Amuza

What Amuza does

Amuza Inc., founded in 2012 by Shinji Azuma and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a privately held specialty distributor and solutions provider for neuroscience and adjacent life-science research laboratories across North America. The company operates as the exclusive U.S. channel for multiple Japanese manufacturers whose products collectively span behavioral neuroscience (O'Hara & Co.), neurotransmitter analysis via HPLC-ECD (Eicom), wireless optogenetics and fiber photometry (Bio Research Center), gait analysis and sleep software (Kissei Comtec), cell biology instrumentation (Strex), and general lab equipment (TOMY). Amuza's own product identity is strongest in wireless neuroscience platforms — including the TeleFipho wireless fiber photometry system (described as the world's first commercial wireless fiber photometry product), TeleOpto wireless optogenetics with 1g headstages, and the TeleFiOpto combined photometry-plus-optogenetics headstage — alongside its CRO analytical service that processes customer samples using HPLC-ECD with a 2-3 week turnaround.

Amuza's commercial model blends capital-equipment hardware sales, contract research services, ongoing technical support and training, and consumables. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The go-to-market is a direct sales motion with expert consultation, supplemented by an e-commerce storefront for standardized accessories, content marketing (eBooks, application notes, case studies, user-publication repository), and conference exhibition at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting. Customers are predominantly individual academic researchers and university laboratories, with documented adoption at institutions including RIKEN, Mount Sinai, Washington University in St. Louis, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Augusta University, Northeastern University, and Arizona State.

The company is small (1-10 employees) and has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies in 2018 and 2019, received an R41 Technology Transfer grant from NINDS/NIH in 2017 for wireless optogenetics-microdialysis development, and operates a wholly owned Japanese subsidiary, Orange Science LLC, established in 2016 to coordinate with its manufacturer partners. Amuza does not have disclosed institutional investors or external funding rounds.

Name

Amuza

Legal name

Amuza Inc.

Website

https://amuzainc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Amuza Inc. is a privately held San Diego distributor and solutions provider for neuroscience and life-science laboratories, serving as the exclusive U.S. channel for specialized Japanese manufacturers of behavioral, neurochemical, wireless, and cell-biology research equipment, with customers primarily at academic and research institutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Neuroscience Research Equipment

NAICS

Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Material Characterization & Spectroscopy (NMR/FTIR/MS) (HLAGADAK)

Keywords

• Neuroscience research equipment
• Behavioral neuroscience systems
• HPLC-ECD analysis
• Wireless optogenetics
• Fiber photometry

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Lab Equipment Sales: Direct sales of neuroscience research equipment including behavioral neuroscience systems, HPLC-ECD instruments, wireless optogenetics/photometry systems, and peripheral lab equipment. Products sold with installation, training, and ongoing technical support.
2. CRO Analytical Services: Contract research organization services for neurotransmitter detection and analysis. Researchers send samples for ultra-sensitive HPLC-ECD analysis with 2-3 week turnaround. Generates revenue from sample processing fees.
3. Technical Support & Maintenance: Ongoing technical support, installation, training, and preventative maintenance services. Customer receives expert-level support throughout the life of their instruments.
4. Consumables & Accessories: Sale of consumables including microdialysis probes, fiber cannulas, spare parts, and specialty items for existing equipment installations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Amuza Inc. is a San Diego-based neuroscience research solutions provider serving as the exclusive U.S. distributor for Japanese scientific equipment manufacturers (Eicom, O'Hara, Kissei Comtec, Strex, TOMY). The company sells specialized lab instruments for behavioral neuroscience (operant conditioning chambers, head-fixation platforms, mazes), HPLC-ECD neurotransmitter analysis systems, wireless optogenetics and fiber photometry systems, microdialysis equipment, and supporting software. It also offers contract research (CRO) analytical services for neurotransmitter detection.

