DNA Chip Research

What DNA Chip Research does

DNA Chip Research Inc. (株式会社DNAチップ研究所) is a Japanese molecular diagnostics and genomic analysis services company headquartered in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa. Founded in 1999, the company operates a vertically integrated nucleic acid detection platform spanning next-generation sequencing (NGS), microarray (DNA chip), digital PCR, and proprietary molecular barcode technology. Its product portfolio includes Japan's first domestically developed lung cancer companion diagnostic gene panel (Lung Cancer Compact Panel® Dx, PMDA-approved November 2022), the NOIR-SS liquid biopsy system capable of 0.1% rare variant detection, EGFR-NGS Check liquid biopsy, RheumaCheck®3 for rheumatoid arthritis biologic response prediction, and the C3 Check array CGH service for regenerative medicine quality control. The company holds multiple PMDA regulatory approvals including Class I medical device manufacturing/sales (June 2018), Class II (September 2017), and in vitro diagnostic drug manufacturing/sales (November 2017) permits.

The company serves four primary customer segments: (1) Japanese medical institutions (hospitals, cancer centers, pathology departments) using its diagnostic products for cancer companion diagnostics and liquid biopsy; (2) pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics companies commissioning genomic analysis for drug discovery, biomarker development, and clinical trial support; (3) academic and public research institutions requiring sequencing, microarray, and bioinformatics services; and (4) forensic and quality control laboratories purchasing DNA extraction kits and reference standards. Revenue is generated through four streams: commissioned research/analysis services (NGS, microarray, digital PCR, bioinformatics), diagnostic testing services performed at the company's medical laboratory, sales of approved medical devices and reagents, and distribution of third-party diagnostics including exclusive Japanese distribution of MammaPrint and BluePrint from Agendia (Netherlands). Pricing is quotation-based for most B2B services with historical campaign pricing ranging from ¥73,000 for gene expression analysis to ¥200,000 for MBD-Seq methylation analysis.

The company was previously publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market but was delisted on June 19, 2025 following a share consolidation and capital reduction, returning to private ownership. With 11-50 employees, DNA Chip Research maintains a sales-led go-to-market centered on direct engagement with physicians, pathologists, and research buyers, supplemented by affiliated clinical testing centers for distribution. Strategic co-development partnerships include Osaka International Cancer Center, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Keio University, and Osaka University, with grant funding from AMED, NEDO, JST, and the Tokyo Metropolitan SME Promotion Council. The website indicates an affiliation with Mitsui Chemicals Group.

Name

DNA Chip Research

Legal name

株式会社DNAチップ研究所

Website

https://dna-chip.co.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

DNA Chip Research Inc. is a Japanese molecular diagnostics company that develops and commercializes NGS-based cancer companion diagnostics, liquid biopsy tests, and genomic analysis services for Japanese medical institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and academic researchers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Clinical Genomics and Cancer Diagnostics

NAICS

Medical Laboratories (621511), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215)

SIC

Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)

akta.pro primary industry

Molecular Diagnostics & Genomics Laboratories (HLAFAMAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Molecular & Genetic Testing (PCR/NGS/qPCR) (HLAGADAF), Molecular Diagnostics (PCR/qPCR, NGS-based assays) (HLAAALAA), Genomics & Molecular Diagnostics (Trial Support) (HLAGAEAD), Genetic & Genomic Testing (germline, somatic, carrier, pharmacogenomics) (HLAAALAD)

Keywords

• Genetic analysis services
• Cancer companion diagnostics
• Next-generation sequencing
• Liquid biopsy testing
• Molecular barcode NGS

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Commissioned Research/Analysis Services: Provides contracted genetic analysis services to pharmaceutical companies, food/cosmetics companies, academic institutions, and universities. Services include NGS sequencing (RNA-Seq, miRNA-Seq, exome), microarray, digital PCR, and bioinformatics. Revenue recognized as the primary business pillar alongside diagnostics.
2. Diagnostic Testing Services: Provides genetic diagnostic testing services including the Lung Cancer Compact Panel Dx companion diagnostic, EGFR-NGS Check liquid biopsy, MammaPrint + Blueprint breast cancer tests. Testing conducted at the company's Medical Laboratory (株式会社DNAチップ研究所シティカルラボラトリー) with results reported to ordering medical institutions.
3. Medical Device & Reagent Sales: Sales of registered in vitro diagnostic products (lung cancer compact panel, EGFR-NGS Check software) and research reagents including genomic DNA extraction kits for forensic use, and quality control standard materials.
4. Product Distribution: Distribution of third-party diagnostic products in Japan, including MammaPrint breast cancer recurrence prediction test from Agendia (Netherlands), and BluePrint molecular subtyping test.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

