Cowellnex and Metagen Launch Joint Research Utilizing Independently Acquired High‑Precision Gut Microbiota Data

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2:14 AM on Friday, February 27

The Associated Press

TOKYO & YAMAGATA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 27, 2026--

Cowellnex Co., Ltd. (Cowellnex)—jointly established by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Kirin Holdings)(TOKYO:2503) and Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (Kyowa Kirin)—and Metagen, Inc. (Metagen), which promotes end-to-end innovation from gut environment R&D to social implementation, will begin joint research in February 2026 to develop new test items based on gut microbiota data from Japanese individuals, as well as an algorithm (mechanism) that proposes foods suited to each person based on these test items.
This research will leverage Cowellnex’s independently acquired, high‑precision gut microbiota data obtained through shotgun metagenomic analysis *1 —one of Japan’s most detailed gut microbiota tests—accumulated over approximately three years through its “MicroBio Me” *2 service. The companies aim to commercialize and introduce the resulting new testing services to the market in the future.

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*1		Confirmed by Kirin in January 2026. Shotgun metagenomic analysis is a testing method that comprehensively measures gut bacteria and enables analysis at the most detailed taxonomic levels—species and strain—as well as the genes of each bacterium.
*2		(Japanese only) https://microbiome.kirin.co.jp/

Background of the Joint Research
Gut microbiota has been gaining attention in recent years from a health maintenance perspective. However, because the composition (types and ratios) of gut bacteria varies greatly among individuals, dietary approaches also differ. As a result, indicators that show the desired state of gut microbiota for each person and concrete action guidelines are not yet sufficiently developed.
The commonly used 16S rRNA gene analysis *3 helps grasp broad bacterial classifications but provides limited information compared with shotgun metagenomic analysis. Furthermore, methods academically established for test items or food recommendations based on gut microbiota data specifically for Japanese individuals currently do not exist.
Against this backdrop, expectations are increasing for more accurate gut microbiota testing and for testing items and personalized food recommendations based on such data.

16S rRNA gene analysis is a method that mainly enables analysis up to the genus level within the bacterial taxonomic hierarchy.

Scope of the Joint Research
In the MicroBio Me business operated by Cowellnex, the company has accumulated highly precise data over approximately three years using shotgun metagenomic analysis, one of the most detailed gut microbiota tests available in Japan. Leveraging these data, Cowellnex will create new test parameters that take into account the characteristics of the gut environment of Japanese people, and will develop an algorithm (mechanism) that proposes foods based on those parameters.
In this joint research, Cowellnex will be responsible for providing data, formulating hypotheses for test parameters and food recommendations, and conducting acceptability verification. Metagen will be responsible for conducting metabolic pathway analysis *4 based on its expertise in gut environment research and bioinformatics, as well as for developing the algorithm (mechanism) for food recommendations. Through this joint research, it will become possible not only to identify which gut bacteria are present but also to predict the overall capability of the gut environment—including interactions among gut bacteria—to produce beneficial metabolites.

A series of consecutive chemical reactions along metabolic pathways carried out by gut bacteria. Through these processes, dietary fiber is broken down and various metabolites are produced.

Future Prospects
Cowellnex plans to commercialize the results of this joint research as new testing services and launch them in the market. Even after the research concludes, Cowellnex will continue accumulating data and studying ways to utilize them, contributing to improving testing accuracy and developing ingredients that help regulate gut microbiota.
By leveraging its strength in high-precision data obtained through shotgun metagenomic analysis, Cowellnex will accelerate innovation in the gut microbiota domain and create a market for personalized gut health solutions based on gut microbiota composition.

About Cowellnex
Cowellnex Corporation was established in September 2024 as a joint venture between Kirin Holdings (50%) and Kyowa Kirin (50%).
Cowellnex creates innovation through mutual collaboration in research and development, venture investment, as well as business development, and is dedicated to supporting consumers achieve fulfilling lives by solving social issues related to health.

About Metagen
With the mission of “Make gut environment-based healthcare a new standard” the entire group aims to realize “zero-disease” through an approach based on the concept of Gut Design®.
Leveraging Metabologenomics®, our proprietary technology that enables a comprehensive and functional understanding of the gut environment, we provide end‑to‑end support—from cutting‑edge gut microbiome research to real‑world implementation—across three business domains: Research Value Enhancement, Product Development Support, and Science Public Relations.
We also operate Gut Design Project, a corporate collaboration community designed to co‑create a new “Gut design market.” As of December 2025, more than 40 companies have joined the initiative.

About Kirin Holdings
Kirin Holdings Company, Limited is a global company operating across three core business domains spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals. The company traces its roots to Japan Brewery, established in 1885, which later became Kirin Brewery in 1907. Since then, Kirin has expanded its business operations by leveraging fermentation and biotechnology as core strengths. The company entered the pharmaceutical field in the 1980s, which has since grown into a global business. In 2007, the company transitioned to a pure holding company structure as Kirin Holdings, and it is now strengthening its Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science domain.

Under its long-term vision “ Innovate2035! ”, the Kirin Group is focused on creating value that encourage behavioral change among consumers and patients, creating new lifestyle habits in the areas of food and health. With a unique business portfolio spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals, the Group will further expand group-wide initiatives that support both mental and physical well-being.

The Kirin Group will continue to advance innovation through the combined strength of its people and technology, creating both social and economic value as a global leader in CSV*, while pursuing sustainable, long-term growth in corporate value.
*Creating Shared Value: combined added value for consumers as well as for society at large.

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CONTACT: Press Contact

Corporate Communication Department

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited

Nakano Central Park South, 4-10-2 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo

+81-3-6837-7028

Media Contacts | Newsroom | KIRIN - Kirin Holdings Company, Limited

www.kirinholdings.com/en/

[email protected]

Metagen Inc.

246-2 Mizukami, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka-shi, Yamagata

E-mail:[email protected]