ofenvironment called the innovation ecosystem, isresearch and business. As mentioned above,

understand the concept. I am pleased to say thatunity of the team now and even after 2045. I will

necessary to foster start-ups and continuously

the ecosystem could not be built all by myself,

the participants were very satisfied, and it was a

do my best to improve public acceptance and toh a p p e n s i n n o v a t i o n . E s p e c i a l l y, b i o t e c hand Tonomachi still has lot of work to do ahead.

great success!

ensure that everyone involved in COINS can gocompanies require highly unique and diverse

However, I dream many startups are growing

It is also important to communicate not only withforward toward the vision of "In-Body Hospitals"

supports for growing their business, such as

and being successful here. Today, I see thesociety but also with everyone involved in COINS.

to the full extent.

up-to-date equipments, huge investment, andecosystem in Tonomachi grow gradually. WhenI joined COINS three years ago. In addition
to administrative duties related to the project
within the research promotion support office,
I worked to set up and run events and carry out
public relations activities.

I and acceptance for realization of "In-Bodyt is essential to foster a public understanding

Hospitals".

We

have

externally

DATE Yusuke

ne day, I brought perilla (shiso) seedlings

Recently, I have started a column to introduce
nanomachines with illustrations so that it canbe easily understood by more people.

FUKAZAWA Yukiko

Science Communicator
Japan Science and Technology Agency
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation(Miraikan）

Future“normal”which is created withcitizens

We are working on the formation of an
ecosystem, notably the launch of the
incubation business.

School teacher
Kawasaki City High School for
Science and Technology

To the future from Kawasaki

We create a place for dialogue that connects
the most advanced science and technology
with society.
Our students are stimulated by visiting the research institutions every year.

M opportunities for dialogue to interact withof "In-Body Hospitals" that comprehensively

to the "Normal" of future medical care for all theperforms the treatment, which is the final goal andcitizens.

A Science High School, Science Department,

S k y Fro nt eve r y ye a r.

and lecture, I could feel their spirit that theyT h e stu d e nts se e th e a d ults (scie ntists)

citizens about "In-Body Hospitals".

are spreading their wings from where they are.

the values of the citizens who would like to decide

the students aim to enter a topnotch university

who realize their dreams in front of them in

All in all, it became a very precious day for me.

In the survey of "In-Body Hospitals" conducted

whether to treat or not.

by deepens systematic understanding throughKawasaki, conduct cutting-edge research andThank you very much for having us.

in 2020, we asked if they would like to use, theThe actual future will change depending on

the process of exploring phenomena suchachieve results, and talk about the future like ananomachine "therapeutic type" that consistently

efforts. I would like iCONM to continue to set up

as basic concepts, principles, and rules inchild just before a summer holidays. This‘real’

performs treatment from disease detection, or thea place for dialogue with citizens, and to practicescience and mathematics, and at the same

experience makes them motivated more than"notification type" that detects and notifies diseases

incorporating the place itself into the research andtime enhances general education, and goes

anything else.

and performs treatment at medical institutions

development process. Future options have now

to scientific topnotch university. There are many

In general, high school students are in the(right figure). As a result, 79% answered that

increased because of the progress of science

students who aspire to research positions at

process of heading toward self-actualization

they would like to use nanomachines, however,and technology. I believe that recognizing theuniversities and research institutes in the future,with little by little facing themselves, assessing

looking at the breakdown, 45% of the respondents

gap between the creator and the user of the newand they are working hard toward their dreams.

their abilities and aptitudes and it is not too

chose "notification type" compared to 34% oftechnology, updating the future image is what we

In the influence of environment, students of themuch to say that many children have great"therapeutic type". This is the result that showssay, "create together."department of science visit research institutes

anxiety about the future. However, when I saw

the gap between the future image of the concept

As a pioneer, I hope iCONM will pave the way

at va rio u s rese a rc h fa cilities o n th e Kingthe students who were enjoying the lab. tour

iraikan and iCONM have created

Therapeutic type
Notification type
34% of respondents hope to use 45% of respondents hope to use

A device that informs
the state of illness

Medicine
for treatment

Treat atthe hospital※ 21% of respondents answered "I don’t want to use either."※ Number of valid respondents were 375

Result of survey regarding "In-Body Hospitals"

16 | NanoSky VOL.9 DECEMBER 2021

t Kawasaki Municipal Kawasaki General

35 students and 4 teachers visited.