DNA Chip Research provides clinical genomics and molecular diagnostic products and services, including Japan's first domestically developed lung cancer companion diagnostic gene panel (Lung Cancer Compact Panel Dx), liquid biopsy tests such as EGFR-NGS Check using its proprietary NOIR-SS molecular barcode NGS technology, and a broad menu of contracted nucleic acid analysis services (NGS, microarray, digital PCR, bioinformatics) for pharmaceutical, food/cosmetics, and academic customers, complemented by distributed products such as MammaPrint/BluePrint breast cancer tests and forensic genomic DNA extraction kits.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Lung Cancer Compact Panel Dx Multi-Companion Diagnostic System (肺がん コンパクトパネル® Dx) Japan's first domestically developed lung cancer companion diagnostic gene panel using NGS; detects 7 driver gene variants (EGFR, ALK, ROS1, MET exon14 skipping, KRAS G12C, BRAF V600E, RET fusion) simultaneously. Approved as a Class III medical device (高度管理医療機器) for companion diagnostics in non-small cell lung cancer.
• EGFR-NGS Check Liquid biopsy-based EGFR mutation detection service using deep sequencing of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Detects EGFR activating mutations (exon19 deletion, L858R, L861Q/L861R) and resistance mutations (T790M, C797S). Approved for insurance coverage.
• NOIR-SS (Non-overlapping Integrated Read Sequencing System) Liquid Biopsy Service Molecular barcode-based NGS cancer gene panel analysis system. Uses unique molecular identifiers to eliminate PCR/sequencing errors and distinguish rare tumor mutations from background noise. Detects variants at 0.1% allele frequency.
• MammaPrint + BluePrint Breast Cancer Test Distribution Distribution of Agendia's FDA-approved MammaPrint breast cancer recurrence prediction multi-gene assay and BluePrint molecular subtyping test to Japanese medical institutions through the company's clinical testing center network.
• C3 Check Service (aCGH for Cultured Cells) Custom array CGH service for quality control of cultured cells in regenerative medicine. High-density probe design covering cancer-related gene regions. Detects copy number variations during cell culture passage to ensure genomic safety of cell therapy products.
• Commissioned Genetic Analysis Services (NGS, Microarray, Digital PCR, Bioinformatics) Contracted genetic analysis services including NGS sequencing (RNA-Seq, miRNA-Seq, exome), microarray analysis, digital PCR, and bioinformatics, sold to pharmaceutical, food/cosmetics companies, and academic research institutions.
• Digital PCR Service (Bio-Rad QX200) Commissioned digital PCR analysis service using the Bio-Rad QX200 system for absolute nucleic acid quantification.
• 16S rRNA (Bacterial Flora) Analysis Service Next-generation sequencing service targeting the 16S rRNA gene for bacterial flora / microbiome analysis.
• Genomic DNA Extraction Kit (Forensic Use) Genomic DNA extraction kit for forensic applications, sold as a research/clinical product.
• Genetic Testing Standard Reference Materials Standard reference materials used as quality controls for the precision management of genetic testing.
• RheumaCheck 3 (リウマチェック®3) Registered trademark service for predicting biological agent response in rheumatoid arthritis using blood gene expression analysis.

