MCBI
Biomarker research for preventative dementia blood testing.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
$3.4m | Late VC | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
MCBI (Molecular and Clinical Bioinformatics) is a biotechnology company specializing in preventative medicine through biomarker research. It originated as a bio-venture from the University of Tsukuba in January 2003. The company's primary focus is on the early detection and prevention of diseases, particularly dementia.
The core of MCBI's business is its preventative testing services, which utilize biomarkers to identify disease risks before symptoms appear. The flagship service is the "MCI Screening Test Plus," a blood test that detects the risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia. This test was developed in collaboration with Shimadzu Corporation and launched in October 2021 as an improved version of the original MCI Screening Test from 2015. The test analyzes proteins in the blood related to the accumulation of amyloid-beta, a substance linked to Alzheimer's disease. The company also offers the "APOE Gene Test," which assesses the genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease.
MCBI's business model encompasses several areas. It provides testing services to medical institutions, supports corporate and municipal preventative health initiatives, and engages in joint research with pharmaceutical companies and other businesses to develop new products and services. The company also operates a public awareness and information business, offering content on dementia prevention through its website and a members-only web service called "MCBI Members". This free membership service, launched in January 2025, provides users with access to their test results, online exercise classes, and nutritional advice from dietitians.
Significant milestones include winning the Tsukuba Venture Award in 2006 and the Mebuki Business Award in 2017. In 2022, MCBI was recognized as one of the Red Herring Top 100 Global innovative companies. The company is led by President and CEO Yoshihisa Tokumi. It has secured funding from investors including Kaga Electronics, Green Core, Shimadzu Corporation, and Taiyo Life Insurance, with a total of ¥450 million raised in a 2023 funding round to accelerate business growth and future public listing.
Keywords: biomarker research, preventative medicine, dementia screening, Mild Cognitive Impairment, MCI Screening Test Plus, Alzheimer's risk, APOE gene test, blood test, early detection, biotechnology, University of Tsukuba, healthcare services, preventative testing, joint research, life sciences, AgeTech, diagnostics, neurodegenerative disease, corporate wellness, health technology