Toward Real World Implementation of Noninvasive Assessment Technology Using Volatile Oxidized Lipids in Exhaled Breath
VOCs DeepTech Lab Co., Ltd. (headquartered on the 9th floor of Building 2, Keio University Shinanomachi Campus, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan; hereinafter “VDL”) has acquired an exclusive nonexclusive license to intellectual property relating to a “Method for Detecting Liver Disease” jointly held by Keio Gijuku (Keio University) and National University Corporation Kyoto University (Kyoto University).
The technology uses volatile oxidized lipids in exhaled breath as indicators to assist in detecting liver disease. It is expected to have applications in a new noninvasive assessment technology that uses exhaled breath and places minimal burden on the body.
The license covers the entire world and remains in effect for the term of the relevant patent. VDL is permitted to grant sublicenses to third parties. The agreement also stipulates that the rights holders will not license the relevant rights to third parties.
Building on this license, VDL will translate university research findings into real world applications and advance the commercialization of noninvasive assessment services using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath.
1 Background
Exhaled breath contains a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) originating from metabolic processes, oxidation reactions, and other processes within the body. In recent years, researchers have been investigating how molecular information in exhaled breath can reveal changes associated with diseases and physiological conditions. Research groups at Keio University, Kyoto University, and other institutions have focused on volatile oxidized lipids generated during ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death, and have studied the relationship between volatile molecules in exhaled breath and liver disease. In September 2025, research findings were published on the use of volatile oxidized lipids associated with ferroptosis as breath biomarkers.
The intellectual property for which VDL has acquired an exclusive nonexclusive license relates to technology that uses volatile oxidized lipids in exhaled breath as indicators to assist in detecting liver disease.
2 Relevant Intellectual Property
| Title of invention | Method for Detecting Liver Disease |
| Application number | Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-202279 |
| Filing date | November 29, 2023 |
| Publication number | Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2025-087542 |
| Applicants | Keio Gijuku and National University Corporation Kyoto University |
| Licensee | VOCs DeepTech Lab Co., Ltd. |
| Type of license | Exclusive nonexclusive license |
| Territory | Japan |
| Term | Until the expiration of the relevant patent |
| Sublicensing | Sublicensing to third parties is permitted |
Note: In addition to the published patent application above, the scope of information to be disclosed about related intellectual property covered by the agreement will be finalized following confirmation with the universities.
3 Overview of the Technology
The technology is intended to detect volatile oxidized lipids in exhaled breath collected from subjects and use this information to assist in detecting liver disease. Because breath can be collected with less burden on the body than blood sampling or tissue collection, the technology is expected to have future applications in noninvasive assessment. At present, it is not intended to replace existing tests or diagnosis by a physician, and further validation of its clinical utility is required. The published patent application also describes technology relating to a screening method for evaluating potential treatments for liver disease. In addition to disease assessment, VDL will explore potential uses of the technology in research and development.
4 Clinical Validation and Real World Implementation Through Joint Research
Through its joint research with Keio University, titled “Development of a Sensing System for Volatile Organic Compounds in Exhaled Breath,” VDL is conducting clinical validation of breath VOCs in patients with liver disease and other subjects. Scientific validation through the joint research and VDL’s commercialization and real world implementation activities under this license are separate undertakings. Respecting the research findings of universities and medical institutions, VDL will continue validation using clinical data and explore the feasibility of practical applications as a noninvasive assessment technology using breath VOCs.
5 Significance of Acquiring the Exclusive Nonexclusive License
By acquiring this license, VDL has secured a foundation of rights to commercialize the relevant intellectual property in Japan throughout the term of the relevant patent. In addition, permission to grant sublicenses enables VDL to consider future business development, including collaboration with companies, research institutions, and other organizations in Japan and overseas.
VDL will serve to translate university-generated research findings and intellectual property into actual services and technologies through scientific validation, with the aim of establishing a new noninvasive assessment technology using breath VOCs.
6 Future Outlook
VDL will continue clinical research on breath VOCs while pursuing technology development and examining commercialization opportunities under this license. Beginning with steady scientific validation in the field of liver disease, VDL aims to bring the technology into real world use as a new assessment approach that places minimal burden on the body and could complement existing tests in the future.
7 Comment from a Representative of VOCs DeepTech Lab
VOCs DeepTech Lab Co., Ltd.
“To bring university research findings to society, we believe it is important not only to build a body of scientific evidence, but also to make appropriate use of intellectual property and develop findings into technologies that can be used in practice.
“Acquiring this exclusive nonexclusive license provides an important business foundation for translating research findings on breath VOCs into real world applications. Working with researchers at universities and medical institutions, we will prioritize scientific reliability as we strive to realize a new noninvasive assessment technology using exhaled breath.”
8 Glossary
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
A collective term for organic compounds that readily vaporize at room temperature. Exhaled breath contains various VOCs originating from metabolic and other processes within the body.
Volatile oxidized lipids
Molecules with volatile properties generated during lipid oxidation. This technology uses these molecules in exhaled breath as indicators associated with liver disease.
9 Company Overview
Company name: VOCs DeepTech Lab Co., Ltd.
Address: 9th Floor, Building 2, Keio University Shinanomachi Campus, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0016, Japan
Business activities: Research and development, analytical technologies, and real world implementation relating to breath VOCs
10 Inquiries
VOCs DeepTech Lab Co., Ltd.
Contact: Corporate Planning Office
Email: info@vocs-deeptech.com