Biotechnology company Rakuten Medical Inc announced on Tuesday that it that it will provide IRDye 700DX N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) ester (IR700 dye), at an administrative fee-only acquisition cost for academic research with increased flexibility for publication, intellectual property (IP) and commercialisation opportunities.

IR700 dye is a pivotal component of Rakuten Medical's proprietary Alluminox platform, which is protected by IP covering manufacturing technologies, clinical applications and I700 dye-conjugate compositions. The company manufactures and supplies IR700 dye worldwide.

Under the initiative Rakuten Medical will provide IR700 dye for academic research under an administrative fee-only model; allow academic researchers to freely publish their findings with prior notification; offer favourable conditions for IP rights arising from research outcomes; and expand commercialisation opportunities for new innovations

Mickey Mikitani, CEO of Rakuten Medical, said: "IR700 dye is a high-potential asset with applications beyond photoimmunotherapy, spanning a wide range of therapeutic modalities. By expanding academic access under more flexible terms for research, publication and innovation, we aim to accelerate the development of new treatment technologies and contribute meaningfully to advances in global healthcare."