TOKYO, JAPAN - July 9, 2014 - DeNA Co., Ltd. (Tokyo: 2432) today announced that its healthcare subsidiary DeNA Life Science, Inc. plans to launch its direct-to-consumer genetic testing service Mycode in Japan in mid-August 2014.

How Mycode Works

Following the Mycode launch, users can register for Mycode online and mail their samples to DeNA Life Science's laboratory. DeNA Life Science analyzes the samples for genetic markers that indicate risks of up to 283 test items that include: 40 types of cancers, such as stomach, lung and esophageal; 25 types of lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease; 87 types of other diseases and 131 physical predisposition factors, such as obesity and skin qualities.

Mycode consists of three courses.

1. All-in-one 280+: covers all available testing items for 29,800 yen (tax excluded)
2. Healthcare 100+: covers 100 selected items including cancer, lifestyle diseases and physical predispositions for 19,800 yen (tax excluded)
3. Karada 30+: covers 35 items concerning physical predispositions, such as hair and skin qualities and obesity for 9,800 yen (tax excluded)

Using over 400 academic papers carefully selected from a pool of over 1,400 papers, the results from the genetic analysis for Mycode are compared to the data in the literature to determine the statistical probability that a person could develop a certain condition or disorder. DeNA Life Science will report the results in a user-friendly format with lifestyle advice that may help reduce certain risks. Optional counseling services are provided for an additional fee.

Mycode doesn't medically diagnose health conditions and illness, and therefore is not a medical practice. Any information provided via Mycode doesn't replace or supplement a physician's diagnosis.

Joint Research Project between DeNA and the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Tokyo

Mycode is derived from a joint research project conducted since summer 2013 by DeNA and The Institute of Medical Science at the University of Tokyo (IMSUT). The shared research laboratory is located inside the IMSUT campus where researchers from both DeNA and IMSUT are developing Japanese-specific disease risk prediction algorithms required for providing a highly reliable and accurate genetic testing service based on careful examination of ethical, legal, and social issues.

DeNA and IMSUT's joint research was formed as a result of DeNA's long-held ambition to start a new business that contributes to the health and longevity of society. The joint research is a part of a large-scale research and development initiative of multiple academic institutions and corporations in Japan, which aims to utilize big data to drive innovation in the healthcare field. The initiative has been recently selected for a COI-T (Satellite) funding program under the Center of Innovation Science and Technology based Radical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program (COI STREAM), an industry-academia collaborative program administered by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

Mycode Logo and the All-in-one 280+ Test Kit