Cowellnex and Metagen Collaborate to Create Advanced Gut Microbiota Testing and Food Recommendations
Why is personalized gut health so challenging? Despite growing interest in gut microbiota for health maintenance, the lack of precise testing and tailored dietary guidelines remains a significant barrier. Cowellnex Co., Ltd. (Cowellnex), a joint venture between Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (Kirin Holdings) and Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (Kyowa Kirin), and Metagen, Inc. (Metagen), are addressing this gap. In February 2026, they will begin joint research to develop new test items and an algorithm that proposes personalized food recommendations based on gut microbiota data from Japanese individuals.
Cowellnex, established in September 2024, leverages high-precision gut microbiota data from its “MicroBio Me” service, which has been collecting detailed gut microbiota information through shotgun metagenomic analysis for approximately three years. This collaboration aims to commercialize these advanced testing services and food recommendations, enhancing the market for personalized gut health solutions. “This joint research will enable us to provide more accurate and personalized health solutions, contributing to the well-being of individuals,” said a spokesperson from Cowellnex.
Key Insights at a Glance
- High-Precision Data: Cowellnex’s “MicroBio Me” service has accumulated detailed gut microbiota data through shotgun metagenomic analysis.
- Personalized Recommendations: The research will develop an algorithm to propose foods based on individual gut microbiota.
- Market Expansion: The goal is to commercialize these new testing services and food recommendations.
- Innovation in Gut Health: The collaboration aims to advance the field of gut microbiota testing and personalized health solutions.
Why Current Gut Health Solutions Fall Short
The composition of gut bacteria varies widely among individuals, making it difficult to develop one-size-fits-all dietary approaches. While 16S rRNA gene analysis provides broad bacterial classifications, it lacks the detailed insights offered by shotgun metagenomic analysis. This gap has hindered the development of precise indicators and actionable guidelines for gut health. As a result, there is a critical need for more accurate testing methods and personalized food recommendations, especially for Japanese individuals.
Just as a Master Chef Tunes Flavors, Cowellnex and Metagen Will Tailor Gut Health
Just as a master chef carefully selects and combines ingredients to create a harmonious dish, Cowellnex and Metagen will use their advanced data and expertise to tailor gut health solutions. By leveraging Cowellnex’s high-precision gut microbiota data and Metagen’s metabolic pathway analysis, the companies aim to identify the specific gut bacteria present and predict the overall capability of the gut environment to produce beneficial metabolites. This approach will enable the development of personalized food recommendations that are finely tuned to each individual’s unique gut microbiota.
Cowellnex’s Commitment to Advanced Gut Health Solutions
Cowellnex will lead the effort by providing data, formulating hypotheses for test parameters and food recommendations, and conducting acceptability verification. Metagen will contribute its expertise in gut environment research and bioinformatics to develop the algorithm for food recommendations. “By combining our strengths, we can create a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of gut health, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for individuals,” said a spokesperson from Metagen.
Future Outlook
Cowellnex plans to commercialize the results of this joint research and launch new testing services in the market. The company will continue to accumulate data and explore ways to improve testing accuracy and develop ingredients that help regulate gut microbiota. This ongoing commitment to innovation will drive the evolution of personalized gut health solutions, ensuring that the market remains dynamic and responsive to new scientific discoveries.
Conclusion
This collaboration between Cowellnex and Metagen marks a significant step forward in the field of personalized gut health. By leveraging advanced data and cutting-edge research, these companies are poised to transform the way we approach gut health and dietary recommendations. How is your organization preparing to integrate these advanced gut health solutions into your offerings? Join the conversation in the comments below.
About Cowellnex
Cowellnex Corporation was established in September 2024 as a joint venture between Kirin Holdings (50%) and Kyowa Kirin (50%).
Cowellnex creates innovation through mutual collaboration in research and development, venture investment, as well as business development, and is dedicated to supporting consumers achieve fulfilling lives by solving social issues related to health.
About Metagen
With the mission of “Make gut environment-based healthcare a new standard” the entire group aims to realize “zero-disease” through an approach based on the concept of Gut Design®.
Leveraging Metabologenomics®, our proprietary technology that enables a comprehensive and functional understanding of the gut environment, we provide end‑to‑end support—from cutting‑edge gut microbiome research to real‑world implementation—across three business domains: Research Value Enhancement, Product Development Support, and Science Public Relations.
We also operate Gut Design Project, a corporate collaboration community designed to co‑create a new “Gut design market.” As of December 2025, more than 40 companies have joined the initiative.
About Kirin Holdings
Kirin Holdings Company, Limited is a global company operating across three core business domains spanning Alcoholic Beverages, Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science, and Pharmaceuticals. The company traces its roots to Japan Brewery, established in 1885, which later became Kirin Brewery in 1907. Since then, Kirin has expanded its business operations by leveraging fermentation and biotechnology as core strengths. The company entered the pharmaceutical field in the 1980s, which has since grown into a global business. In 2007, the company transitioned to a pure holding company structure as Kirin Holdings, and it is now strengthening its Non-alcoholic Beverages & Health Science domain.
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