NanoSky VOL.9

DECEMBER

2021

| 17

ACTIVITY REPORT◦9.17.2020【Award】Dr. GONZALEZ Daniel Carter, iCONM research scientist, won the second prize inthe poster presentation at an academic conference held online at the University of British Columbia,
Canada.
◦9.25.2020【Activity】COINS workshop (ONLINE)2020 was held.
Theme: Post COVID-19 era◦9.27.2020【Coverage】iCONM Nanomachines was introduced on BS Fuji “Think what if…Naruhodo!
Nattoku-juku”.
Name of the program: BS Fuji “Think what if …Naruhodo! Nattoku-juku”
Title: If we could go to a micro world?
◦9.28.2020【Press release】COINS exhibited at “Innovation Japan 2020 -University Trade Shows
Online”. An article on this matter was published in Pharmaceutical News Agency.
◦10.1.2020【Activity】iCONM has set October as “Compliance Promotion Month” and carried out
various activities to ensure compliance.
◦10.12.2020【Coverage】COINS member Prof. OCHIYA Takahiro of Tok yo Medical University
announced that industry-academia collaboration has identified a new predictor of aggravation of
COVID-19. Articles on this matter have been published in a number of media.
Articles on this matter have been published in a number of media
Discriminate the corona aggravation by protein in blood. Professors of Tokyo Medical University
and colleagues | Nikkei Inc.
Predict the corona aggravation by blood
Identif y candidate substances. Tok yo Medical
University | The Okinawa Times | KYODO NEWS | The Chunichi Shimbun | K AHOKU SHIMPOPUBLISHING
Predict the corona aggravation | Nishinippon Shimbun | Niigata Nippou Jigyousya | Kanagawa
Shimbun Ltd.
◦10.16.2020【Activity】Dr. UCHIDA Satoshi, Deputy Principal Research Scientist Kyoto Prefectural
University, (iCONM Principal research scientist) gave a lecture at the Webinar organized by the
Embassy of India in Tokyo. Title was “Stable delivery of mRNA to affected areas using nanomicelles
and gene therapy for rare diseases”. He explained the features of nanomicelles, such as comparison
with delivery methods using viruses, and suggested the possibility of treatment of rare genetic
diseases in future medical treatment.
Dr. ATSUMI Hiroshi from iCONM took the stage on the online event “[Accelerate◦10.21.2020【 Activity】
research!] Demonstration experiment to create a future society” at the National Museum of
Emerging Science and Innovation.
◦11.4.2020【Coverage】An interview article with Dr. UCHIDA Satoshi, Deputy Principal Research
Scientist Kyoto Prefectural University, (iCONM Principal research scientist), entitled “Corona
Vaccine with Partial Double-stranded mRNA” was covered by Chemical Daily. “Future medicine
care is right there – iCONM’s challenge” |The Chemical Daily◦11.6.2020【Activity】#53 COINS Seminar was held ONLINE.
Speaker: Dr. ANRAKU Yasutaka / Project Associate Prof. Dept. of Bioengineering, Graduate Schoolof Engineering, The University of Tokyo (Leader, Theme 2).
Title: ‟New Route to Innovative Treatment of Central Nervous System Disease with Nanomachines”
Contents of the seminar was published on the media. |Nikkei Beyond Health◦11.9.2020【Coverage】An interview article “Cancer care, information sharing issues” with Dr.
MURAGAKI Yoshihiro, Professor, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, and NODA Mayumi, Vice
President, Sasaeau-Kai α (a NPO for Cancer Patient Advocacy) was covered by Chemical Daily.
◦11.9.2020【 Activity】An exchange event was held in zoom between foreign research scientist
working at iCONM and Japanese administrative staff. It was the first attempt of a joint project by
the iCONM management office and the COINS research promotion office aiming activating innercommunication.
◦11.19.2020【Activity】Dr. KATAOKA Kazunori, iCONM Director General iCONM appeared live on
TV Asahi “Hatori Shinichi Morning Show” and explained not only about new corona vaccine but
also about cancer treatment and Alzheimer's disease using mRNA and applied research of smart
nanomachines for cartilage regenerative medicine in easy-to-understand manner. Articles on
program appearances is covered in a number of media.
JCASTTV Watch, Rakuten Infoseek News, JCC_1, JCC_2◦11.20.2020【Activity】Dr. UCHIDA Satoshi, Deputy Principal Research Scientist, Kyoto Prefectural
University, (iCONM Principal research scientist), appeared live on Fuji T V's “Tokudane!” andexplained the development of a new corona vaccine using mRNA.1
Another TV programs
TV Asahi “Sunday Live” – Sunday, November 22 at 6:00
Fuji TV “Sunday coverage THE PRIME” on Sunday, November 29 at 7:30.
A few media introduced the Dr. Uchida’s appearance program. livedoor NEWS, excite, News JCC◦11.20.2020【Activity】#54 COINS Seminar was held ONLINE.
Speaker: Prof. ICHIKI Takanori / Professor, Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate Schoolof Engineering, The University of Tokyo/Ichiki Lab, iCONM
Title: “Application of nanobio device technology to medicine and drug discovery”◦11.20.2020【Coverage】An ar ticle by Toru Sakurai, Manager of iCONM was published in the
Shizuoka Shimbun under the title of “Kawasaki Model also in Shimizu”.
◦11.20.2020【Coverage】An article about the interview with Professor ITAKA Keiji (Leader, COINS
Theme 3) Tokyo Medical and Dental University, entitled “Why is Japan's vaccine development
delayed?” was published.

