## Health, Welfare and care services

# International Cooperation for Commercialization of Low-Nicotine Tobacco

## Life Sciences

## Keyword: Research Cooperation with and Licensing to a Foreign Company, Strategic Patent Operations

Takashi Hashimoto, Professor in Bioscience of Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST)

Organizations Involved

Intellectual Property Division of NAIST

A US Entrepreneur

Prof. Hashimoto

American Entrepreneur

【Abstract】 Prof. Hashimoto was elucidating the mechanism of alkaloid biosynthesis in plants, including nicotine production in tobacco. He received a request from an American entrepreneur for research cooperation and for licensing the patent “Development of Low-Nicotine Tobacco.” Research is underway to test the tobacco plants developed by NAIST in a field in the US. The entrepreneur has a past record of development and licensing exceptionally low nicotine tobacco, which has been commercialized by another company in tobacco products. His goal is to now commercialize tobacco with even lower nicotine content.

## [Summary of the technology transfer]

## Technological Impact

In general, “Low nicotine” and “low tar” tobacco are equipped with a filter that attenuates inhaled nicotine, but the filter does not remove toxic substance altogether. Considering a problem of side-stream smoking, filtering is not the perfect solution. We can control the nicotine content in plants by controlling the expression of the gene involved in the nicotine synthesis. We will be able to produce the tobacco plants which have a low nicotine content which can provide “Low nicotine” tobacco in the true sense.

## Market Impact

In recent years, though the trend of non-smoking is getting stronger, smoking exists in a considerable proportion of the population. With our technology, it is possible to produce tobacco that are low or none in nicotine content in the plant stage, thus, we can introduce less harmful tobacco for public health. Also, the research that aims at increasing nicotine is going on. Productivity of nonfood crops can be raised by increasing nicotine.

## Project Background

An American entrepreneur who heard about Prof. Hashimoto's reputation for his research in nicotine biosynthesis directly contacted him.

## Funding History

2005~ entrusted development

This research collaboration started in 2005

and the entrepreneur has funded all the

necessary research since then.

## I ntellectual property protection

Three foreign patent applications regarding the genes that involve in nicotine biosyntheses are being processed; WO/2006/109197, PCT/US2006/35540, US60/866352.

## Utilization of Nicotine Biosynthetic Gene in Tobacco Plant

Identification of Nicotine Biosynthesis Genes (Prof. Hashimoto)

Understanding gene function enables to control amount of nicotine.

Development of Low-Nicotine Tobacco

Tobacco plant under development

Test field in the US

The Intellectual Property Division has personnel experienced in businesses overseas and having knowledge on contracts in English. It frequently communicates with NAIST researchers. With means of email, telephone, and visits, the researchers and the personnel have coordinated in concluding the contract that researchers wanted. The company is doing field tests in the US, which could not be done in Japan, from which useful results are expected to be obtained for research purposes as well as for practical purposes.

## ●Special Features of the Collaboration

## Turning point in the Project

Timing and promptness are a key to the success for negotiations with foreign companies. Speedy responses, teleconferences, and visits if necessary lead to conclude agreements based on mutual trust.