Company Information
Our Strengths

U-Medico provides analytical and formulation development services based on its extensive knowledge and technology in protein physicochemical characterization. Our target modalities are diverse, covering biopharmaceuticals such as antibody drugs and fusion proteins, gene and cellular therapeutics such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, lentiviruses, and tumor-associated viruses, and even lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for RNA delivery. Our laboratories are equipped with BSL2 and P2 level facilities.

Characterization Services

Analytical Ultracentrifugation(AUC)is one of U-Medico's core expertise. Under the guidance of Professor Susumu Uchiyama of Osaka University, our CSO and a leading expert in AUC, we have been providing world-class AUC services for over 15 years since 2009.

In mass spectrometry, we have the following technologies.
  • Peptide Mapping :  Analysis of protein sequences and post-translational modifications
  • Intact Mass Analysis : 
  • Native MS :  Analyze the mass of protein complexes while maintaining non-covalent binding
  • HDX-MS :  Methods to reveal protein conformational changes and interaction sites

U-Medico is one of the few providers of hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) services in the world, having performed more than 40 projects since its launch in 2013, characterized by very high sequence coverage (typically >90%).

In particle and aggregate analysis, we have the technology and experience to analyze particles ranging from nano to micron size from multiple angles, enabling us to meet a wide range of needs.

Formulation Development Services

U-Medico conducts formulation development for liquid pharmaceutical products. In addition to formulation and container selection, we also evaluate formulation stability and the impact of container closure systems on pharmaceutical products.

Quality Testing Services

We will provide comprehensive analytical services, focusing on viral vectors for gene therapy. In addition, we plan to start quality testing services in 2025 in compliance with GMP standards.

Manufacturing Services

Based on our extensive analytical knowledge and experience, we provide high quality manufacturing services, and in 2025 we plan to begin reference product manufacturing and process development of AAV vectors for analytical method development.

Mission・Vision

OUR MISSION

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We contribute to global healthcare by utilizing the world's most advanced science and technology.

We are well versed in the solution properties of proteins, nucleic acids, and other biopolymers that make up biopharmaceuticals, and we aim to use our advanced technology and expertise to contribute to the improvement of human health and welfare.

OUR VISION

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We support the pharmaceutical industry by implementing the world's most advanced science and technology into society and supporting the manufacture of cutting-edge biopharmaceuticals.

Pharmaceutical production of advanced biopharmaceuticals involves many challenges that are difficult to solve with existing pharmaceutical technologies and experience. At the same time, cutting-edge research is being conducted daily at universities. Through our collaboration with Osaka University, we support the production of safe pharmaceuticals by implementing these scientific technologies in society and solving issues in pharmaceuticals.

Message

Our mission is to contribute to society through support to produce
safe and reliable biopharmaceuticals and new modalities
utilizing cutting-edge know-how and analytical technology.

U-Medico Inc.
CEO
Ayano Fukuhara, Ph.D.

U-Medico Inc. is a CRO providing analytical and research services that was spun out from Osaka University in 2006. The company provides high-quality analysis and formulation formulation development for biopharmaceuticals and gene therapeutics, including antibodies and fusion proteins, and serves more than 40 domestic and foreign clients each year. We contribute to safe and reliable drug development through comprehensive support from new drug development to manufacturing and approval.

Our strength lies in our unique know-how, built on world-leading analytical technologies and extensive experience. Especially in biophysical characterization such as ultracentrifugal analysis (AUC), hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), and particle/aggregate analysis, we provide highly accurate and unique approaches, contributing significantly to solving our clients' pharmaceutical manufacturing challenges. In formulation development services, we support the creation of more stable drug formulations through the selection of containers and formulations, stability testing, and more.

Furthermore, u-medico has started full-scale analytical services for gene cell therapy in 2022. Gene therapy to fundamentally treat genetic diseases has been attracting attention in recent years, and we are providing world-class analysis and quality testing services to realize stable production. 2024 will also see the launch of manufacturing services for gene therapy viral vectors, supporting stable product development for our clients. We will also start production of viral vectors for gene therapy in 2024 to support stable product development for our clients.

Our goal is to build a future in which Japan leads the world in biopharmaceuticals and gene therapeutics. We will continue to be your partner in drug development as an analyst, researcher, and consultant who sincerely listens to your needs and proposes the best solutions. We hope you will make use of our knowledge and experience in your business.

