Waltham, Mass, Kyoto, Japan, November 13th, 2025 – Kyoto University and BostonGene, a leader in AI-powered solutions for drug discovery and development announced today a research collaboration to develop advanced biological signatures to enhance targeted treatment strategies for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
This research will leverage BostonGene’s AI-powered, multi-scale, omnimodal platform to analyze tumor molecular profiles and assess their correlation with response to a novel immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) combination therapy. The study builds on the NOBEL trial, an investigator-initiated clinical study led by Dr. Manabu Muto of Kyoto University (Director of Clinical Oncology, University Hospital), by integrating genomic and transcriptomic profiling from ESCC patients to identify immune-related biomarkers that drive drug development, optimize clinical trial design and enable more accurate patient stratification.
As part of the collaboration, Kyoto University will provide clinical samples and patient data and BostonGene will apply its AI-powered molecular analytics to uncover key biological pathways and associated biomarkers influencing treatment response.
Dr. Manabu Muto commented:
"Understanding the molecular and immune characteristics of ESCC is essential for developing more effective treatment strategies. Through this collaboration, we will apply cutting-edge AI-powered analytics to clinical data, enabling us to identify biomarkers that can directly inform treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes."
Yukimasa Shiotsu, PhD, President of BostonGene Japan commented:
"This collaboration will generate actionable insights into the tumor microenvironment and immune landscape of esophageal cancer.Combining Kyoto University’s clinical expertise and BostonGene’s AI-powered analytics, we will refine and advance precision treatment strategies for ESCC patients."
About NOBEL trial
NOBEL trial is a Phase II study evaluating the efficacy and safety of a combination treatment of chemoradiotherapy and an immune checkpoint inhibitor for advanced esophageal cancer.
The NOBEL trial is being conducted as an investigator-initiated trial with financial support from Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
About BostonGene Corporation
BostonGene helps drug developers de-risk and accelerate research and development using a clinically validated AI platform purpose-built for oncology and supported by a CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited clinical laboratory. By integrating advanced molecular and immune profiling with clinical data, we uncover actionable insights that inform trial design, optimize patient selection and improve clinical outcomes. Our diagnostic and treatment recommendation solutions are used in clinical settings to personalize care and guide therapy decisions for patients. For more information, visit
www.BostonGene.com
About BostonGene Japan
BostonGene Japan Inc., a Tokyo-based joint venture formed by BostonGene, NEC Corporation and Japan Industrial Partners aims to advance personalized medicine and dramatically improve patient outcomes. The company leverages BostonGene’s AI-powered multiomics platform to accelerate drug development and personalize cancer therapies for each patient.
Media contact
Planning and Public Relations
Kyoto University Hospital
hisyokoh@kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.jp
BostonGene
+1-617-283-2285
Erin.Keleher@bostongene.com
