Tsubota Lab

Basic Information

Stock Code
4890
Industry
Pharmaceuticals
Category Detail
Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
May 2012
Listing Year
June 2022
Official Website
https://tsubota-lab.com/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Overview

Tsubota Lab is a pharmaceutical venture founded in 2012, a leading company spearheading the research and development of innovative medical devices and pharmaceuticals for myopia and dry eye.

Current Situation

Tsubota Lab achieved sales of approximately 640 million yen and operating profit of about 140 million yen in the fiscal year ended March 2022, demonstrating solid growth. Its mainstay is the development of spectacle-type medical devices and pharmaceuticals to suppress myopia progression, advancing commercialization through partnerships with multiple major partner companies. Technologically, it centers on the medical applications of violet light, strengthening its R&D framework in collaboration with Keio University. In the 2020s, it expanded joint research and implementation license agreements with companies such as Rohto Pharmaceutical and Jins Holdings. In terms of sustainability, it aims to create social value through pharmaceuticals and the practical application of cutting-edge technologies. Moving forward, the pillars of its strategy are expanding product deployment in domestic and international markets and strengthening competitiveness in the vision care field for aging societies. In 2023, it received the Special Award from the Japan Startup Award Selection Committee, with its innovativeness highly evaluated. It plans to continue promoting growth through the dual wheels of basic research and commercialization.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • University spin-off venture founded by a Keio University School of Medicine professor
  • Developing and deploying medical devices based on violet light hypothesis domestically and internationally
  • Technology-driven company partnering with many major corporations despite small team
  • Received Special Award at Japan Startup Awards in 2023
  • Rare TSE Growth-listed company focused on ophthalmic medical device development
  • Commercializing unique research outcomes from student days
  • Holds multiple exclusive implementation license agreements in overseas markets
  • Style specialized in R&D unlike other pharmaceutical companies
  • President leverages expertise as an ophthalmologist in management
  • Spectacle-type medical devices poised for attention in future vision protection market

Hidden Connections

  • Holds implementation license agreement with Jins Holdings for medical devices, promoting joint commercialization
  • Shares technology and IP with Rohto Pharmaceutical through joint research
  • Entered joint research agreement with Sumitomo Pharma in depression and dementia areas
  • University spin-off venture based on strong partnership with Keio University
  • Signed license agreement with Maruho for meibomian gland dysfunction products
  • Exclusive implementation license agreement with Santen Pharmaceutical for spectacle-type medical devices in Asian markets
  • Exclusive license agreement with Thea Open Innovation S.A.S for Europe and America regions
  • Enhanced industry recognition through Japan Startup Award win

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expansion of ophthalmic medical demand due to aging society
  • Progress in practical application of violet light technology
  • Trends toward deregulation of medical devices domestically and internationally
  • Strengthening joint product development with partner companies
  • Expansion of license agreements in global markets
  • Technology innovation through open innovation
  • Enhanced product value through digital healthcare integration
  • Increasing social needs for myopia treatment
  • Stable securing and efficiency of R&D funding
  • Strengthened efforts in sustainable medical device development
  • Expansion of medical consulting business

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve top domestic market share in ophthalmic medical devices
  • Expand overseas sales to over 40% of total
  • Increase lineup of violet light application products
  • Acquire multiple international patents and expand IP portfolio
  • Promote development of new technologies contributing to healthy life expectancy
  • Strengthen global sales network through partnerships
  • Practicalize AI-utilizing medical devices
  • Significantly increase number of industry-academia-government collaboration projects
  • Establish sustainable manufacturing processes
  • Monetize and expand medical consulting business

Business Segments

Medical Devices for Medical Institutions

Overview
Provides specialized equipment to support ophthalmic treatments for medical institutions.
Competitiveness
High research technology and collaboration system as a university spin-off venture
Customers
  • University hospitals
  • Ophthalmology clinics
  • Research institutions
  • Nursing homes
  • Medical wholesalers
Products
  • Spectacle-type medical devices
  • Diagnostic support devices
  • Therapeutic eye drops

Joint Research for Pharmaceutical Companies

Overview
Provides support for research and development of new pharmaceuticals in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies.
Competitiveness
Proprietary technology for violet light applications
Customers
  • Major pharmaceutical companies
  • Small and medium pharmaceutical companies
  • Bio ventures
Products
  • Basic research results
  • Drug development support
  • Clinical trial data

Technology Provision for Medical Device Manufacturers

Overview
Implements technology introduction and joint development for medical device manufacturers.
Competitiveness
Revenue model based on numerous implementation license agreements
Customers
  • Medical device manufacturers
  • Eyewear manufacturers
  • Health device manufacturers
Products
  • Implementation license agreements
  • Product development support
  • Patent licenses

Research Collaboration for Academic Institutions

Overview
Closely collaborates with academic institutions to accelerate research outcomes.
Competitiveness
Strong research network including Keio University
Customers
  • University labs
  • Medical research institutions
  • Public research institutions
Products
  • Joint research programs
  • Data sharing
  • Clinical trial collaboration

Health Devices and Supplements Sales Agents

Overview
Provides support for the distribution of health devices and supplements.
Competitiveness
Reliability based on product patents and clinical effects
Customers
  • Health food stores
  • Drugstores
  • Mail-order vendors
Products
  • Supplements
  • Health-related devices

