Veterinarian-founded Cat Healthcare Company "uniam" Launches Cat Longevity Research Project "uniam Longevity Lab," Commencing Activities with Future Pharmaceutical Development in Mind

uniam Co., Ltd. (Head office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Ai Sugimoto; hereinafter referred to as "the Company"), a cat-specialized healthcare brand with the mission of "Love and medicine for a cat's entire life," is pleased to announce the establishment of the "uniam Longevity Lab (ULL)" (*1, hereinafter ULL), a research hub dedicated to scientifically extending the healthy lifespan of cats.

As the first phase of this project, we have commenced joint research with Miyagi University and Tohoku University Graduate School of Agricultural Science.

At ULL, we aim to scientifically analyze the physiological mechanisms related to cat longevity, such as gut environment, metabolism, and aging markers. The goal is to apply these findings to food development and the bioscience domain.

*1) "Longevity" aims not merely to extend the time one lives, but to maximize the "Quality of Life" by scientifically intervening in the aging process.

● Initiatives for Joint Research through Academic Collaboration

Through joint research with Miyagi University and Tohoku University Graduate School of Agricultural Science, ULL will compare and analyze the gut environments of healthy long-lived cats and cats with disease tendencies, scientifically exploring factors contributing to longevity.
This research aims to accumulate scientific knowledge contributing to the extension of cats' healthy lifespans by comprehensively evaluating changes in gut flora and other factors.

The gut environment is also known as the "second brain." Approximately 70% of all immune cells are gathered in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), and it is known to affect overall health and behavioral characteristics.
The Company aims to reflect the knowledge gained from this research in food development and drug discovery research, thereby extending healthy lifespans through food and pharmaceuticals.

[Reference: Academic knowledge forming the basis of this research]

• Paper title: Aging impairs type 2 immune responses to nematodes associated with reduced gut microbiota responsiveness

• Journal: Scientific Reports (2025)

• Authors: Motoko Morimoto (Miyagi University), Sota Tanaka (Miyagi University), Kyoko Jinguji (Miyagi University), Wakako Ikeda-Ohtsubo (Tohoku University) et al.

● uniam's Vision: Social Implementation of Research Findings

Based on the knowledge gained from this joint research, the Company aims to develop food products in the future that reduce the risk of age-related diseases in cats.

We will continue to strengthen collaborations with academia and companies to promote multifaceted research. Our long-term R&D vision includes future food and pharmaceutical development (*2).

*2) Pharmaceutical development is the Company's unique long-term vision and is not included in the joint research content with universities.

■ Call for Partnerships

ULL is actively seeking collaborative research partners from academia, universities, and companies to accelerate research aimed at extending the healthy lifespan of cats.

We do not believe that one company alone can change the future of cats. We believe that "the convergence of knowledge" across fields such as veterinary medicine, nutrition, and data science will create unprecedented innovation. We will actively promote open innovation, including academic joint research with universities and research institutions, as well as technological partnerships and material development with related companies in healthcare, tech, and food sectors.

Target applicants: Universities, research institutions, veterinary professionals, biotech/pet tech/healthcare-related companies, etc.

Anticipated areas: Gut environment analysis, exploration of aging biomarkers, development of new functional ingredients, behavioral data analysis, etc.

● Representative's Comment

Our company has been creating options to extend the healthy lifespan of cats, with the mission of "Love and medicine for a cat's entire life."
Through this, we have strongly felt that developing food alone is not enough to truly support a cat's health. It is necessary to confront the mechanisms of aging and disease themselves, by connecting food, medicine, and research.

ULL is the research hub for that purpose.
We are very encouraged to be able to scientifically analyze the gut environment, metabolism, and aging markers related to cat longevity through this joint research with Miyagi University and Tohoku University Graduate School of Agricultural Science.

We aim to challenge existing assumptions such as "it's inevitable with age" or "illness is unavoidable" through research.
The knowledge gained from research will be applied to food development, bioscience, and in the long term, pharmaceutical development, contributing to the extension of cats' healthy lifespans.

This challenge cannot be achieved by one company alone.
That is why we want to create new options for the future of cats by collaborating with academia, companies, and veterinary professionals.
Starting from ULL, we will advance this field from both research and social implementation perspectives.

[uniam Longevity Lab Overview]

• Name: uniam Longevity Lab (ULL)

• Establishment: March 2026

• Research content: Analysis and applied development of gut environment, metabolism, and aging markers related to cat longevity

• Joint research institutions: Miyagi University, Tohoku University Graduate School of Agricultural Science, etc.

• Location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (co-located with uniam R&D department)

[About uniam Co., Ltd.]

uniam Co., Ltd. is a veterinarian-founded cat-specialized healthcare brand with the mission of "Love and medicine for a cat's entire life."

Veterinarians have keenly felt that there is too little they can do once a cat falls ill. Believing that "daily meals" hold the power to change the future, uniam was founded. Veterinarians and specialists are involved in development, thoroughly applying a scientific approach from ingredient selection to prescription design and manufacturing processes. Products that balance deliciousness and functionality are designed to be comfortably continued by both owners and cats.
But "correctness" alone is not enough. That's why we infuse playfulness and creativity into all aspects of design and experience. So that everyday life with cats can be healthier, more comfortable, and full of confidence. uniam delivers new options for the "ordinary daily life" of cats and people through the power of medicine and creativity.

Company name: uniam Co., Ltd.
Location: 1-29-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Ai Sugimoto (Veterinarian), Representative Director
Official website: https://uniam.jp
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