◦11.25.2020【Ac tivit y】Proje c t COINS ope ne d a new we bsite. T he conte nts we re exhibite dat “Innovation JAPAN2020”, that was an online matching event between Academia and Industry,organized by JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency). A new site that summarizes COINS'svision on one page in an easy-to-understand manner. Introducing an “In-Body Hospitals” aiming forrealization in 2045.
◦11.25.2020【Award】Dr. ANZAI Tomohiro, Senior Research Scientist, iCONM Kimura Lab, ranked
second in the 2021 edition of “Japan's MIDAS LIST” published by Forbes Japan.
◦11.26.2020【Coverage】An interview article of Prof. ITAKA Keiji, Tokyo Medical and Dental University(Leader, COINS Theme 3) under the title “mRNA vaccine, using genetic information, developing
quickly” in Nikkei electronic version.
◦11.30.2020【Coverage】In collaboration with the Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School ofEngineering, The University of Tokyo, iCONM has developed a high-molecular-weight nanomicellethat uses the acidity in the target tumor tissue to selectively release antineoplastic agents and we
had a press meeting. There were articles about this research.
Treatment of malignant brain cancer| Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun
Release drug inside brain tumor| Nikkei Sangyo Shimbun
Shoot malignant cancer cells with “super molecular nanomachines” |Nikkei Beyond HealthRelease of anti-cancer drug as a function of pH pH| The Chemical Daily
Kawasaki City Coastal Area New letter “i-newsletter”
This research result was published in Biomaterials.
Title：Supramolecularly enabled pH- triggered drug action at tumor microenvironment potentiates
nanomedicine efficacy against glioblastoma◦12.1.2020【Activity】Dr. UCHIDA Satoshi, Deputy Principal Research Scientist, Kyoto Prefectural
University, (iCONM Principal research scientist), appeared on multiple TV programs from November
28th to November 30th, and explained the development of a new corona vaccine using mRNA.
Appearance program
Saturday, November 28, 9:30 - ABC “Oshiete News Live ～ Seiginomikata”
Sunday, November 29, 7:30 - Fiji TV “THE PRIME”
Monday, November 30, 20:59 - BS11 “Press Live Inside Out”
◦12.2.2020【Coverage】The article of the lecture given by Prof. ITAKA Keiji, Tokyo Medical and Dental
University (Principal Research Scientist, Leader, Theme 3), on mRNA in Chiba City was published in
The Chemical Daily.
◦12.2.2020【 Award】Pr of. K ATAO K A K a zu n o r i, D i r e c to r G e n e r a l of i C O N M , wo n t h e KO S É
Cosmetology Encouragement Award.
◦12.2.2020【Award】Prof. KATAOKA Kazunori, Director General of iCONM and Dr. OCHIYA Takahiro,
Professor. Tokyo Medical and Dental University / COINS' member, were selected as a Highly Cited
Researcher.
◦12.3.2020【Coverage】： An interview article with Dr. UCHIDA Satoshi, Deputy Principal Research
Scientist, Kyoto Prefectural University, (iCONM Principal research scientist), on the approval of the
