Japan’s DeNA is launching its own genetic testing service

Japan’s DeNA built its empire from games for feature phones and desktop PCs, but its legacy in leisure isn’t stopping it from tackling more serious matters. The company announced today it has formed the aptly named DeNA Life Science Inc, a wholly-owned company subsidiary specializing in health care. The branch’s first project is a genetic testing service called Mycode, which will be developed in partnership with the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Tokyo. Researchers from both institutions will work together to develop “Japanese-specific disease risk prediction algorithms required for providing a highly reliable and accurate genetic testing service.”

Tech giants are increasingly stepping up efforts in the science industry. After Google formed a company last year that focuses on tackling aging and other associated diseases, Sony upped its commitment to breakthrough medicine by announcing a joint venture focused on advancing medical research using genetics in Japan. Now Japanese gaming giant DeNA has announced the formation of DeNA Life Science, a wholly-owned subsidiary focused on healthcare services. It will premiere a project known as Mycode, a genetic testing service available first for consumers in Japan. The service is scheduled to launch in late July. More details including pricing will be revealed “soon,” the company says. Mycode stems from a joint research project conducted by DeNA and the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Tokyo, which focuses on developing “Japanese-specific disease risk prediction algorithms required for providing a highly reliable and accurate genetic testing service.”