Gut microbiota testing is entering a new phase in Japan as Cowellnex Co., Ltd. and Metagen, Inc. announce a joint research initiative starting in February 2026. The partnership aims to develop new test items and a personalized food recommendation algorithm using independently acquired, high-precision gut microbiota data from Japanese individuals.
Cowellnex was jointly established by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited and Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd.. Together with Metagen, the companies plan to commercialize advanced gut microbiota testing services tailored specifically to the Japanese population.
Why Gut Microbiota Testing Needs Advancement
Interest in gut health continues to grow because gut microbiota plays a vital role in overall wellness. However, gut bacteria composition differs significantly from person to person. Therefore, dietary recommendations must also be personalized.
Currently, many services rely on 16S rRNA gene analysis. Although this method identifies bacteria at the genus level, it provides limited detail. In contrast, shotgun metagenomic analysis measures bacteria at the species and strain levels and evaluates bacterial genes.
As a result, experts increasingly expect more accurate gut microbiota testing methods and personalized food recommendations based on deeper biological insights.
Leveraging High-Precision Microbiota Data
Cowellnex has accumulated approximately three years of detailed microbiota data through its “MicroBio Me” service. This dataset comes from shotgun metagenomic analysis, one of Japan’s most advanced gut testing approaches.
Through this joint research, Cowellnex will:
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Provide high-precision microbiota data
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Formulate hypotheses for new test parameters
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Verify the acceptability of food recommendations
Meanwhile, Metagen will:
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Conduct metabolic pathway analysis
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Apply bioinformatics expertise
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Develop the personalized recommendation algorithm
Importantly, this collaboration moves beyond identifying which bacteria are present. Instead, it aims to predict how gut bacteria interact and produce beneficial metabolites. Consequently, the research could redefine gut microbiota testing in Japan.
Developing Personalized Food Recommendations
A key goal of the project is to create new test parameters tailored to Japanese gut microbiota characteristics. Based on these parameters, the companies will design an algorithm that proposes foods suited to each individual.
This approach enables:
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Data-driven dietary guidance
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More precise health insights
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Personalized gut health management
By combining advanced sequencing data with metabolic pathway analysis, the partners aim to bridge scientific research and real-world application.
Future Outlook for the Gut Microbiota Market
Following the completion of the research, Cowellnex plans to commercialize new gut microbiota testing services. The company will continue expanding its data platform to improve testing accuracy and support ingredient development that regulates gut bacteria.
Ultimately, this collaboration could accelerate innovation in Japan’s microbiome sector. With high-precision analysis and algorithm-based food recommendations, Cowellnex and Metagen aim to create a new market for personalized gut health solutions.
As demand for preventive healthcare grows, advanced gut microbiota testing may become a cornerstone of individualized wellness strategies.
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