new coronavirus vaccine by Pfizer Inc. US was published in Jiji.com. The articles on this matter
have been published in various media.
“Utilizing genetic information, first practical application, shorten development period-mRNA
vaccine”jiji.COM | Jiji Medical | livedoor NEWS | BIGLOBE News | YAHOO! News | msn News | mixi
News | au WEB Portal domestic News | Rakuten Infoseek News◦12.4.2020【Activity】The 7th COINS Symposium was held ONLINE.
Theme: “Future Medicine is Comin' to Town”. An article on this subject was published in Kanagawa
Shimbun.
◦12.14.2020【Activity】The 2nd iCONM x COINS Internal Communication Event was held ONLINE. Dr.
TOCKARY Theofilus A. (Research Scientist, Kataoka & Kinoh Lab, iCONM) introduced orangutans,which is a famous of Indonesia in English. After Dr. TOCKARY’s talk, questions and impressions
were exchanged in both Japanese and English. It was a short event but fun.
◦12.16.2020【Activity】#55 COINS Seminar was held ONLINE.
Speaker: Dr. MATSUMURA Yasuhiro / Visiting Scientist of National Cancer Center Research /Matsumura Lab, iCONM
Title: “Looking back on my DDS research”
Article about this seminar was published in Iyaku-Tsushinsha.
◦12.17.2020【Activity】Newsletter “NanoSky Vol.8 COINS' Innovation Platform that leads to Future
Health Care” was published. An article related to NanoSky Vol.8 was posted in Iyaku Tsushinsha.
◦1.8.2021【Coverage】An article about the COINS venture company iXstream,Inc. was published in
The Chemical Daily.
◦1.19.2021【Activity】The 3rd iCONM x COINS Internal Communication Event was held ONLINE. Dr.
QUADER Sabina (Senior Research Scientist, Kataoka & Kinoh Lab, iCONM) introduced Mangoes,
which is a famous of Bangladesh in English. After Dr. QUADER’s talk, questions and impressions
were exchanged in both Japanese and English. It was a short event but fun.
◦1.19.2021【Coverage】The iCONM developed an ultra-small nanomedicines called Unit Polyion
Complex (uPIC) in collaboration with a group led by Prof. MIYATA Kanjiro in Department of Material
Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo. The contents of this press
release have been published in multiple media.
news-medical.net | headlinesmania.com | Yakuji Nippo |The Science News
This research result was published in “Journal of Controlled Release”
Title: Structural tuning of oligonucleotides for enhanced blood circulation properties of unit polyion
complexes prepared from two-branched poly (ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-lysine)◦11.24.2020【Coverage】An article of the interview with Dr. KARIYA Yuko (iCONM research support
specialist) and Dr. ATSUMI Hiroshi (COINS business strategy manager) entitled “Strengthening the
support system for the realization of “In-Body Hospitals” was posted in The Chemical Daily. “Future
medical care is right there – iCONM’S challenge” ③ | The Chemical Daily◦1.22.2021【Activity】The 15th COINS General Meeting was held ONLINE.