Product overview

Amuza is a neuroscience research solutions provider offering a comprehensive portfolio of specialized scientific equipment and services. The portfolio includes: (1) Behavioral Neuroscience equipment from O'Hara including TaskForcer Semi-Restraining System, Self Head-Restraining Platform, Touch Panel Operant Chamber, Free Maze modular system, and Operant TaskStudio software; (2) Neurotransmitter Analysis systems including HTEC-600 all-in-one HPLC-ECD, 800 Series modular HPLC-ECD components, INSIGHT autosampler, and CRO analytical services; (3) Wireless Neuroscience systems including Teleopto wireless optogenetics, TeleFipho wireless fiber photometry, TeleFiOpto combined system, and ELG-2 wireless EEG/EMG; (4) Supporting tools including Wire Hang Test Chamber, Drinko Measurer, FootStamp gait analysis, SleepSign software, and Microdialysis systems with AtmosLM for large molecules. The company serves as exclusive US distributor for multiple Japanese manufacturers including Eicom (HPLC-ECD), O'Hara (behavioral equipment), Kissei Comtec (FootStamp, SleepSign), and partners with Strex and TOMY for additional lab equipment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HPLC-ECD HTEC-600 All-in-one turnkey HPLC-ECD system combining pump, detector, degasser, and temperature control for ultra-sensitive neurotransmitter analysis.
• HPLC-ECD Component System, 800 Series Modular HPLC-ECD platform consisting of ECD-800 electrochemical detector, EP-800 pump system, and ATC-800 temperature controller for customizable high-sensitivity neurotransmitter analysis workflows.
• TaskForcer Semi-Restraining System Body-restraining operant conditioning chamber enabling training of rats and mice in three days, featuring a unique spout-lever combining operant task and reward delivery.
• Self Head-Restraining Platform Automated platform for voluntary head-fixation training in mice that reduces training time by 90% using operant conditioning principles.
• Touch Panel Operant Chamber High-precision operant conditioning chamber using infrared sensor technology for accurate touch response recording, capable of up to 120 responses per hour.
• Free Maze (Modular Maze System) Reconfigurable modular maze system for mice and rats supporting t-maze, w-maze, plus maze, radial arm maze, and figure 8 maze configurations.
• Teleopto Wireless Optogenetics System Wireless optogenetics system using rechargeable LED light sources with implantable optic fibers for light delivery to freely moving animals, with headstages weighing as little as 1 gram.
• TeleFipho Wireless Fiber Photometry System World's first commercial wireless fiber photometry system for real-time neural activity measurement in freely moving animals using fluorescent sensors like GCaMP, with a 3-gram headstage.
• TeleFiOpto Combined System Integrated wireless system combining fiber photometry recording and optogenetic stimulation in a single head-mounted headstage, enabling simultaneous neural activity monitoring and light stimulation.
• ELG-2 Wireless EEG/EMG Logger Compact rechargeable wireless data logger for EEG and EMG recording in rodents, weighing as little as 2 grams, with low-noise amplifiers positioned close to electrodes.
• Microdialysis System Complete in vivo microdialysis systems for extracellular fluid sampling including probes, syringe pumps, fraction collectors, and push-pull systems for neurotransmitter and neuropeptide collection.
• FootStamp Gait Analysis System Digital gait analysis system using infrared imaging and AI-assisted paw detection to capture paw contact and calculate gait parameters including stride length, paw orientation, and contact area without ink-based methods.
• INSIGHT HPLC Autosampler Refrigerated HPLC autosampler with 96-well plate capacity for automated, high-precision sample injection designed for microdialysis applications.
• CRO Analytical Services Contract research organization services for ultra-sensitive neurotransmitter detection and analysis using HPLC-ECD, offering 2-3 week turnaround for dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, GABA, and monoamine analysis.
• Wire Hang Test Chamber Precision muscle strength evaluation chamber for rodents using stainless steel wire mesh, designed for neuromuscular disorder research.
• Drinko Measurer Leak-free sipper tube with double ball bearings for accurate mouse fluid intake measurement, ideal for conditioned taste aversion/preference and alcohol consumption studies.
• AtmosLM Large Molecule Microdialysis Specialized microdialysis system for sampling large molecules such as neuropeptides and proteins using large-pore membranes and dual-pump push-pull configuration to prevent intracranial pressure buildup.
• Operant TaskStudio Software Flowchart-based software for designing and executing behavioral neuroscience tasks, with Trial Builder for task design and Trial Executor for execution, requiring no programming experience.
• SleepSign Sleep Analysis Software Automated sleep stage analysis software for EEG and EMG signals that classifies Wake, REM, and NREM sleep with FFT spectral analysis, artifact review, and synchronized video playback.

