Visualizing Health Status of Whale Sharks and Other Species: Launch of Joint Research for Visualizing Health Status of Cartilaginous Fish

aiwell Inc., a venture company certified by Tokyo Science University (formerly Tokyo Institute of Technology) (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hirotsugu Mabuchi; hereinafter referred to as "aiwell"), has signed a joint research agreement in February with the Okinawa Chura Island Foundation (hereinafter referred to as "Okinawa Chura Island Foundation"), which manages and operates the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido Inc. The two parties aim to scientifically understand the health status of cartilaginous fish such as whale sharks and manta rays. Full-scale joint research will commence in April.

This research aims to establish a method for objectively evaluating health status from changes in blood proteins, utilizing "aiwell IPA," a proprietary protein biomarker rapid discovery platform independently developed by aiwell. By early detection of subtle physiological changes occurring in animals, the project seeks to advance husbandry management based on scientific evidence and improve animal welfare. Future applications are envisioned for a diverse range of animal species in aquariums.

## Why is this research necessary now?

Cartilaginous fish, including whale sharks and manta rays, have different physiological characteristics from mammals and general fish. The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium has continuously conducted basic health evaluations based on its own blood tests for these species and has been managing them based on scientific evidence.

This research aims to achieve more detailed and objective evaluations by introducing proteomics analysis and comprehensively analyzing changes in blood proteins, building upon existing health evaluations. Examples of individuals from whom long-term, regular blood samples and accompanying husbandry and health records have been accumulated are limited. This research is a new endeavor to improve the quality of health management and further enhance animal welfare by leveraging such long-term data infrastructure.

## Research Content

In this research, comprehensive protein analysis (proteomics analysis) using two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry will be performed on the plasma (blood components) of cartilaginous fish.

The main initiatives are as follows:
① Acquisition of comprehensive plasma protein data and construction of an analysis platform
② Identification of proteins correlated with changes in health status
③ Consideration for future utilization as diagnostic indicators and social implementation

## Expected Outcomes

Preliminary research so far has confirmed fluctuations in proteins related to the immune system and inflammation, as well as proteins involved in nutritional status and cell homeostasis. This research aims to establish these as objective "health indicators."

In the future, it is expected to contribute to the advancement of health management systems in aquariums and research institutions, as well as the development of long-term rearing and conservation technologies for rare species.

## Roles of Each Company

Okinawa Chura Island Foundation: Sample collection, integrated analysis with husbandry data, and physiological evaluation
aiwell Inc.: Comprehensive protein analysis and biomarker discovery
Sumitomo Corporation Hokkaido Inc.: Marketability research and social implementation strategy planning

## Future Outlook

This research aims not only to advance animal medical care and husbandry technology in aquariums but also to contribute to addressing the social issue of marine life conservation. Through technology that "visualizes unseen changes," we will build a new foundation for protecting the lives of the future ocean.

## About aiwell Inc.

aiwell is a deep-tech bio-venture originating from Tokyo Science University. Based on its proprietary proteomics (protein analysis) technology, it develops and provides the "aiwell IPA" protein biomarker rapid discovery platform, which visualizes signs of health status and disease risk from slight protein fluctuations in blood.

"aiwell IPA" fuses AI image analysis with mass spectrometry, significantly improving the efficiency of biomarker discovery, which has traditionally required time and cost. Its applications are expanding not only in the medical and healthcare fields but also in livestock, agriculture, and food sectors.

Currently, aiwell has established the "Proteomics Innovation Center (PIC)" in Shinkawasaki and is promoting the social implementation of health prediction and disease prevention through protein analysis, in collaboration with research institutions and companies both domestically and internationally.

aiwell has acquired the following three patents:
・No-wash protein gel stain (Patent No. 7113446)
・Information processing system and program (Patent No. 7215682)
・Information processing system, specific system, and program (Patent No. 7670286)

【Company Profile】
Company Name: aiwell Inc. (Japanese: aiwell株式会社)
Representative Director: Hirotsugu Mabuchi
Established: January 23, 2018
Location: 9-3, Nibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Company Website: https://www.aiwelljapan.com

【Contact for Inquiries】
aiwell Inc.
E-mail: pr@aiwelljapan.com