As the human genome is estimated to contain some 30,000 to 40,000 genes, post-genome sequencing business dealing with proteomics such as multi-pattern gene analysis, including DNA-chip based gene expression analysis as well as protein functional analysis, is growing rapidly both in and outside of Japan.

With a belief that IT-utilized infomatics is essential for pharmaceutical products to be discovered through those gene expression technologies, even greater importance has been recognized in these research areas.

In the Western markets, a growing number of venture capital firms have become interested in the development of business strategies using SNP, proteomics and bioinfomatics in addition to the discovery of disease-related genes and gene functional analysis. In Japan, we also see safer and more effective gene-based drugs being developed.