SB TEMPUS Signs Agreement with Konica Minolta
To Acquire Shares of Konica Minolta REALM

1. Reason for Concluding the Agreement

Konica Minolta REALM provides solutions utilizing genetic testing techniques. In 2022, Konica Minolta REALM received approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for manufacturing and marketing of GenMineTOP Cancer Genome Profiling System, a system for cancer genome profiling testing* that combines the functions of analyzing two types of genetic information - DNA and RNA - jointly developed by the University of Tokyo, the National Cancer Center Research Institute, and Konica Minolta. In August 2023, Konica Minolta began contract testing. Through these efforts, Konica Minolta has contributed to the provision of appropriate treatments to individual patients while expanding services that assist the promotion of precise cancer diagnostics.
SB TEMPUS is a joint venture between SoftBank Group Corp. and the U.S.-based Tempus AI, Inc. with extensive expertise in proposing optimal treatment options utilizing genetic testing and AI. The company aims to advance precision medicine through the utilization of medical data and AI.
By becoming a subsidiary of SB TEMPUS after the Asset Transfer, Konica Minolta REALM will be able to further strengthen its superior technological capabilities in genetic testing. In addition, SB TEMPUS will be well-positioned to establish a framework for the early launch of its genomic testing business.
For the time being, Konica Minolta REALM will continue to provide testing services for GenMineTOP Cancer Genome Profiling System at its domestic genetic testing laboratory in Tokyo. The services will be later transferred to SB TEMPUS’ laboratory to be newly established, after having completed appropriate procedures such as obtaining approvals for the relocation of genetic testing laboratory.

Tsuyoshi Mitsuhashi, Representative Director and President of Konica Minolta REALM, said, “On top of the leading-edge genetic diagnosis and advanced IT analysis technologies of both companies, we will promote innovations in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical society through highly precise analysis of the genetic information of Japanese people, by utilizing the genetic testing laboratory in Japan. At the same time, we are willing to contribute to the genomics strategy, the healthcare industry, and the improvement of the people’s quality of life in Japan. We will further create new added value in the healthcare and medical sectors.”

Kentaro Matsui, Representative Director and President, CEO of SB TEMPUS, said, “Leveraging Konica Minolta REALM's extensive knowledge and network in advanced genetic testing techniques and cancer genome profiling tests, we will further accelerate our effort to support precision medicine. We aim to contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment in Japan by utilizing medical data and AI.”

Hiroyuki Aburatani, M.D., Ph.D., Senior Research Fellow, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo, said, “GenMineTOP Cancer Genome Profiling System, the cancer genome profiling testing provided by Konica Minolta REALM, is a multi-panel system that can simultaneously quantify fusion gene and gene expression level, in addition to gene mutation and amplification. As SB TEMPUS will embrace Konica Minolta REALM, I expect that GenMineTOP Cancer Genome Profiling System will achieve even higher performance, and furthermore, elaboration of personalized cancer care will be accelerated globally through comprehensive integration of pathology images and protein expression information. Additionally, I hope this will lead to the provision of even more optimal treatment options for patients.”

2. Overview of Konica Minolta REALM

3. Overview of SB TEMPUS

*Tests that simultaneously analyze mutations, amplifications, and fusions of a number of genes in a tumor of clinical importance in cancer