kintai therapeutics

A bridge metaphor perfectly represents Kintai’s focus on the interconnectivity of microbiota, immune cells, and neurons. Kintai’s technology leverages the body’s signaling networks and next generation sequencing techniques to restore health and fight disease.

Kintai Therapeutics was named after the pedestrian bridge that spans the Nishiki River at the base of Mount Yokotama in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. This bridge, built in 1673, is composed of five sequential wooden arches on four stone piers and features beautiful and intricate woodwork. It is the only timber arched bridge in the World and it has a fascinating and rich history.

During its 342 years, the Kintai Bridge was constantly repaired and rebuilt. It was rebuilt 16 times. For almost three hundred years, the bridge stood without the use of nails found in more traditional construction – designed so that the wooden pathway merely "floats" on top of its frame using mortise and tenon joints. This allowed rising flood waters to lift it out the wooden pathway and carry it off down stream while sparing the main structure. 

Despite massive efforts to weight the bridge down, in 1950, the bridge completely collapsed and was washed away by floodwaters. The bridge was rebuilt to the exact specifications - a true labor of love. 

Named while employed at Fassino/Design.

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