Taking on the front lines of cancer treatment with blockchain technology. Strict management of personal genome analysis information with blockchain, plus cancer treatment get-well payments in cryptocurrency.
References：https://prtimes.jp/story/detail/0bKynRI1nQx
Jasmy Incorporated (hereafter referred to as Jasmy) aims to develop and provide an IoT platform that allows everyone to handle information and goods easily, safely, and securely.
Jasmy has been developing a system where important data generated from our daily lives is not monopolized by a limited number of companies, but rather, the true owners have sovereignty and can utilize their personal data under their own management.
Technically, Jasmy has uniquely integrated IoT-related technologies, which were not necessarily considered to be compatible, with cutting-edge Web3 technologies such as blockchain. This fusion has enabled them to build a platform that can be widely utilized across industry and sector boundaries.
This time, to manage genomic information, which is said to be one of the most sensitive types of personal data, we have developed a further enhanced system for the “Jasmy Personal Data Locker” (hereafter referred to as PDL), an online storage-based personal information management and utilization system that utilizes proprietary patents and blockchain technology.
Furthermore, incorporating the DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) concept, which is one of the ideal structures of Web3, we introduced a compensation system for cooperating with genomic research, known as the “Jasmy Research Support Compensation (Mutual Aid Payment, abbreviated as MAP).” This system enables the provision of compensation using the JasmyCoin, a cryptocurrency issued by Jasmy.
In this story, we will discuss the launch of the “CTC Neoantigen Dendritic Cell Therapy” project, which is a cancer treatment method, the background behind it, and the development story behind the Jasmy Research Support Compensation provided through this project.
▼ Jasmy “My Genome Guard” Project Site ▼
http://mygenomeguard.jasmy.co.jp/
To support the development of a cancer treatment known as “CTC Neoantigen Dendritic Cell Therapy,” a project has been launched.
“Did you know? One in two people develop this disease, and it is the leading cause of death in Japan, claiming the lives of one in three people each year.”
This is often seen in insurance company brochures, so you probably already know.
This disease is “cancer.”
Humanity has been battling this disease for a long time. The first medical treatments for “cancer” began with surgical removal, and have steadily evolved to include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Recently, it seems that cancer is shedding its image as an incurable disease. However, as mentioned earlier, the percentage of people who develop cancer and die from it remains high, and it is a fact that this battle is far from over. In light of this situation, research on personalized immunotherapy, which involves analyzing cancer genes and creating customized vaccines for individual patients, is attracting attention as a new treatment method.
One such method is called “CTC Neoantigen Dendritic Cell Therapy.”
Jasmy, in collaboration with Novacellim Inc. (hereafter referred to as Novacellum), a leader in this field of study, and Bio Medica Solution Inc. (hereinafter referred to as BMS), a pioneer in cell culture facilities, has launched the “Jasmy ‘My Genome Guard’ Promotion Project” to support the development of this treatment method.
Impressed by personalized medicine, Jasmy ventures into the medical field, a completely new area for them.
Jasmy is a company aiming to develop an IoT platform using blockchain, and medical science was a completely unrelated field for them. However, they received a proposal from BMS, with whom the CEOs were already acquainted. The proposal suggested leveraging blockchain technology to enhance security in areas such as preventing tampering in the management of cell culture manufacturing processes and managing access to culture rooms.
Jasmy had already developed software called “Jasmy Secure PC” that manages PC operation logs using blockchain and seeing the potential for future expansion in the demand for secure log management, they decided to take on this proposal.
This became the catalyst for BMS to develop an interest in researching new immunotherapies. Knowing their sense of social contribution and learning about the benefits of personalized treatment led us to consider if there might be something that Jasmy could contribute as well.
Gradually, the three companies began discussing what would be necessary for the development of this treatment method, how they could leverage their respective strengths, and coming to the conclusion that it would be best to launch a project and pursue the possibilities once the technologies and roles had been clearly defined. There was also a sense of determination that nothing would move forward without taking the first step.
Facing numerous challenges, such as legal compliance to be cleared and mechanisms to be established
While launching the project and proceeding with deliberations and development, more challenges than anticipated have emerged even within Jasmy.
