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Recently, our product, Autologous Cultured Epidermis Maintaining Melanocytes (JACEMIN), was included in the National Health Insurance (NHI) price list. The product is autologous cultured epidermis containing pigment cells and used for patients with vitiligo. In order to use JACEMIN, physicians need to meet specified requirements. So, the product will be made available to those physicians who meet these requirements. At first, to obtain good treatment results, we want JACEMIN to be used by physicians well versed in autologous cultured epidermis and hope to accumulate plenty of experiences. What is important about a regenerative medical product is how it is implemented in society after being included in the NHI price list. Now I feel as if we have arrived at the starting line.

Value of "medicine available only in Japan"

Since we posted information about Autologous Cultured Epidermis Maintaining Melanocytes on our English website, we have been receiving many inquiries from overseas patients. Since this treatment is not available in their countries, they contact us to find out about the product and where they can get the treatment. In the case of an ordinary pharmaceutical product, manufacturers try to supply it globally first. Medical treatment that uses the patient's own cells, however, requires building all the processes, from the transportation of cells to production and quality control, in advance. Moreover, it is also essential that there be physicians capable of using this product appropriately. Establishing all these processes abroad in the same way as in Japan is not easy.

The regenerative medicine we offer has originated from Japan in the first place. So, it may be a good idea to have overseas patients come to Japan for treatment. That will demonstrate the rationality of the Japanese regulations and the excellent skills of Japanese physicians. I consider it a viable option to collaborate with foreign partners after increasing the value of this medical treatment.

It will not be long before our products increase in value and are offered to a lot of people. I intend to have many discussions with employees to create a business model unique to our regenerative medicine that uses the patient's own cells.

November 22, 2024