At SheepMedical, we actively invest in the advancement of preventative care with our innovative technologies and engagement in industry educational opportunities.
There are approximately 40 trillion bacteria, or 1,000 different species, living in the human intestine. The combination of types and proportions is so varied that it is said to be comparable to a fingerprint. Tsurumi Research Institute conducts the “Bacteria Doc” intestinal microflora examination service using a next-generation sequencer (NGS), and analyzes the data obtained. Data has been obtained on the relationship between the intestinal microflora and symptoms such as obesity and bowel movements, as well as the relationship with dietary habits.
Furthermore, we have introduced equipment for isolating and culturing intestinal bacteria that live in the almost oxygen-free intestines, and are developing technology for isolating and culturing useful bacteria from the human intestines. We have already established technologies for so-called beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, and have begun offering a “bacteria bank,” in which isolated beneficial bacteria are frozen and stored for a long period of time, cultured and dried when necessary, and provided in capsules. Currently, we are developing technologies to isolate and cultivate a wide variety of beneficial bacteria living in the human intestines.
Although not as prevalent compared to the intestine, the bacteria in the oral cavity are of notable size and significance in the formation of an “oral flora.”
SheepMedical researches oral bacterial flora according to gene sequence analysis, using the next-generation sequencer owned by the Tsurumi Research Institute.
Currently, in collaboration with the Tsurumi University School of Dentistry, we are conducting research on changes in the oral bacterial flora caused by the wearing of wire orthodontic appliances. In the oral microflora test, there may be differences depending on the location and type of test specimens collected. As a result of our study with the University, we found that the entire oral flora can be collected by rubbing the lower center of the mouth with a cotton swab. As for the effects of wearing orthodontic appliances, we plan to obtain data from before the start of orthodontic treatment, during its implementation, and after its completion, and analyze the changes. We are also considering research on changes in oral microflora caused by the wearing of mouthpiece orthodontic appliances, which is our main product.
In the future, the comparison of healthy oral flora to patients with bacterial oral diseases will guide the prevention of such diseases and minimize the associated risk factors. Additionally, future research will address the relationship between the oral and intestinal flora, as well as the onset of various lifestyle related diseases, to promote long-term healthy living.
SheepMedical promotes business operations related to human diseases and orthodontics. To further the advancement of healthy living, our team works to identify the culture and impact of intestinal bacteria and is actively considering additional joint contract research with experts in these fields.
Please contact us if you have ideas for research on the effects and changes that foods and supplements have on the intestinal and oral microflora, research in non-human animals such as dogs, cats, horses, and pigs, or analysis of probiotic foods and supplements.
Finding the solutions of tomorrow starts with research and development today.
In April of 2020, SheepMedical Co. launched the social collaboration course, “Life Dentistry,” at the University of Tokyo, the top university in Japan. The curriculum analyzes tissue stem cell dynamics and the development of drug and cell therapies for gingival regeneration.
SheepMedical is proud to support the development of dental professionals in membership with Japan Mouthpiece Orthodontic Study Group. Our technical case data and research is the largest in Japan and is utilized to improve the knowledge and technical skills of members.
SheepMedical merged with Microbiota.
In July 2021, we merged with MicroBiota, which owns a lab at the Yokohama City Joint Research Center for Industry and Academia, and took over its business. As of 2024, data from approximately 15,000 cases has been collected and various analytical studies are being conducted.
Furthermore, as a solution to improve the dietary habits of those who have undergone the “Bacteria Check”, we have developed and started offering “BIOPORT”, a line of 9 supplements made from carefully selected ingredients from nearly 100 different items, which can be selected based on the results of the “Bacteria Check” test. Intervention studies using supplement intake are also underway.
In the field of intestinal bacteria culture, we have introduced an anaerobic chamber that reproduces the environment of the human large intestine, isolated useful intestinal bacteria, and developed a technology that makes it possible to take supplements by expanding and culturing them.