(1) Storing Genome Information in the Jasmy Personal Data Locker
The plan to manage genome information using Jasmy’s Personal Data Locker (PDL) has existed from the beginning. However, a technical investigation was conducted on how to manage approximately 10GB of information per person. In present-day Japan, despite the notion that one’s genome information belongs to them, individuals are not allowed to have full disclosure of their personal genome information. This is because gaining genetic insights from genome information could, in extreme terms, be akin to knowing one’s future or fate. Of course, there is a significant rationale for doing it as knowing disease risks in advance could allow for prevention and avoidance. However, from an ethical perspective, unresolved issues in current medicine were not allowed to be communicated, even through a physician.
Given this background, it was necessary to clearly control multiple viewers (of course, Jasmy does not have access to the content) and ensure the safety of the information. Blockchain technology is effective in proving authenticity and is resistant to data tampering. However, it is often used as an open system, making it difficult to implement various controls.
Nevertheless, Jasmy’s patented technology has helped solve this problem. By utilizing Jasmy’s personal data management technology, individuals can ensure traceability in handling their information and can provide it as anonymous data to those entrusted with their information.
Specifically, by using Jasmy’s technology, those involved in genome analysis can proceed with their tasks without knowing the identity of the specimen owners. Ultimately, a specific physician who is permitted to engage with the individual receives the information, and if necessary, communicates it to the individual, who can then view the information. Furthermore, information that should not be communicated until future medical advancements make it possible to address it will be stored in the PDL in such a way that the individual cannot access it without the physician’s permission.
To achieve this, additional servers integrated with blockchain and control function enhancements were developed, leading to the creation of an internally referred system known as “Super PDL.” Additional features such as My Number authentication were also implemented.
In terms of security, efforts were made to acquire ISMS certification (ISO27001), an international standard for information security management systems. As a result, the engineers were busy not only with development but also with organizing documentation, creating manuals, and strengthening physical security measures. Their hard work paid off, and by the end of April 2024, they obtained ISMS certification, setting the stage for handling genomic information.
(2) Provision of Jasmy Research Support Condolence Payment (Mutual Aid Payment, abbreviated as MAP)
During the participation in the project, in the event of a cancer diagnosis, we considered implementing a condolence payment from the collected funds by incorporating a DAO-like concept, one of the ideal mechanisms advocated by Web3. Furthermore, we explored the use of Jasmy Coin, the most prominent product of blockchain technology in cryptocurrencies, which became the origin of the MAP idea.
On the other hand, we examined with a lawyer whether this could be classified as an insurance payout. As a result, although there is a possibility of it being classified as insurance, it was determined that it does not fall within the scope of the Insurance Business Act due to the small number of participants involved.
However, even though it does not fall under the scope of the Insurance Business Act, there was still a need to construct a system that complies with insurance laws. Following the lawyer’s advice, additional tasks were included to meet legal requirements, such as the preparation of terms and conditions and important information statements used for insurance contracts. This, along with the preparation of corresponding websites and application forms, required approximately five months.
Moreover, in utilizing JasmyCoin for the payment of MAP and information provision fees to promote research and development, various legal issues and system constructions had to be addressed. As a result, busy days continued not only on the technical development front but also in other areas to ensure the project could commence as a business.
The Project That Became an Asset, Paving the Way for Further Development
Frankly, this project alone is quite challenging for the Jasmy side to break even. However, through this initiative, we have made further advancements in the development of Jasmy’s platform, PDL, and secured ISMS certification. These developments have enhanced our system for promoting development, and we believe that these achievements hold significant value as assets for the company.
Furthermore, with the progress in research and development of the “CTC Neoantigen Dendritic Cell Therapy,” even if it can save just a few cancer patients, we believe it was worthwhile for Jasmy to push forward with this project.
Finally, through this project, we have taken another step forward in the practical business application of blockchain technology, which we feel holds significance for the industry as a whole. We intend to continue promoting the development of services that leverage blockchain by collaborating with other companies in the future.
▼Jasmy “My Genome Guard” promotion project website ▼
http://mygenomeguard.jasmy.co.jp/
