PtBio
PtBio is a Hiroshima University spin-off that combines proprietary genome editing tools (Platinum TALEN, ZF-ND1) with Bio-DX bioinformatics services to support breeding, gene therapy, and microbiome projects for food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, and public-sector clients across Japan and Asia.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersHigashi-hiroshima, Japan
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What PtBio does
PtBio Inc. (プラチナバイオ株式会社) is a Hiroshima University spin-off founded in August 2019 and headquartered in Higashihiroshima, Japan, with 46 employees as of January 1, 2026 and a wholly-owned regional subsidiary (PtBio Asia Sdn. Bhd.) established in Kuala Lumpur in March 2025. The company operates two integrated technology platforms — Genome Editing, anchored on the proprietary Platinum TALEN (FirmCut Platinum TALEN) and ZF-ND1 tools exclusively licensed from Hiroshima University — and Bio-DX, a bioinformatics stack built around PacBio Sequel IIe and Illumina NextSeq2000 sequencing plus internally developed pipelines such as Fanflow4Plants for plant gene-function prediction.
The company monetizes through (a) contract manufacturing and licensing of its proprietary genome editing constructs (ZF-ND1 basic plan priced at ¥700,000; commercial use under separate license), (b) project-based bioinformatics services including de novo genome sequencing (¥1,000,000), gene structure/function prediction (¥500,000), RNA-seq marker discovery (¥80,000/sample), 16S rRNA amplicon analysis (¥35,000/sample) and shotgun metagenomics (¥56,000/sample), (c) usage-based RNA-seq data analysis via the Basepair cloud platform launched May 2026 with Iwai Chemical as domestic sales partner, and (d) licensing royalties plus Japanese government grants (Hiroshima Prefecture, JETRO, MAFF SBIR Phase 3).
PtBio serves a diverse enterprise and public-sector customer base across food and agriculture (Kewpie for allergy-reducing eggs; F&LC/Sushiro and Marineverse for yellowtail aquaculture breeding; Mishima Foods for red perilla digital breeding; Yanmar for food-waste fermentation; SRINIVASA Farms for India market entry), pharmaceuticals (VC Gene Therapy via ZF-ND1 retinitis pigmentosa program), environmental engineering (East Hiroshima City/Hitachi Zosen for wastewater metagenomics), and academic research (Hiroshima University, Waseda University, Sunway University), with sales executed through a dedicated business promotion department and regional channel partnerships.
PtBio firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PtBio
- Legal name
- プラチナバイオ株式会社
- Website
- https://pt-bio.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- PtBio is a Hiroshima University spin-off that combines proprietary genome editing tools (Platinum TALEN, ZF-ND1) with Bio-DX bioinformatics services to support breeding, gene therapy, and microbiome projects for food, agriculture, pharmaceutical, and public-sector clients across Japan and Asia.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
PtBio industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Bioinformatics & Genome Editing Services
- NAICS
- Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Gene Therapy CMC/Process Development Platforms (capsid engineering, producer cell lines, plasmids, upstream/downstream) (HLAAACAN)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Plasmid DNA & mRNA Manufacturing Services (HLAAAKAE), mRNA & Nucleic Acid Manufacturing Services (mRNA/saRNA/Plasmid DNA) (HLAGAGAC), Gene Therapy (Viral Vector/Plasmid) CDMO (HLAGABAE)
Keywords
Where PtBio is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Higashi-hiroshima
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
PtBio business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Genome Editing Contract Services: PtBio offers contract manufacturing services for Platinum TALEN and ZF-ND1 genome editing tools. Customers specify target genes and receive designed, synthesized constructs with optional cleavage activity evaluation. Revenue is generated per project/service package. Commercial use requires separate licensing agreements.
- Bio-DX Bioinformatics Services: Comprehensive bioinformatics services including de novo genome sequencing and assembly, gene structure/function prediction, target gene/marker discovery via RNA-seq, and environmental microbiome/bacterial community analysis. Services are priced per sample or per project and offered as one-time contracts with defined delivery timelines.