Quantifiable outcome

• Detection sensitivity of 0.1% (1 in 1,000) for rare gene variants using NOIR-SS
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Tokyo Medical University (東京医科大学)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 January 2021Participated in a joint research project focused on biomarker development for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The project is led by Professor Yukihiro Hirose with the aim of discovering and developing biomarkers from initial exploration through practical application. DNA Chip Research contributes next-generation sequencing expertise for biomarker discovery.
• Osaka International Cancer Center (大阪国際がんセンター)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research partner for development of liquid biopsy technologies and lung cancer gene panels. Collaborated on EGFR-NGS Check development and NOIR-SS molecular barcode technology. The center's research成果 formed the basis for multiple approved diagnostic products including the Lung Cancer Compact Panel Dx. Joint research on ctDNA detection and gene panel validation.
• Nara Institute of Science and Technology (奈良先端科学技術大学院大学)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research partner for next-generation sequencing technologies and ctDNA rare mutation detection. Contributed to development of the Lung Cancer Compact Panel Dx and EGFR-NGS Check liquid biopsy technology. Collaborated on molecular barcode technology research and multi-center prospective clinical trials.
• St. Marianna University School of Medicine (学校法人聖マリアンナ医科大学)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research on the clinical utility of the lung cancer compact panel using cytological specimens (bronchoscopy samples). Conducted prospective validation studies demonstrating the panel's effectiveness with limited biopsy samples. Contributed to published clinical evidence for regulatory approval.
• Keio University (学校法人慶應義塾大学)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research on rheumatoid arthritis biological agent response prediction using blood gene expression signatures. Research aimed at developing biomarkers to predict which biological agents will be most effective for individual rheumatoid arthritis patients.
• National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (国立研究開発法人国立精神・神経医療研究センター)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative research on stress-induced neuropsychiatric disorders and depression using blood gene expression profiling. Joint study on biomarkers for major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder based on peripheral blood transcriptome analysis.
• Osaka University (大阪大学)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint research partner for colorectal cancer metastasis prediction biomarker development. Conducted gene expression profiling of surgical specimens to identify signatures predictive of post-operative metastasis risk in stage II colorectal cancer patients.
• National Center for Child Health and Development (国立研究開発法人国立成育医療研究センター)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on regenerative medicine quality control using array CGH analysis. Joint development of C3 Check service for detecting copy number variations in cultured mesenchymal stem cells for cell therapy safety assessment.
• Agendia (アジェンディア社, Netherlands)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDistribution partner for MammaPrint breast cancer recurrence prediction test and BluePrint molecular subtyping test in Japan. DNA Chip Research serves as the exclusive Japanese distributor for Agendia's FDA-approved multi-gene breast cancer diagnostic assays.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• H.U. Group Holdings: Parent of SRL, one of Japan's largest clinical reference laboratory networks offering genetic and specialty testing. Operates a clinical lab model serving Japanese medical institutions, overlapping with DNA Chip Research's diagnostic testing segment.
• Sysmex Corporation: Japanese market leader in clinical diagnostics and hematology with growing molecular diagnostics portfolio. Comparable as a Japan-headquartered diagnostics company serving hospitals with regulated IVD products and companion diagnostics.
• Foundation Medicine (Roche): Global leader in comprehensive genomic profiling for solid tumors (FoundationOne CDx), including lung cancer companion diagnostics. Establishes the global benchmark for multi-gene cancer panels that DNA Chip Research competes against in Japan.

Direct peers

• BML, Inc. Major Japanese clinical reference laboratory providing specialty and genetic testing services to hospitals and clinics. Directly comparable as a Japan-based clinical lab serving medical institutions with diagnostic and research services.
• Riken Genesis Co., Ltd. Japanese genetic testing company offering BRCA, Lynch syndrome, and other oncology/rare-disease diagnostics under Japan's regulatory framework. Closely comparable as a Japan-focused molecular diagnostics company with approved IVD tests and hospital channel.
• Agendia, Inc. Dutch molecular diagnostics company behind MammaPrint and BluePrint breast cancer assays, which DNA Chip Research distributes exclusively in Japan. Direct peer in oncology companion diagnostics with FDA-cleared multi-gene assays.
• Takara Bio Inc. Japanese provider of molecular biology reagents, NGS services, and gene-therapy products. Overlaps with DNA Chip Research's commissioned research services (NGS, RNA-Seq, microarray, digital PCR) and their products/reagent distribution activities.

Emerging players

• Guardant Health: Global liquid biopsy leader specializing in NGS-based ctDNA panels for oncology (Guardant360 CDx). Directly comparable in liquid biopsy rare-variant detection technology though substantially larger and international in scope.
• Natera, Inc. U.S.-based molecular diagnostics company specializing in cell-free DNA testing across oncology and reproductive health. Comparable in liquid biopsy / ctDNA technology orientation though operating at much larger scale globally.

Regional players

• SRL, Inc. (H.U. Group): Japan's largest specialty reference laboratory (subsidiary of H.U. Group), providing routine and esoteric genetic testing to medical institutions. Comparable as a Japan-domestic reference lab with companion diagnostic services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/103056164767205
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dna-chip-research-inc-2397-

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

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 DNA Chip Research