◦11.24.2020【Activity】Dr. UCHIDA Satoshi, Deputy Principal Research Scientist, Kyoto Prefectural
University, (iCONM Principal research scientist), appeared on multiple TV programs from November
20th to November 24th, and explained the development of a new corona vaccine using mRNA.
Appearance program
Friday, November 20, 8:00 - Fuji TV “Tokudane!”
Saturday, November 21, 5:30 - TBS “Marutto! Saturday”
Sunday, November 22, 5:55 - TV Asahi “Sunday Live!!”
Tuesday, November 24, 7:00 - TBS “Asa chan!”◦1.29.2021【Coverage】COINS member National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Scienceand Technology announced to develop new quantum sensor that allows detection of “oxidative
stress”. This research result was published in “Analytical Chemistry”
Title: Quantum Sensors to Track Total Redox-Status and Oxidative Stress inCells and Tissues Using Electron-Paramagnetic Resonance, Magnetic ResonanceImaging, and Optical Imaging

18 | NanoSky VOL.9 DECEMBER 2021

Activity Report

Topics September 2020 ‒ September 2021

◦1.22.2021【Activity】Dr. ABBASI Saed, a foreign research scientist at iCONM, gave a class on mRNA
medicine etc. at Tama Senior High School.

◦2.3.2021【Coverage】Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (Spain) and iCONM, a virtual Bilateral
Meeting was successfully held ONLINE and agreed to continue and expand Spain-Japan joint
project “CONCORD”◦2.10.2021【Coverage】KAWASAKI coastal area PR video has been released by Kawasaki city. In thisvideo, iCONM is highlighted as the core institution of King SkyFront.
An article on this subject was published in the media. TOWNNEWS◦2.18.2021【Coverage】iCONM developed functional nano-micelles with optimal drug releasedepending on the c-Myc expression level. This was collaborative research with Dept. of
Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine,
The University of Tokyo (Prof. YAMASOBA Tatsuya) Research group of Dr. MATSUMOTO and Dept.
of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo (Head: MIYAKE Ryo)
Research group of Dr. CABRAL Horacio A press conference was held. Articles related to this matter
have been published in ACS Nano.
Title: Efficacy of pH-Sensitive Nanomedicines in Tumors with Different c-MYC Expression Depends
on the Intratumoral Activation Profile◦2.22.2021【Activity】An exchange event (Administrative staff x foreign research scientists, Japanesex English) was held in zoom between foreign research scientist working at iCONM and Japaneseadministrative staff. Dr. van GUYSE Joachim (Research Scientist, Kataoka & Kinoh Lab, iCONM)
introduced to delicious Belgian foods such as potatoes, which is a famous of Belgium◦2.22.2021【Activity】COINS Seminar #56 was held at web.
Speaker: ANZAI Tomohiro / Principal Research Scientist, iCONM
Title: “Evolving Bio Startup Ecosystem” COINS. Articles related to this matter have been publishedIyaku Tsushinsha.
◦3.1.2021【Coverage】iCONM made a video about iCONM’s major research theme nanomedicine thatmainly targets junior and senior high school students. Article related this was published in Iyaku
Tsushinsha |Town News CONM Kids movie “Challenge to the world”.
◦3.2.2021【Coverage】A research group consisting of Prof. KONDO Yutaka, TASAKI Yoshihiko,
Graduate student (Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine)made a new therapeutic drug that the targeting of TUG1 by anti-TUG1 coupled with our new cancerspecific drug delivery system (TUG1-DDS). This was collaborative research with Nagoya City
University, The University of Tokyo, Innovation Center of NanoMedicine, Japanese Foundation forCancer Research. Articles about this press release have been published in multiple media. Nikkei
Biotechology | The Chemical Daily | QLifePro
This research result was published in “Cancer Research”
Paper title: Cancer-specific targeting of taurine upregulated gene 1 enhances the effects ofchemotherapy in pancreatic cancer
Title: Cancer-specific targeting of taurine upregulated gene 1 enhances theeffects of chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer◦5.18.2021【Coverage】A research group led by Associate Prof. MIYATA Kanjiro (COINS Theme
1 Leader), Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, succeeded in significantly
improving lung tissue retention of antisense nucleic acids administered intrabronchially bynanomicell technology. This study is expected to lead to the creation of inhalants for the treatmentof lung cancer in the future. An article about this subject was published in the media. Iyaku
Tsushinsha | Nikkei Biotechnology and BusinessThis research result was published in “Advanced Therapeutics”.
Title: “A 50‐nm‐Sized Micellar Assembly of Thermoresponsive Polymer
Antisense Oligonucleotide Conjugates for Enhanced Gene Knockdown in Lung
Cancer by Intratracheal Administration”, Advanced Therapeutics, 3, 1900123 (2020);◦5.31.2021【Activity】The 7th iCONM x COINS Internal Communication Event was held ONLINE.
Dr.Junjie Li from Kataoka・Kinoh6.4.202 Lab. introduced his home country China in English.
◦6.4.2021【Coverage】COINS’ research activity was introduced in JST news June issue.
◦6.14.2021【Activity】The 16th COINS General Meeting was held.