- RNA-seq Data Analysis (Basepair Integration): Following the May 2026 launch of Basepair RNA-seq cloud platform integration, PtBio provides RNA-seq data analysis services using a coupon-based billing model (one coupon consumed per sample). Customers can independently explore and re-analyze results through the Basepair browser interface. Domestic sales partner: Iwai Chemical Co., Ltd.
- Licensing Royalties: PtBio licenses its proprietary genome editing technologies (Platinum TALEN, ZF-ND1) to commercial/industrial users under separate licensing agreements. The company highlights its cost-effective licensing structure compared to CRISPR/TALEN patents as a competitive advantage for industrial applications.
- Government Grants and Subsidies: PtBio receives government funding including Hiroshima Prefecture's Bioeconomy Industry Creation Support Project subsidy (2026), JETRO Hiroshima's overseas expansion support program, and MAFF's SBIR Phase 3 funding for allergy-reducing egg commercialization.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | de novo Genome Sequencing + Assembly |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Gene Structure and Function Prediction |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | RNA-seq Data Acquisition for Target Gene/Marker Discovery |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 16S rRNA Full-Length Amplicon Analysis (Long Read) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Shotgun Metagenome Analysis (Short Read) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | ZF-ND1 Basic Plan |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
PtBio product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PtBio provides contract manufacturing of proprietary genome editing tools (Platinum TALEN and ZF-ND1, delivered as IVT mRNA) and Bio-DX bioinformatics services for industrial and research customers. Services span de novo genome sequencing and assembly, RNA-seq-based target gene/marker discovery, 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenome analysis, and integrated workflows (Fanflow4Plants) for non-model and industrially useful organisms, with optional commercial licensing of the underlying editing IP.
Product overview
PtBio operates two interconnected technology platforms — Genome Editing (ゲノム編集) and Bio-DX (バイオDX) — delivering services both independently and as an integrated end-to-end offering. The Genome Editing platform centers on two proprietary tools: Platinum TALEN (FirmCut Platinum TALEN) and ZF-ND1, offered as custom manufacturing services with optional cutting activity evaluation, and delivered as IVT mRNA for industrial and research applications. The Bio-DX platform provides three sequential service stages: (1) High-Precision Genome Data Acquisition for industrially useful organisms using PacBio Sequel IIe, Illumina, and Hi-C technologies; (2) Target Candidate Gene/Marker Discovery through RNA-seq and Iso-seq transcriptomics; and (3) Environmental Microbe and Bacterial Community/Functional Analysis via 16S rRNA, shotgun metagenome, and MAG sequencing. These services are complemented by the Basepair cloud RNA-seq analysis platform (integrated since May 2026) and the internally developed Fanflow4Plants workflow for plant gene function prediction. All offerings are underpinned by proprietary bioinformatics pipelines integrating advanced algorithms with Hiroshima University research capabilities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Platinum TALEN Manufacturing Service (Platinum TALEN作製サービス) Custom design and manufacture of Platinum TALEN (FirmCut Platinum TALEN) genome editing proteins delivered as IVT mRNA. Features periodic repeat structure for superior DNA binding, low off-target effects, and cleavage efficiency exceeding conventional FokI-based TALENs. Sold to research institutions and industrial customers; commercial use requires a separate license agreement.
- ZF-ND1 Manufacturing Service (ZF-ND1作製サービス) Custom design and manufacture of ZF-ND1 Zinc Finger editing proteins delivered as IVT mRNA. Provides clear domestic Japanese IP and cost-effective licensing as an alternative to CRISPR for pharmaceutical and industrial applications, including retinal disease gene therapy development. Includes cutting activity evaluation against specified target sequences.
- High-Precision Genome Data Acquisition for Industrially Useful Organisms (産業有用生物の高精度ゲノムデータ取得) De novo genome sequencing and assembly service for non-model and industrially useful organisms. Combines PacBio Sequel IIe long-read sequencing with optional Oxford Nanopore, Illumina short-read, and Hi-C scaffolding. Delivers de novo assembly, gap closing, gene prediction, and functional annotation.
