Soiken, an Osaka, Japan-based biotechnology venture firm, has announced that it has concluded a joint research agreement with a beverage manufacturer listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two companies will strive to develop a specified health food that helps improve vascular endothelial functions.

After conducting clinical trials in 2005, the partners will market a new product in 2006 or later. In conformity with its duty of secrecy, as of now, Soiken declines to specify the details of the agreement, including the partner company's name.