The Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture boasts a rich culinary culture, contributing to the healthy lifestyles of its residents. This area is known for its diverse diet, rich in dietary fibers, which promotes a wide variety of intestinal bacteria. This has made the stool samples of local residents valuable for research purposes.
A specialized facility for stool donations has recently opened in Tsuruoka, a city in the northeastern part of Japan. This facility is a venture originating from Juntendo University and other institutions. The center is actively seeking donors with potentially beneficial intestinal flora. Qualified donors will receive compensation for their contributions.
The donated stool samples will be used to develop medications for treating various diseases, including ulcerative colitis. This facility, the first of its kind in Japan, is operated by Metagen Therapeutics Inc. The company's origins lie in Juntendo University, Keio University, and the Institute of Science Tokyo.
The facility features dedicated restrooms designed for stool donation, along with a lounge area for donors. The goal is to harness the power of human intestinal bacterial flora, which plays a crucial role in maintaining health.
The company's research and development efforts are focused on creating drugs derived from feces. The Shonai area, including Tsuruoka, was selected due to its culinary traditions, including "shojin" vegetarian cuisine, which utilizes seasonal ingredients and local crop varieties.
The local community has been supportive of the project. A local restaurant has even prepared dishes designed to be beneficial for intestinal flora. The Tsuruoka stool donation room is the first dedicated facility of its kind in Japan.
Eligible donors must be residents of the Shonai area, aged between 18 and 65. Prospective donors must complete an online registration, health checkup, and undergo medical evaluations. Donors receive compensation for each donation.
The company aims to have a significant number of registered donors by the end of the year. The collected intestinal bacteria will be processed and preserved before being sent to a drug manufacturing facility. Metagen Therapeutics is currently developing poop-derived drugs for treating ulcerative colitis, gastrointestinal cancer, and Parkinson's disease.
The company plans to begin clinical trials for an ulcerative colitis drug in 2026, with the goal of having the drug approved and available for sale in 2032. Similar drugs have already been approved for use in Australia and the United States.
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