Management Team

役員1

CEO
Ph.D. (Applied Life Sciences), MBA

Ayano Fukuhara

役員1

Founder, CSO
Ph.D. (Pharmacy)

Susumu Uchiyama

役員1

COO
Master of Business Administration
(Professional)

Akira Kawai

役員1

Executive Officer and General Manager,
Analytical Business Headquarters
Ph.D. (Engineering)

Takaaki Kurinomaru

役員1

Executive Officer and General Manager,
Manufacturing Division
Ph.D. (Life Sciences), Patent Attorney

Mitsuko Fukuhara

Company profile

Company Name U-Medico Inc.
Address 【Analytical Center】
7F Erimo Building
2-1-1 Senbanishi, Minoh,
Osaka, 562-0036 Japan

【Manufacturing Center】
502 Photonics Center, Osaka University
2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita,
Osaka, 565-0871 Japan
TEL +81-6-6155-7835
Email info@u-medico.co.jp
Representative CEO Ayano Fukuhara, Ph.D.
Establishment August 2006
History

2006
2009

Start of ultracentrifugal analysis (AUC) service

Providing services with a focus on biopharmaceuticals

2013
Start of Hydrogen Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry (HDX-MS) service
2015

Start of particle analysis service

Launch of formulation development services

2016
Start of AUC service for gene therapy viral vectors
2019
Participated in the research and development project “Development of New Mass Production Technology for Vectors for Gene and Cell Therapy” of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
2021
Partnership with Coriolis Pharma, headquartered in Germany
2022
2024

Participated in AMED's R&D project “Integrated Development of Viral Vector Manufacturing Technology“

Participated in AMED's R&D project “Production of High-Quality Gene Therapy Vectors for FIH Testing“

First Capital and Business Alliance Shimadzu Corporation, AZWAN Corporation

2025
Infographics

AUC Services
More than 15 years of experience
15years

We offer world-class ultracentrifugal analysis services.

Approximately 50 of researchers have Ph.D.
doctorate

Researchers with expertise in engineering, biochemistry, virology, etc.

More than 30 publications
publication

We have published more than 30 papers in original or collaborative research. We also actively disseminate information at domestic and international conferences and seminars.

More than 40 projects
implemented every year
project

Tailor-made services to meet your needs.

Provided consulting services to more than 10 pharmaceutical companies
consultant

Sharing the latest information and providing solutions to problems in biopharmaceutical formulation development.

Serving approximately 150 institutional clients
clients

We have provided analytical services to almost all of Japan's top 10 pharmaceutical companies.

Partnership

Laboratory of Macromolecular Biotechnology (Uchiyama Laboratory)
Department of biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering Osaka University

Many foods and pharmaceuticals are made using biotechnology. In Uchiyama Laboratory, the goal is to understand the physical properties, structures, and functions of solutions and gels of proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and other biological "macromolecules" that constitute foods, gene therapy vectors, and biopharmaceuticals, and to contribute to the production of high-quality and safe foods and pharmaceuticals.

Find out more under
www.macromolecularbiotechnology.com

Through our collaboration with Osaka University, we conduct research on physical properties for the development of high-quality biopharmaceuticals. We also develop technologies for analysis and quality control of therapeutic viral vectors.

Coriolis Pharma

Coriolis Pharma is a globally operating service provider and one of the world leaders in formulation research and development of (bio)pharmaceutical drugs including proteins, peptides, monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acids, virus-like particles, vaccines, advance therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Coriolis Pharma offers integrated development services for liquid and lyophilized formulations with all required technologies and analytical methods available in house. For each individual project, highly skilled scientists develop tailor-made study designs that align with the clients’ drug development strategy. With science-driven innovative solutions, Coriolis Pharma supports all phases of drug development including troubleshooting, batch-release testing including innovative methods and formulation optimization even beyond market approval. Coriolis’s mission is: formulating innovation!

Find out more under
www.coriolis-pharma.com

Through our collaboration with Coriolis Pharma, we aim to provide innovative formulation development services for biopharmaceuticals and new modalities.

Shimadzu Corporation

Founded in 1875, Minebea is a precision instrument manufacturer involved in analytical and measuring instruments, diagnostic imaging equipment, industrial machinery, and aeronautical equipment. The company is known for its innovation and high quality in research and development, especially in the fields of analytical and diagnostic imaging instruments, for which it enjoys a high reputation worldwide. Based on its corporate motto, “Contribute to society through science and technology,” and management philosophy, “Fulfill our aspirations for the health of people and the planet,” the company contributes to the advancement of medicine and the promotion of health.

shimadzu_symbol

Find out more under
https://www.shimadzu.co.jp/

Through collaboration with Shimadzu, we will develop applications such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry and promote their overseas development.

AS ONE Corporation

As a general wholesaler and trading company of scientific instruments and industrial and medical equipment, AZWAN Corporation continues to grow together with Japanese science and technology. Under our management philosophy of “Innovation and Creation,” we continue to provide products and services that meet customer needs and constantly challenge ourselves to create new value. We also seek to improve customer satisfaction by integrating virtual catalogs and realistic logistics with advanced information systems.

as-1

Find out more under
https://www.as-1.co.jp/

In cooperation with As One, we will accelerate customer development through overseas sales channels including Japan and Asia.

Access

【Analytical Center】
7F Erimo Building
2-1-1 Senbanishi, Minoh,
Osaka, 562-0036 Japan

【Manufacturing Center】
502 Photonics Center, Osaka University
2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita,
Osaka, 565-0871 Japan