Project on Bio-IT for Next-generation Healthcare

As part of its computing and simulation technologies in science, Fujitsu has been engaging in R&D of IT-Soyaku (in silico drug design) that makes it possible to generate chemical compound information and search for potentially efficacious materials. A joint research study started in FY2011, conducted with the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology of the University of Tokyo and some pharmaceutical manufacturers. It successfully composed a new compound with high activity that held promise in terms of having possible medical potency. This development was made possible by the improvement of computing capacities such as the K computer, together with enhanced computer simulation technology. New initiatives are already underway to realize the next-generation healthcare system. One such initiative is a project to develop a single-cell diagnostic system. It takes a minute sample of a single cell and manages to measure and analyze component materials, and it has potential to be applied to health check-ups and other areas. Another case is the development of analytical technology for genome data, which is expected to occupy a significant place in future personalized medicine. These projects aim to develop technologies by joint studies with academic and research institutes. In this paper, we introduce some initiatives at Fujitsu in relation to the development of bio-IT, and describe the potential to change future healthcare.