◦6.21.2021【Activity】The 8th iCONMxCOINS Internal Communication Event was held ONLINE. Dr.
Anjaneyulu Dirisala (Research Scientist, Kataoka & Kinoh Lab, iCONM) introduced about “Culturalsimilarities between India and Japan” in English.
◦6.25.2021【Activity】iCONM was introduced in TVK “NewsLink” and TVK “LOVE Kawasaki”.

◦7.2.2021【Coverage】An article in JST NEWS June issue was posted on Chinese website “Kyakkann
Nihon”.
◦7.4.2021【Coverage】An article related to King SkyFront where iCONM is located was published inpage 22 of Yomiuri Shimbun morning edition.
◦7.15.2021【Activity】An article about the press release on “Treatment of primary and metastatic
breast and pancreatic tumors upon intravenous delivery of a PRDM14-specific chimeric siRNA/
nanocarrier complex” was published in Science Japan.
◦7.26.2021【Activity】The 9th iCONMxCOINS exchange event (Administrative staff x foreign researchscientists, Japanese x English) was held in zoom between foreign research scientist working at
iCONM and Japanese administrative staff. Dr. YANG Tao (Research Scientist, Kataoka & Kinoh Lab,iCONM) introduced about City of Suzhou, China in English.

◦3.4.2021【Award】COINS received the Japan Open Innovation Prize (JOIP) Selection Committee
Special Award. An article on this subject was published in the Iyaku tsushinsha.

◦7.26.2021【Activity】Dr. ANR AKU Yasutaka (Project Associate Prof, Dept. of Bioengineering,
Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo) was appeared NHK World “Medical
Frontiers” and explained nanomachines with the ability to deliver drug into the brain.

◦3.8.2021【Activity】An exchange event (Administrative staff x foreign research scientists, Japanesex English) was held in zoom between foreign research scientist working at iCONM and Japaneseadministrative staff. Dr. PAR AISO West (Research Scientist, Kataoka & Kinoh Lab, iCONM)
introduced to Philippine folktale “The Monkey and the Turtle”, which is a famous of Philippine inEnglish.

◦8.3.2021【Coverage】iCONM and the International University of Catalunya jointly announced that
Polymeric Nanomicelles Improve Internalization of Lipid Metabolism Modulators in Brain Cells. This
research result was published in “Biomaterials Science”
Title：“Poly-ion complex micelle effectively delivers CoA-conjugated CPT1A
inhibitors to modulate lipid metabolism in brain cells”◦3.10.2021【Coverage】Dr. UCHIDA Satoshi, Deputy Principal Research Scientist, Kyoto Prefectural
University, (iCONM Principal research scientist) reported that optimized nano-micelles can induce
efficient genome editing in the mouse brain. A press seminar was held. An article about this matter
was published in the media research-er.jp | Iyaku tsushinsha | crisp bio | Drug TARGET REVIEW |News Medical life Sciences | Bio World | Nikkei Biotechnology & Business | THE NIKKAN KOGYOSHIMBUN, LTD. | new switch | AZO LIFE SCIENCES. | TriLink BYOTECHNOLOGIESThis research result was published in Journal of Controlled Release. Title: Co-encapsulation of
Cas9 mRNA and guide RNA in polyplex micelles enables genome editing in mouse brain◦8.4.2021【Coverage】An Article of JST NEWS (published on June) was published in Science Japan
website.