Quantifiable outcome

• TaskForcer trains rats and mice in just three days
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature13 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• TOMYsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017Partnership started in 2017 to provide TOMY autoclaves and centrifuges to customers needing high-quality, affordable lab equipment. Distributed through tomy.amuzainc.com subdomain.
• StrexsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2016Sole distributor of Strex products in the United States and other countries. Strex products include cell stretch systems and controlled-rate freezers for cell biology research.
• Orange Science LLCsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Japanese subsidiary launched in 2016 to support international operations and partnerships in the Japanese market.
• EicomcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 December 2012Exclusive U.S. distribution partnership for Eicom's in vivo neuroscience products, starting with the HTEC-500 HPLC-ECD system. Eicom has over 30 years of experience building HPLC equipment for neuroscientists. Amuza provides technical support for all analytical applications developed and tested extensively in Eicom's lab.
• O'Hara & Co., Ltd.coreTechnology or Integration · 1 December 2012Exclusive U.S. distributor of O'Hara's behavioral neuroscience products including TaskForcer, Self Head-Restraining Platform, Touch Panel Operant Chamber, Free Maze, Wire Hang Test Chamber, and Drinko Measurer. O'Hara has over 40 years of experience with behavioral neuroscience products. TaskForcer originated from Dr. Yoshikazu Isomura's research at Tokyo Metropolitan Institute.
• Kissei Comtec Co., Ltd.coreTechnology or Integration · 1 December 2012Manufacturer of FootStamp gait analysis system and SleepSign sleep analysis software. Amuza distributes these products in North America. FootStamp uses AI-assisted paw detection for digital gait analysis without ink-based methods.
• Bio Research Center Co., Ltd.supportingTechnology or Integration · 1 December 2012Manufacturer of TeleFiOpto combined wireless fiber photometry and optogenetics system. TeleFiOpto enables simultaneous recording and stimulation through the same headstage and implanted fiber cannula.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Tucker-Davis Technologies: Tucker-Davis Technologies manufactures and sells neuroscience research equipment including electrophysiology recording systems, behavioral chambers, and optogenetics tools. Direct competitor to Amuza across multiple product categories including neural recording and behavioral neuroscience hardware.
• Noldus Information Technology: Noldus provides behavioral research software and hardware (EthoVision, DanioVision, CatWalk) for animal behavior studies. Direct competitor in behavioral neuroscience equipment, particularly for gait analysis and operant testing where Amuza offers FootStamp and Touch Panel Operant systems.
• Med Associates: Med Associates designs and manufactures behavioral neuroscience equipment including operant chambers, self-administration systems, and startle response systems. Directly comparable to Amuza's O'Hara-distributed operant conditioning product line.
• Biopac Systems: Biopac manufactures physiological data acquisition systems for life science research, including EEG/EMG amplifiers and analysis software. Amuza's SleepSign software specifically integrates with BIOPAC systems, indicating close product overlap in signal acquisition and analysis for neuroscience research.
• Neuralynx: Neuralynx develops neural recording systems including wireless headstages and acquisition hardware for in vivo electrophysiology. Comparable to Amuza's wireless neuroscience portfolio (TeleFipho, TeleOpto, ELG-2 wireless EEG) for freely moving animal neural recordings.
• Doric Lenses: Doric Lenses manufactures optical components and systems for neuroscience research, including fiber photometry, optogenetics, and imaging. Directly competes with Amuza in fiber photometry (vs. TeleFipho) and optogenetics (vs. TeleOpto) product categories.
• San Diego Instruments: San Diego Instruments makes behavioral testing apparatus for rodents including startle response, fear conditioning, and operant conditioning systems. Direct peer in behavioral neuroscience equipment with comparable target customers and product categories.
• Coulbourn Instruments: Coulbourn Instruments designs and manufactures operant conditioning chambers, behavioral software (Graphic State), and physiological recording systems for animal research. Direct competitor to Amuza's O'Hara operant behavioral product line.

Broad incumbents

• Harvard Bioscience (Harvard Apparatus): Harvard Bioscience is a diversified life science research tools company selling a broad portfolio including surgical equipment, physiology instruments, and neuroscience products. Wider portfolio competitor with overlapping offerings in animal research and neuroscience instrumentation.

Others

• Eicom Corporation: Eicom is the Japanese manufacturer of HPLC-ECD systems and Amuza's principal product partner. While a supplier rather than direct competitor, Eicom's products are the foundation of Amuza's neurotransmitter analysis portfolio and could become a competitive threat if Eicom chose to sell directly in the U.S.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AmuzaInc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/EicomCorporation
• Facebookfacebook.com/amuzascience
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/amuza-inc-
• Instagraminstagram.com/amuza_inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Amuza