- Target Candidate Gene / Marker Discovery (標的候補遺伝子・マーカーの探索) RNA-seq and Iso-seq based differential expression analysis, isoform analysis, functional enrichment, and statistical modeling for target candidate gene and marker discovery. Includes experimental design, sample preparation, sequencing, and custom reporting for genomic breeding programs.
- Environmental Microbe and Bacterial Community / Functional Analysis (環境微生物等の細菌叢・機能解析) Metagenomics and microbiome analysis service for environmental and industrial microorganisms. Supports 16S rRNA full-length amplicon sequencing (long-read), shotgun metagenome sequencing (short and long-read), and MAG analysis. Delivers species-level taxonomic identification, functional profiling, and metabolic pathway analysis.
- RNA-seq Data Analysis with Basepair Integration (RNA-seqデータ解析 (Basepair連携版)) Cloud-based RNA-seq data analysis service powered by Basepair's interactive browser platform, enabling customers to independently explore and re-analyze results without specialized bioinformatics expertise. Managed in PtBio's own AWS account and offered through the Iwai Chemical domestic sales partnership.
Quantifiable outcome
- Achieved high-precision genome assembly covering ~99% of the ~1.26 billion base pairs of red perilla (shiso), with functional annotation of 72,983 out of 76,825 protein-coding genes (~95%)
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use PtBio
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
PtBio technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability9 records
Feature5 records
PtBio partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Siem Reap FCminorPtBio, through its subsidiary PtBio Asia Sdn. Bhd., signed an MOU with the women's team of Cambodian professional soccer club Siem Reap FC for joint research on athlete nutrition improvement programs based on gut microbiome analysis. The project aims to analyze athletes' gut microbiota and combine with nutritional and performance data to optimize nutrition programs.
- Chulalongkorn University (タイ王国チュラロンコン大学)minorPtBio's CSO Humiko Kusakabe presented at Chulalongkorn University's symposium 'From Genome to Innovation: Plant Genome Editing & Synthetic Biology' in June 2026, discussing PtBio's work on food, bioinformatics, and global applications.
- Iwai Chemical Co., Ltd. (岩井化学薬品株式会社)coreSales partnership for the Basepair RNA-seq cloud platform. Iwai Chemical serves as the domestic sales partner in Japan, supporting platform introduction and operation for Japanese customers. The partnership enables PtBio to offer RNA-seq analysis services with customer self-service exploration capabilities.
- Basepair Inc. (USA)corePtBio adopted Basepair's RNA-seq cloud platform for its bioinformatics services. Basepair provides the browser-based interactive visualization environment that allows PtBio's customers to independently explore and re-analyze RNA-seq results without bioinformatics expertise.
- Waseda University (早稲田大学)coreSponsored research project (April 2026–March 2029) with Professor Taisuke Umeno's laboratory to develop a high-speed DBTL (Design-Build-Test-Learn) system for Zinc Finger genome editing tools, aiming to create 'Platinum Finger' with superior practical performance.
- SRINIVASA FARMS PVT. LTD (India)coreMOU signed with Hyderabad-based poultry company for overseas commercialization of allergy-reducing eggs, specifically targeting the Indian market. Part of the SBIR Phase 3 funded project for allergy-reducing egg international business development.
- Sinar Mas Group (Indonesia)coreMOU signed with one of Indonesia's leading diversified groups for collaboration in August 2025, expanding PtBio's presence in the Indonesian market.
- ICGEB (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology)coreMOU signed with ICGEB for joint research focusing on generating value-added compounds from microalgae using ICGEB's world-class research infrastructure in India.
- PtBio Asia Sdn. Bhd.coreSubsidiary established in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to serve as the regional hub for Southeast Asia operations. Functioning as a 'global biohub' for co-creation with local companies, conducting R&D to commercialization in an integrated manner across the region.
- Sunway University (Malaysia)coreMOU signed for joint research using metagenome analysis to discover useful microorganisms contributing to water purification and greenhouse gas reduction. Environmental DNA is being analyzed from lakes to identify and commercialize microorganisms for green transformation (GX) in Malaysia.
