We are pleased to announce that our technologies are being showcased at the “Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai (Japan International Exposition 2025)” (Theme: Designing Future Society for Our Lives), which has been held since April 13, 2025.
iPS Cell-derived Cardiomyocyte Patches
How They Move〜 The Harmony of Cells Working Together〜
The function of our heart to pump blood systemically relies on the rhythmic and integrated contraction of a vast number of myocardial cells. Notably, while each myocardial cell exhibits autonomous pulsatility, their collective behavior is characterized by synchronized movement, much like an orchestra following a conductor, driven by the rhythm of the cell generating the dominant electrical signal.
Our solution to mimic this process outside the body is the “myocardial cell patches.” Utilizing myocardial cells derived from human iPS cells, we fabricate this patches with the intention of transplanting it to the heart. This innovative therapy aims to support the heart’s overall performance by inducing angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and facilitating the repair of damaged cardiac tissue.
In addition, basic and animal studies have shown that this Patche possesses the capabilities of paracrine signaling and electrical integration.
Paracrine signaling: By releasing substances such as cytokines, it facilitates the development of new vasculature around the heart and assists in the restoration of damaged areas.
Electrical integration: The transplanted heart muscle cells contract in unison with the host heart’s beat, providing mechanical support to the heart.
Treatment Modality ~A Gentle New Choice for the Heart~
The “myocardial cell patches” is gently applied to the surface of the patient’s heart during a minimally invasive surgical procedure that only requires a small incision in the chest. The patches naturally attaches to the heart and becomes stable within a short 10 to 15 minutes.Around 6 hours after the transplant, new blood vessels start to grow from the patient’s heart into the patches. Then, the Patche also releases healing substances, creating a collaborative process that helps the heart recover.
For patients with severe heart failure who previously faced limited options beyond medication and the long wait for a transplant or an artificial heart, this treatment offers a promising new possibility. So far, no major side effects have been seen, and safety is a key consideration in the ongoing research and development of this treatment.
You can see it at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.
Future innovations on display at Osaka ExpoーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS⇒NHK WORLD-JAPAN Official YouTube Channel
The Mini-Heart
The Mini-Heart ~A Tangible Vision of Future Medicine~
We engineered the “mini-heart.” This serves as a unique demonstration model for the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo, providing an experiential encounter where the forefront of technology can be directly “seen and felt.”
This miniature heart model is engineered by infusing a heart-shaped collagenous scaffold, approximately 3 centimeters in diameter, with iPS cell-derived myocardial cells (※A joint project with Taki Chemical Co., Ltd.). The observable pulsation allows for an intuitive comprehension of cellular dynamics and the recapitulation of cardiac activity.
Our CTO, Dr Sawa, has infused this project with the aspiration to show the next generation, particularly children, that “the future is ours to shape,” and to cultivate hope in their potential to lead the future of medical advancements.
This exhibition at the Expo provides a precious platform to globally disseminate Japan’s pioneering regenerative medicine technology, offering a glimpse into the future of healthcare. We warmly invite you to experience it firsthand at the venue.
You can see the iPS mini-heart at the PASONA NATUREVERSE Pavilion at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.
Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai: Exploring future technologies shaping the sea, sky and land
Prime Minister’s Office of Japan YouTube Channel（Prime Minister’s Office of Japan YouTube Channel）