Greycoat Research

Why cats are vulnerable to kidney issues — science has found an answer.

The world's first AIM protein research, by Dr. Toru Miyazaki (formerly of the University of Tokyo). Greycoat Dr. Toru brings that research into your daily care routine.

Research laboratory

01

The Science

AIM — supporting debris clearance in the kidneys

AIM is a protein discovered by Dr. Toru Miyazaki.

AIM matters to kidney health because it plays a role in clearing cellular debris that can accumulate in the renal tubules after kidney injury. When that debris is not cleared well, it can remain in the tubules and contribute to inflammation. AIM is the protein involved in that debris clearance.

AIMAIMAIMAIMPatrolSeparationTaggingClearance
Other speciesReadily activatesCatsActivates less readilyHighLowThis is why cats are more vulnerable.

Why is AIM different in cats?

Unlike in other species, AIM in cats has been reported to activate less readily.

Because of this, even when AIM's role is needed, it may not work at full capacity, and debris accumulated in the renal tubules is not always cleared on time. This is considered one of the reasons cats are more vulnerable to kidney conditions.

It is also why chronic kidney disease in cats cannot be viewed as simply an age-related change. In cats, we also need to consider whether AIM is able to function adequately.

Dr. Miyazaki's research began at exactly this point.

02

Two Approaches

Two approaches are currently underway, both grounded in AIM research. One is the injection being developed by Dr. Miyazaki's research team. The other is Greycoat Dr. Toru, developed by Greycoat Research based on Dr. Miyazaki's research advisory.

In development

AIM injection

The AIM protein injection is being developed by Dr. Toru Miyazaki's research team. It works by administering purified AIM protein directly to the body, and is currently moving through clinical trials and regulatory review.

Development timeline

Public information
  1. First half of 2025Clinical trials begin
  2. By end of 2025Clinical results expected
  3. Spring 2026Filing for approval with Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries expected
  4. Within 2027The approval process targets practical clinical use

A production base has been secured in Taiwan to prepare for commercialization. However, the product is not currently approved as a prescribable pharmaceutical for general use. This injectable is not a product handled by Greycoat Research — it is currently under development by Dr. Toru Miyazaki's research team.

Available now

Greycoat Dr. Toru — AIM Supplement

Greycoat Dr. Toru is a kidney care supplement developed by Greycoat Research based on Dr. Miyazaki's research advisory. It is a separate product from the injection, and feeding can begin right away.

Formulated with an amino acid complex designed with cats' AIM-related kidney sensitivities in mind, it is meant to be used consistently as part of a daily kidney care routine.

At a glance

How to give
Whole capsule, or mixed into food or treats
Prescription
Not required — start without a vet prescription
Routine
Designed as the central axis of daily kidney care

03

Research Points

How AIM works in the kidney

Papers from Dr. Miyazaki and his team trace a single thread — from a cellular cleanup mechanism, to a healthier kidney environment, toward a longer feline lifespan.

View related papers (PubMed)

Referenced journals

Scientific Reports2016
Science Advances2018
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine2025
  1. Mechanism

    Clearing cellular debris

    Activated AIM helps immune cells identify and clear the cellular debris that accumulates inside renal tubules — restoring flow at the source.

  2. Effect

    Protecting the kidney environment

    Already-damaged tissue is hard to reverse. AIM is being studied for its role in sustaining an environment where remaining kidney cells can keep functioning.

  3. Goal

    Supporting a longer healthy life

    Dr. Miyazaki continues this work with one north star — extending the healthy lifespan of cats around the world.

04

Product Design

Why Greycoat Dr. Toru?

This is more than a collection of "good ingredients." Greycoat Dr. Toru is a supplement designed through Dr. Miyazaki's research advisory and collaboration.

1

Research-based design

Based on Dr. Miyazaki's research materials and advisory, we formulated an amino acid complex to help support an environment in which AIM can function smoothly in cats.

2

Designed for everyday care

Greycoat Dr. Toru is oriented toward daily care that helps the kidneys manage waste naturally. Given consistently like food or a treat, it is designed as the core axis of a long-term routine.

3

Ingredients and safety

Formulated with cats' AIM-related kidney sensitivities in mind. Key ingredient details and safety information are available on the product page.

Guardian holding a cat

Research that gives you more time together.

What Dr. Miyazaki has poured into his research is the science of helping cats stay healthier and stay by your side longer. Greycoat Dr. Toru brings that research into your daily care.

05

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

06

News

Latest Greycoat Research news