- VC Gene TherapycoreExclusive license agreement for ZF-ND1 genome editing technology for development of gene therapy for retinitis pigmentosa. Founded by Dr. Masayo Takahashi, a leading researcher in retinal regenerative medicine. PtBio provides ZF-ND1 tools and technical expertise for therapeutic development.
- F&LC (株式会社FOOD & LIFE COMPANIES)corePtBio provides genome data analysis services for F&LC's (Sushiro operator) aquaculture breeding program. The collaboration aims to achieve stable procurement of sushi ingredients through genome-based selection breeding of yellowtail (buri), with F&LC's subsidiary Marineverse handling artificial seedling production.
- Marineverse Co., Ltd. (株式会社マリンバース)coreJoint venture between F&LC and Takyu for R&D in aquaculture seedling production. Marineverse produces artificial yellowtail seedlings using PtBio's genome analysis for selection breeding, with the first artificial seedlings shipped in 2025.
- East Hiroshima City / Hiroshima Chuo Environmental Sanitation UnioncorePublic-private collaboration to optimize sewage treatment facility operations using metagenome analysis (Bio-DX). Project involves seasonal microbiome profiling of influent and treatment processes to improve nitrogen removal efficiency and reduce electricity consumption at Hiroshima Central Eco Park.
- Hitachi Zosen Corporation (日立造船株式会社)coreTechnical collaboration partner in the sewage treatment optimization project. Hitachi Zosen provides technical expertise in sewage treatment systems, combined with PtBio's metagenome analysis capabilities to develop new biological treatment technologies.
- Yanmar Holdings (ヤンマーホールディングス)coreCollaboration on resource-circulating food production using metagenome analysis of food waste fermentation processes. The project aims to optimize composting and develop high-performance organic fertilizer production through microbial community analysis.
- Kewpie Corporation (キユーピー株式会社)coreCollaboration on the Egg for All project to develop and commercialize allergy-reducing eggs (OVM-free eggs) for people with egg allergies. Kewpie is involved in developing processed food products using allergy-reducing eggs, with joint clinical trials and safety testing.
- Hiroshima University (広島大学)coreCore academic partner. PtBio is a Hiroshima University spin-off (広島大学発ベンチャー). The company maintains two joint research laboratories within Hiroshima University (Bio-DX Laboratory with Prof. Bono, genome editing research with Prof. Yamamoto) using the joint research chair system. Cross-appointment system allows researchers to hold dual affiliations.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves4 records
Expansion highlights6 records
PtBio competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
PtBio social profiles
Digital presencePtBio financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PtBio leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
PtBio subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
PtBio funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PtBio M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PtBio
What does PtBio do?
PtBio provides contract manufacturing of proprietary genome editing tools (Platinum TALEN and ZF-ND1, delivered as IVT mRNA) and Bio-DX bioinformatics services for industrial and research customers. Services span de novo genome sequencing and assembly, RNA-seq-based target gene/marker discovery, 16S rRNA and shotgun metagenome analysis, and integrated workflows (Fanflow4Plants) for non-model and industrially useful organisms, with optional commercial licensing of the underlying editing IP.
Is PtBio a public or private company?
PtBio is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was PtBio founded?
PtBio was founded in 2019. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is PtBio based?
PtBio is headquartered in Higashi-hiroshima, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does PtBio make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Genome Editing Contract Services are the primary driver. The others are bio-DX Bioinformatics Services, RNA-seq Data Analysis (Basepair Integration), licensing Royalties and government Grants and Subsidies.
Does PtBio have an API?
No public API is recorded for PtBio.
What industry is PtBio in?
PtBio's product category is Bioinformatics & Genome Editing Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAAACAN, Gene Therapy CMC/Process Development Platforms (capsid engineering, producer cell lines, plasmids, upstream/downstream), with a secondary code of HLAAAKAE, Plasmid DNA & mRNA Manufacturing Services. Its NAICS code is 5417 and its SIC code is 8731.