FRONTEO and NICCA Chemical Launch Co-Creation Project Utilizing the Drug Discovery AI Factory for Novel Target Discovery in the Cosmetics Field

In this project, NICCA Chemical—renowned for its extensive knowledge of Japanese hair, scalp, and skin—joins forces with FRONTEO, a leader in drug discovery and AI-based novel target identification and mechanism hypothesis generation. By integrating their respective expertise and technologies, the two companies will conduct research to identify target molecules associated with various symptoms in NICCA Chemical’s product field, elucidating the mechanisms of symptom onset and uncovering new approaches for improvement.

■ Comment from Kentaro Adachi, General Manager, Cosmetics Research Division, DEMI Cosmetics, NICCA Chemical

“At the DEMI Hair Science Research Center, we have set a 2035 basic research vision of ‘restoring the hair of one’s teenage years for everyone’ as part of our Beautiful Hair Regeneration Project. We conduct research to revive beautiful hair. FRONTEO’s high-precision analysis technology in its AI drug discovery support service enables hypothesis generation and initiation of research into the functions and mechanisms we seek, thereby accelerating our research activities and strengthening our R&D capabilities. We expect to leverage the insights gained from this project to realize healthy and beautiful hair and develop products for people with various hair concerns.”

■ Comment from Hiroyoshi Toyoshiba, Director / CSO, FRONTEO

“FRONTEO’s specialized AI ‘KIBIT,’ which excels in natural language processing, is a powerful engine capable of discovering discontinuous and previously unknown relationships. Such discontinuous discoveries are expected to be even more potent in cross-disciplinary domains, such as the biomedical and cosmetics fields, where new conceptual connections arise. Expanding the application scope of DDAIF to explore target molecules in cosmetics development is a highly intriguing challenge.
We anticipate that the knowledge gained through this project with NICCA Chemical will lead to the creation of innovative products and contribute to improving users’ quality of life.”

* Target discovery refers to the process of identifying target molecules or genes on which drugs or active cosmetic ingredients act.

■ About NICCA Chemical Co., Ltd.

https://www.nicca.co.jp/en/
NICCA Chemical is a chemical manufacturer providing technologies across diverse industries both domestically and internationally. Since its founding, NICCA has specialized in activating “surfaces” (the boundaries between different materials) to enhance product value and create high-performance, high-function products. As a specialist in surface science, the company supports daily life through its two main business segments: Chemicals and Cosmetics.
In its Chemicals Business, NICCA develops products for a broad range of fields including textile processing, metals, paper pulp, industrial cleaning, resins, medical, semiconductors, and electronic materials—contributing to the production processes of everyday goods from clothing and interiors to automotive parts, medical devices, and electronics.
In its Cosmetics Business, under the concept of “Hair Science,” NICCA operates the salon-exclusive brand “DEMI Cosmetics,” offering hair care, styling, and color products that address diverse hair and scalp needs, while also maintaining a strong presence in the ODM/OEM market.

■ About DEMI Cosmetics “Hair Science Research Center”

https://www.demi.nicca.co.jp/hair_labo/
Since its establishment in 1984, the Hair Science Research Center has been dedicated to studying hair and scalp for over 40 years. The center conducts scientific analyses of Japanese hair and scalp, as well as research on chemicals and ingredients, leading to groundbreaking product development. Over the years, it has created numerous original formulations for DEMI Cosmetics’ hair care, styling, scalp care, hair color, and perm products. The center also engages in joint research with other institutions and collaborates closely with professional hairstylists to ensure continuous innovation in product development.

■ About FRONTEO Drug Discovery AI Factory (DDAIF)  

https://lifescience.fronteousa.com/products/drug-discovery-ai-factory/

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, and holds a Type 1 Marketing License for Medical Devices as well as registration for the sale of controlled medical devices. 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.