◦3.14.2021【Activity】Prof. KATAOKA Kazunori, Director General of iCONM (COINS research leader)has appeared as the world's top doctor in the special program “The latest medicine for 120 years oflife-Toward an era where cancer and diabetes are cured” commemorating the 20th anniversary of
the opening of BS Asahi.
◦3.15.2021【Activity】At Kawasaki FM “Kawasaki Hot ☆ Studio”, Ms. SATAKE Mami, COINS Research
Promotion Coordinator of the COINS research promotion office acted as a navigator with a TV
announcer for a live broadcast of iCONM and made a tour inside the building.
◦3.18.2021【 Activit y】Dr. SHIMA Z AKI Makoto, COINS Communication Of ficer and Post COI
Preparation Office Officer, who is in charge of public relations, appeared in Kawasaki FM “Kawasaki
Hot ☆ Studio” and introduced the highlights of the public lecture scheduled to be held on March 27.
◦3.25.2021【Activity】#57 COINS Seminar was held ONLINE.
Speaker: Dr. ITAKA Keiji, Prof. Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and
Dental University ／ Itaka Lab, iCONMI
Title: “mRNA therapeutics: from vaccine to regenerative medicine”◦3.26.2021【Activity】Prof. KATAOKA Kazunori, Director General of iCONM (COINS research leader)gave a lecture at the symposium of NanoTech in Thailand.
◦4.12.2021【Activity】The 6th exchange event of foreign research scientists and administrative staff
was held online in zoom. Dr. LIU Xueying, a research scientist from Kataoka/Kinoh lab. introduced
her home town’s dumplings in China, along with a video of how she actually cooks.
◦4.20.2021【Coverage】The research group of Dr. TANIGUCHI Hiroaki, Project Associate Professor,
Keio University School of Medicine Clinical Research Promotion Center, ( Visiting Associate
Professor, Division of Advanced Medicine Promotion, The Institute of Medical Sciences, The
University of Tokyo), jointly researched with Kanagawa Cancer Center, iCONM, and Hokkaido
University, have succeeded in developing nucleic acid drug consisting of a chimeric siRNA with highsequence specificity targeting the PRDM14 gene, which is a transcription factor whose expression
is upregulated in breast cancer and pancreatic cancer, and a Y-shaped block co-polymer (YBC) thatdelivers nucleic acid to lesions.
This research result was published in the “International Journal of Cancer”.
Title: Treatment of primary and metastatic breast and pancreatic tumors upon
intravenous delivery of a PRDM14-specific chimeric siRNA/nanocarrier complex※Articles on this subject have been published in multiple media. Nihon no Kenkyu.com | QLife Pro |Nikkei Biotechnology and Business | Care Net |The Chemical Daily |The Science News
◦5.10.2021【Activity】#58 COINS Seminar was held ONLINE.
Speaker: MIYATA Kanjiro / Associate Professor / Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate
School of Engineering The University of Tokyo ／ Kataoka・Kinoh Lab, iCONM
Title: “Nanomedicines for oligonucleotide delivery”◦8.10.2021【Coverage】Introduction of iCONM video (6/26 T V program LOVE Kawasaki) was
introduced on COI website and COI Drive.
◦8.11.2021【Coverage】An ar ticle about our research “Nano-micelle Packaging CRISPR/Cas9
Components Enables Brain Genome Editing” was posted on TriLink BYOTECHNOLOGIES.
◦8.14.2021【 Activity】Prof. K ATAOK A Kazunori, Director General of iCONM (COINS researchleader) appeared on Ten minutes TV. “Development of corona vaccine / What is the role of venturecompany?”◦8.26.2021【Activity】Dr. ICHIKI Takanori, Prof. Graduate School of engineering, The University ofTokyo (Leader COINS Theme 4) was appeared on Kawasaki FM “Kawasaki Hot Studio”.
◦9.2.2021【Activity】COINS joined “Innovation Japan 2021 – University trade fair ONLINE” andexhibited.
◦9.2.2021【Activity】First Industry-Academia Co-creation Seminar was held.
Speaker：Prof. INADA Toshifumi, Division of RNA and Gene Regulation, The Institute of Medical
Science, The University of Tokyo
Title: Physiological function of sensing and elimination mechanism of abnormal translation◦9.3.2021【Coverage】An article on “Development of nanomachines that deliver drugs that regulate
lipid metabolism into brain parenchymal cells”, which was released on August 3, was published in
AZO NANO.
◦9.10.2021【Coverage】An article about Prof. ICHIKI Takanori (Graduate School of Engineering, The
University of Tokyo / Leader, Theme 4) research was posted in page 4 Chemical Daily.
◦9.10.2021【Activity】Challenge forefront of prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease anddementia! that Prof. KATAOKA Kazunori, Director General of iCONM (COINS research leader)appeared was released on YouTube Galileo channel【Galileo ×#175】.
◦9.17.2021【Coverage】A special feature on preventive medicine is published in the Japanese version
Newsweek. Prof. KATAOKA Kazunori, Director General of iCONM (COINS Research Leader) andProf. ICHIKI Takanori, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo (Leader, Theme 4),
introduced “Advanced medical technology for early detection and early diagnosis of diseases".
◦9.24.2021【Activity】#59 COINS Seminar was held ONLINE.
Speaker: AOKI Ichio, PhD. / Institute for Quantum Medical Science, National Institutes for Quantum
and Radiological Science and Technology (QST)
Title: “In vivo MR Imaging for nano-machine and theragnostic”◦9.26.2021【Coverage】An article about research of iCONM was published in the Koumei Shimbun.
Nano size Capsule Research / Disease Detection, Diagnosis, Treatment◦9.28.2021【Coverage】An interview article about round-table discussion which Director General,
KATAOKA Kazunori joined was published in the Monthly Keidanren Sep. 2021 issue.
Round-table discussion：Accelerate the social implementation of innovation

