FRONTEO Presents Research on Exploring the Mechanism of Action of a Kampo Medicine Using the “Drug Discovery AI Factory”

Tokyo, Japan, 26 August 2025 - FRONTEO, Inc. announced that it gave an oral presentation at the 42nd Annual Conference of the Society of Japanese Oriental Medicine held from August 23 to 24, 2025, on the theme of exploring the mechanism of action of Hochuekkito, a traditional Kampo formula. In this study, FRONTEO utilized its proprietary AI “KIBIT” and the AI drug discovery support service “Drug Discovery AI Factory (DDAIF)” to construct gene networks related to Hochuekkito and explore its mechanisms. *Hochuekkito is a Kampo medicine traditionally prescribed for symptoms such as weakened digestive function, fatigue, and general debility.

Kampo medicines, which have been used in clinical practice for centuries, are increasingly being investigated in recent years through scientific research to clarify their mechanisms of action and provide evidence for their efficacy. However, because Kampo medicines are “ultra-multicomponent formulations” composed of many different compounds, elucidating their detailed mechanisms of action remains difficult.

In this presentation, FRONTEO introduced its efforts to clarify the mechanism of action of Hochuekkito using literature analysis powered by the natural language processing technology of DDAIF (patented in Japan, the U.S., and Europe). Specifically, FRONTEO analyzed a vast body of literature to construct gene networks related to Hochuekkito, which have been traditionally difficult to achieve for Kampo medicines, and used these networks to explore potential mechanisms of action in the body.

The analysis revealed that the gene networks associated with Hochuekkito identified by DDAIF included numerous pathways. Among them were genes related to SIRT1 (sirtuin-1), an enzyme known to play roles in longevity and metabolic regulation.

Contribution of DDAIF

DDAIF is a technology that contributes not only to the R&D of innovative new drugs, but also to providing scientific evidence and enabling further application of traditional medicines. FRONTEO will continue to support the advancement of client companies’ businesses, the pharmaceutical industry, and improvements in healthcare quality and patient quality of life (QOL) through collaboration with drug discovery researchers and the provision of DDAIF.

About FRONTEO Drug Discovery AI Factory (DDAIF)
Website: AI Drug Discovery Support Platform “Drug Discovery AI Factory” - FRONTEO LifeScience AI

FRONTEO Drug Discovery AI Factory (DDAIF) is an AI drug discovery support service that combines KIBIT, an AI specialized in natural language processing (patented in Japan and the U.S.), with the expertise of FRONTEO's drug discovery researchers and AI engineers. By analyzing disease-related gene networks and building hypotheses about target candidates, DDAIF provides powerful support for researchers' decision-making in drug development.
This service has already been adopted by several major pharmaceutical companies and has a proven track record.

■About FRONTEO, Inc. https://www.fronteo.com/en/

FRONTEO provides its proprietary specialized AI “KIBIT” to support expert judgment across domains confronting social challenges. Its unique natural language processing technology (patented in Japan, the U.S., and Europe) enables fast, high precision analysis without reliance on training data volume or computational power. Additionally, patented technology that maps (visualizes structure) analyzed information allows KIBIT to directly influence expert insights, and in recent years, KIBIT has been applied in hypothesis generation and target discovery for drug development.

To achieve the philosophy of "providing solutions that do not overlook risks and opportunities buried in records and realizing fairness in the information society," FRONTEO is promoting the social implementation of KIBIT's unique technology and AI solutions in the following areas: life science AI, risk management (business intelligence and compliance support, economic security, and legal tech AI), and DX (business intelligence and professional support)

Founded in August 2003, FRONTEO was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers Market (now the Growth Market) on June 26, 2007. The company has offices in Japan, the U.S., and South Korea. As of March 31, 2025, FRONTEO’s capital stands at 899,176,000 yen.

*The technology used in Drug Discovery AI Factory is protected by 21 patents held by FRONTEO in Japan, South Korea, the U.S., and Europe.
**FRONTEO, KIBIT, and Drug Discovery AI Factory are trademarks or registered trademarks of FRONTEO in Japan, Europe, the U.S., and South Korea.