Craif Launches MySignal with First-Ever Public Funding by a Local Government Nationwide

Craif Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ryuichi Onose; hereinafter "Craif") will begin providing "MySignal," a urine-based cancer screening test subsidized by public funds from a local government, in collaboration with Misato Town, Shimane Prefecture (Mayor: Takashi Kado), starting April 2026. MySignal is a test that evaluates the risk of 10 types of cancer from Stage 1 using bio-AI technology. Through this project, Craif aims to build a social model that enables early cancer detection even in regions facing challenges in healthcare access, and to expand this model nationwide.

Background of the Initiative

In Japan, one in two people are affected by cancer, and the cancer screening rate remains low at approximately 40%, which is low by international standards. Especially in rural areas where access to medical institutions is limited, the environment makes it difficult to receive screenings, further lowering the screening rate. In Misato Town, Shimane Prefecture, difficulties in accessing medical institutions and the busyness of daily life often lead to postponing screenings, resulting in a cancer screening rate below the national average (*1). Preventing severe cases and increased medical expenses due to delayed detection has become an urgent issue.

Craif, together with Misato Town, is undertaking this project with the aim of realizing a society where every resident can live a long and healthy life through early detection and early treatment of cancer. MySignal, which can be taken by simply collecting urine, allows even those with difficult access to medical institutions or busy daily lives to easily check their cancer risk. As a direct solution to these regional challenges, Craif is collaborating with Misato Town to achieve the nationwide first introduction of MySignal with public funding from a local government.

*1. The average screening rate for population-based screenings is approximately 26% (Misato Town cancer screening results for 2024)

MySignal Public Funding Project Overview

Targeting 100 residents of Misato Town, Shimane Prefecture, aged 40-74, who will undergo specific health checkups (including comprehensive medical checkups and workplace health checkups) in fiscal year 2026, MySignal tests will be provided by lottery. The test can be easily taken at two clinics in the town, and those judged to be at high risk based on the test results will receive consistent support up to additional examinations at specialized medical institutions.

Target Audience

Residents of Misato Town aged 40-74 who will undergo specific health checkups (including comprehensive medical checkups and workplace health checkups) in fiscal year 2026

Cost

Public subsidy: approximately 50,000 yen / Self-pay: 15,000 yen (for Misato Town National Health Insurance members), 20,000 yen (for others)

Capacity

100 people selected by lottery

Application Period

~May 15, 2026

Test Start

Late May 2026

Result Return / Additional Tests

Mid-June 2026~

Test Facilities

Yamato Clinic / Hatano Clinic

Additional Test Facilities

Izumo Tokushukai Hospital, etc. (for those judged to be at high risk)

Voices from Stakeholders and Partner Facilities

・Takashi Kado, Mayor of Misato Town, Shimane Prefecture

In Misato Town, while the aging rate exceeds 48%, the incidence and mortality rates of cancer are high even within the prefecture. Challenges also include access to medical institutions and the difficulty for working-age generations to find time for screenings. Given these circumstances, we adopted MySignal, which can evaluate the risk of 10 types of cancer by simply collecting urine, as the first public funding introduction by a local government nationwide.

We aim for this easy-to-take test to become a trigger for residents' screening habits, extending healthy life expectancy through early detection and early treatment.

Misato Town aims to be a pioneer in disseminating a new social model for preventive medicine in local governments nationwide.

・Setsuji Kato, Director, Hatano Clinic, Medical Corporation Hatano Clinic

Early detection and early treatment are paramount for cancer. We hope that this initiative will create an environment where screenings can be received without undue burden, and that screening becomes rooted in the community. This test can be positioned as one option that leads to early detection and early response.

However, this test is merely a risk assessment and does not provide a definitive diagnosis. Precise examinations and follow-up at medical institutions based on the results are crucial, and we, as medical institutions, will responsibly and carefully address these points. We hope that this public subsidy will encourage more residents to easily undergo testing and confront their own health. We will continue to collaborate with the local government to contribute to regional health promotion.

・Keinori Komazawa, Izumo Tokushukai Hospital

Shimane Prefecture has a low cancer screening rate nationwide, and creating opportunities for screenings for early detection is a critical issue. Expanding options for less burdensome tests can be one way to encourage screening. On the other hand, it is essential for those judged to be at high risk to receive appropriate additional examinations for early detection. We will continue to support this initiative through follow-up systems in collaboration with medical institutions in Misato Town.

Craif's Initiatives in Local Government Collaboration

Craif has been promoting the social implementation of MySignal in collaboration with local governments and medical institutions. In 2024, a prospective observational study was conducted in Iwanai Town, Hokkaido, achieving early detection and early treatment of Stage 0 lung cancer through MySignal. Subsequently, in collaboration with Rishiri Town, Hokkaido, initiatives to improve regional cancer screening rates have been advanced, accumulating a track record of local government collaborations.

This public funding introduction in Misato Town is a new social model where the local government takes the lead in promoting early cancer detection, realized after accumulating such achievements. Craif will continue to deepen its collaboration with local governments and medical institutions to realize a society where as many people as possible can detect cancer early.

About "MySignal Scan"

"MySignal Scan" is a test that extracts microRNA from urine and analyzes it with AI to evaluate the risk of 10 types of cancer*, including pancreatic cancer, by cancer type, from Stage 1. The test can be performed without physical burden by simply collecting urine.

For details, please visit our website.

https://misignal.jp/

"MySignal Scan" is not a medical device. It determines risk by statistically calculating analyzed information and is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis of whether one has cancer. Even if a low risk is determined, it does not guarantee that one does not have cancer or will not develop cancer in the future.

* Ovarian cancer and breast cancer are for women only; prostate cancer is for men only.

About Craif

Craif (pronounced: Kuraifu, English name: Craif Inc.) is a bio-AI startup founded in 2018, dedicated to early cancer detection. By integrating its proprietary analytical technology platform "NANO IP®︎ (NANO Intelligence Platform)" which precisely detects various biomarkers such as DNA and microRNA from bodily fluids including urine, with AI technology, Craif develops innovative tests that enable ultra-early detection, early treatment, and early return to health for cancer patients. By widely delivering the power of biotechnology and AI to society, the company promotes its vision of "realizing a society where people can live out their natural lifespan."

【Company Profile】

Company Name: Craif Inc.

Representative: Ryuichi Onose, Representative Director

Established: May 2018

Capital: 100 million yen (as of April 1, 2025)

Business: Research and development of next-generation tests for early detection of diseases, primarily in the cancer field, and personalized medicine, as well as provision of the urine cancer test "MySignal® series."

Headquarters: THE PORTAL iidabashi B1F, 8-30 Shinkogawa-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

URL: https://craif.com/