NanoSky VOL.9

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| 19

COINS Seminar Report
COINS Seminar Report- Global communication using online We organized a series of COINS seminars with COINS
scientists who are active on the front lines as a part ofoutreach activities, using an entrenched online meetingsystem due to COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. (FromNovember 2020, seven times #53 - #59. Please refer
the topic for details).
We had a large number of participants in every seminar,
mainly those from universities and companies, and thelecturer gave an easy-to-understand presentation of thelatest research results and trends in the field, followed bylively discussions. This series covers topics from scienceand technology such as nanobiotechnology, nucleic acidmedicine, mRNA, DDS, and imaging to social sciencessuch as the venture ecosystem, and very well received
by the participants.
Also, on October 7, 2021, the 60th COINS Seminar

Lecturer Dr. AOKI Ichio from QST (above) and achair, Dr. KATAOKA Kazunori, RL (below) 59th
Seminar

Lecturer Dr. RODRIGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ Rosalia(above) and a chair, Dr. QUADER Sabina, iCONM
Senior Research Scientist (below) 60th seminar"Targeting Neurons: More Brain than Brawn to SolveO b e s i t y " w a s h e l d w i t h a n i n v i t e d l e c t u r e r D r.
RODRIGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ Rosalia, Associate Professor,
Department of Basic Sciences, Catalunya International
University (UIC-Barcelona). This seminar was held as afirst global online seminar, a nd there were ma ny
participants from overseas, and the discussions acrossborders were very exciting.

Lecturers: From the above left – Dr. ANRAKU Yasutaka (UTokyo), Dr. ICHIKI Takanori (UTokyo), Dr. MATSUMURA Yasuhiro (National Cancer Center)
From the bottom left Dr. ANZAI Tomohiro (iCONM), Dr. ITAKA Keiji (Tokyo Medical and Dental University), Dr. MIYATA Kanjiro (UTokyo)

Editorial Note:
We are pleased to publish NanoSky #9, the final issue of the COINS Newsletter.
The diversity in COINS that has expanded over the last nine years has activated the organization and gave various ideas, whichbrought novel technology and science and raised talented people. For example, in oncology field, it has become possible to selectively
deliver (nano-DDS) anti-cancer drugs that were hardly used due to their severe adverse effects even though they work very effectively.
Even for intractable cancers that are hard to protect themselves and resist to anticancer drugs, some nanomachines that breakthrough the shield of cancers to work are currently studied in clinical trials.
Also, nano-DDS has contributed to the more practical use of "Chemical Surgery (surgery that does not cut)", which has become ahot topic in a popular TV drama. For the next step, we are working towards building a future where we can manage our health athome by downsizing of clinical devises for examination and diagnostics and blood tests that do not require painful blood sampling.
The research outcome and platforms that came with practice at COINS will surely be inherited toward the realization of "In-Body
Hospitals" in 2045.

Chief Editor SHIMAZAKI Makoto

9

Edited by NanoSky Editorial committee(IWASAKI Hirokazu, SHIMAZAKI Makoto, NAGAI Koji, SATAKE Mami,
YOKOYAMA Miyako)
Writer： KOJIMA Ayumi
Camera: TANAKA Aki
Design : Studio F inc.
Copyright: KAWASAKI INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION

Vol.

Published by Center of Open Innovation Network for Smart Health (COINS),
Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM),
KAWASAKI INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION,
3-25-14, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Pref. JAPANTEL: +81 44 589 5785 / FAX: +81 44 589 5789
http://coins.kawasaki-net.ne.jp/