Pitch 1-1 :Business development of regenerative medicine by use of magnetic targeting technology

Naotaka Hirami Professor (Special Appointment), Center for Collaborative Research & Community operation, Hiroshima University

[Summary]

In Japan, around 10 million of its inhabitants are consultation patients. In addition, health care expenditure is about US$23 billion per annum. Keeping this in mind, a regenerative medical business model based on magnetic targeting method has been developed. This is a start-up company that manufactures Magnet Generators. Regenerative medical business targeting osteoarthritis of the knee has been proposed based on the magnetic targeting method.

Magnetic targeting method is a cell delivery system by induction of magnetic field. The start-up has high hopes of contributing towards better health and longevity of knee osteoporosis patients by treating them with regenerative medicine. The technology is advanced, yet it is simple with minimally invasive method. Also, it is highly effective because it is a 'no cut' technique that makes it a popular choice for knee osteoporosis patients. In addition, it uses the mesenchymal stem cells and magnetizes them, which is further injected into the affected region of the knee. The process of regeneration would seed in that area, thus, enabling the patient to undergo a painless process of knee regeneration. The technology applied in this process is the infusion method that does not involve any surgery.

The clinical trial for this technology is yet to start in 2020. The product is expected to be launched in the market by 2024 and would be the first ever product in such a category.

[Mentors' comments]

　"Is there any safety concerns? I mean relating to immune response?" Toshio Fujimoto, Takeda Pharmaceutical

　"It seems when you have a defined defect in the cartilage as you showed in the slide that this sounds like a very attractive approach." Kevin Grimes, Stanford University

[Profile]

Dr. Hirami received M.Eng from Waseda University and Ph.D. from Cambridge University. He occupied several managerial positions at Mazda Motor Corporation. Given a professor position at Hiroshima University, he now focuses on the development of an innovation ecosystem while promoting a Triple Helix activity. He holds a qualification of Registered Management Consultant.