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.

See how it works
Research laboratory

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Researcher

Dr. Toru Miyazaki

Former professor, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo / Founder, Institute for AIM Medicine

Dr. Miyazaki has studied the immune protein AIM (Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophages) for over 20 years. In the course of that work, he became the first in the world to identify an association between chronic kidney disease in cats and the AIM protein — a finding that has drawn attention in the veterinary field.

Greycoat developed Greycoat Dr. Toru through Dr. Miyazaki's research advisory and collaboration.

View related papers (PubMed)
Dr. Toru Miyazaki — researcher

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The Science

AIM — supporting debris clearance in the kidneys

AIM is a protein discovered by Dr. Toru Miyazaki.

AIM contributes to maintaining renal homeostasis by supporting the clearance of cellular debris within renal tubules following injury. When this process is impaired, debris may accumulate, obstruct tubular lumens, and promote local inflammation, potentially worsening kidney damage.

AIMAIMAIMAIMPatrolSeparationTaggingClearance
Other speciesCatsConcentration of free-AIM in bloodHighLowThis is why cats are more vulnerable.

Why is AIM different in cats?

Unlike in other species, cats exhibit a reduced capacity to generate circulating free AIM from the IgM–AIM complex.

As a result, even under conditions where AIM-mediated clearance is required, the availability of functional free AIM may be insufficient, leading to incomplete removal of intraluminal debris in the renal tubules. This impaired clearance has been proposed as one of the factors contributing to the high susceptibility of cats to kidney disease.

Accordingly, feline chronic kidney disease should not be considered solely an age-related degenerative process, but also in the context of insufficient AIM availability and function.

This concept forms the basis of Dr. Miyazaki's research.

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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

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

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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

    It is nearly impossible to reverse tissue damage beyond a certain level. AIM supports an environment where the remaining kidney cells are no longer damaged.

  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.

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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.

Shop Greycoat Dr. Toru Explore care paths

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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News

Latest Greycoat Research news