THE 30STARTUPS OF KANSAI

TearExo Inc., a Kobe University spinout, is developing TearExo®, a highly sensitive extracellular vesicles (EVs) analysis technology for very small biological samples. Our first application field is the development of a tear-based breast cancer test, where we aim to demonstrate the clinical and social value of analyzing EVs from tears. Building on this initial implementation, we are expanding the technology into research use through collaborative studies and contract analysis, while ultimately pursuing co-development and licensing opportunities with pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and life-science companies.

TearExo aims to create value first in breast cancer, where earlier and more accessible testing could help more women connect to appropriate medical care. By using tears, a low-invasive and easy-to-collect sample, we are developing a new approach that could complement existing screening methods. Beyond this initial field, the same analytical capabilities can support researchers and companies that struggle with limited sample volumes, low-abundance targets, or complex EV workflows, helping them test hypotheses, discover biomarkers, and accelerate the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics.

TearExo’s technology detects extracellular vesicles (EVs) using antibodies immobilized inside nanocavities on sensing chip. These antibodies recognize specific antigens on the EV surface and capture target EVs within the nanocavities. EV capture induces a change in the signal of fluorescent reporter molecules located inside the same nanocavities, enabling highly sensitive detection from very small sample volumes. By changing the capture antibodies, the same detection principle can be adapted to different EV surface markers and research targets, providing a versatile technology platform for biomarker research, diagnostics development, and other EV-related applications.

Our strategy is to establish the first real-world application of TearExo through the development of a tear-based breast cancer test. From there, we plan to broaden the range of validated applications through research-use collaborations and contract analysis with academic and industry partners. As evidence, assays, and use cases accumulate, we aim to standardize the technology for additional biomarkers and sample types, then scale through co-development and licensing with pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and life-science companies. This stepwise approach is designed to turn one successful application into multiple products, partnerships, and markets.