International License Business

Overview
Deploys technology and product licenses to overseas partners.
Competitiveness
Expanding license agreements in Europe, America, and Asia
Customers
  • Overseas pharmaceutical companies
  • Overseas medical device manufacturers
  • International sales agents
Products
  • Patent implementation licenses
  • Overseas sales licenses

R&D Outsourcing

Overview
Conducts highly specialized R&D tasks as external outsourcing.
Competitiveness
Expertise and track record in ophthalmology
Customers
  • Pharmaceutical company R&D departments
  • Medical device companies
  • Venture companies
Products
  • Contract research
  • Clinical trial support
  • Technical consulting

Medical Information and Education Services

Overview
Provides medical-related information and educational support.
Competitiveness
Top-class knowledge and network in the industry
Customers
  • Healthcare professionals
  • Researchers
  • Pharmaceutical companies
Products
  • Seminars
  • Material provision
  • Information sharing platform

Healthcare Device OEM Supply

Overview
Provides OEM manufacturing and product design support.
Competitiveness
Differentiated product manufacturing using proprietary technology
Customers
  • Health appliance manufacturers
  • Eyewear brands
  • Medical device retailers
Products
  • Spectacle-type light devices
  • Meibomian gland treatment instruments

Promotional Support for Pharmaceutical Partners

Overview
Supports pharmaceutical partners' promotional activities with technical assistance.
Competitiveness
Promotion based on scientific evidence
Customers
  • Partner pharmaceutical companies
  • Distribution companies
  • Ophthalmology clinics
Products
  • Product marketing materials
  • Promotion support

Health-related Research Funding Provision

Overview
Provides research funding and development support to contribute to nurturing the next generation.
Competitiveness
Fostering early-career researchers and building networks
Customers
  • Graduate students
  • Research grant organizations
  • Bio venture support
Products
  • Research grants
  • Technical training

Medical Consulting for Corporations

Overview
Multifaceted consulting to support companies' medical business expansion.
Competitiveness
Specialized knowledge in ophthalmic medical technology
Customers
  • Medical device companies
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Venture capital
Products
  • Market analysis
  • Regulatory compliance support
  • Technology evaluation

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Strong research collaboration with Keio University
  • Uniqueness of violet light technology
  • Partnerships with a wide range of major companies
  • Extensive track record in medical devices and pharmaceuticals development
  • Global expansion through implementation license agreements in multiple countries
  • Expertise in innovative ophthalmic treatment areas
  • Revenue stability based on contracts
  • Experience in rapid technology validation and commercialization
  • Compact yet highly advanced R&D organization

Competitive Advantages

  • High credibility as a Keio University spin-off venture
  • Early entry and technology accumulation in the ophthalmic medical device market
  • Comprehensive partnership system with large pharmaceutical and medical device companies
  • Possession of proprietary technology based on violet light hypothesis
  • Diversified revenue structure through license fees and milestones
  • Strengthened patent acquisition and IP management domestically and internationally
  • Multi-field business expansion covering dry eye, myopia, and presbyopia
  • Market adaptability through rapid productization of research outcomes
  • Maintaining a lean, flexible development organization for efficient research
  • Continuous injection of cutting-edge technology through collaboration with university research institutions

Threats

  • Risks of delays in medical device approvals and regulatory acquisition
  • Intensifying R&D competition from major pharmaceutical manufacturers
  • Risks of technology imitation and patent disputes
  • Potential market share loss due to emergence of new medical technologies
  • Growth inhibition from delays in emerging market penetration
  • Fluctuations in R&D funding environment
  • Market uncertainty from external factors such as new infectious diseases
  • Contract risks from changes in partner companies' business strategies
  • Challenges in securing workforce
  • Restrictions on overseas expansion due to international situations

Innovations

2023: Received Special Award from Japan Startup Award Selection Committee

Overview
Awarded for innovative ophthalmic medical technology and business model.
Impact
Contributes to enhanced brand value and fundraising capabilities

2022: Listed on Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market

Overview
Conducted IPO for fundraising and built foundation for business expansion.
Impact
Enhanced financial strength enables accelerated R&D

2021: Exclusive implementation license agreement with Santen Pharmaceutical for Asian countries

Overview
Signed agreement for Asian sales of spectacle-type medical devices.
Impact
Secured foothold for overseas market expansion

2021: Implementation license for meibomian gland dysfunction treatment agent with Maruho

Overview
Began providing sales licenses for treatment agents domestically and internationally.
Impact
Expanded business base in the topical drug market

2020: Started joint R&D for myopia suppression eye drops with Rohto Pharmaceutical

Overview
Advanced research and implementation licensing for eye drops aimed at suppressing myopia progression.
Impact
Formed technological foundation for new product lineup

2020: Relocated head office to Shinjuku-ku, Shinanomachi, Tokyo

Overview
Relocated head office functions to enhance R&D environment.
Impact
Improved research efficiency and corporate brand strength

Sustainability

  • Improving patient QOL through advanced ophthalmic medical technology
  • Safe and sustainable development of pharmaceuticals and devices
  • Contributions to regional healthcare and promotion of academic collaboration
  • Promotion of violet light application technology dissemination
  • Thorough ethical clinical trials and R&D