My History
We, AS Medical support, operate our own cell processing facility and specialize in contract-based cell culture services, which form the core of our business. We work closely with a variety of clinics, focusing on culturing the samples entrusted to us. From the moment a sample is received to the point of delivering the cultured cells back to the client, we ensure meticulous control at every stage. We also support medical institutions in adopting regenerative medicine. While many physicians are interested in introducing regenerative treatments, the process of application and implementation requires specific expertise. That’s where we come in—we assist healthcare providers with the necessary regulatory filings and operational procedures required under regenerative medicine laws. In that sense, we also serve as a consulting partner for regenerative medicine. Through these activities, we aim to promote the broader adoption of regenerative medicine. However, the field remains full of challenges and is far from straightforward.
When I look at the current landscape of regenerative medicine, I see a significant gap between the reality and the ideal I envision. One such example is the disconnect that often exists between the clinical perspective and that of the technology providers. Through my work, I’ve met many patients suffering from serious illnesses who are earnestly searching for the best available treatments. From the patient’s point of view, most aren’t waiting for some dramatic breakthrough decades down the line—they’re hoping for incremental improvements that can begin today. In other words, what patients truly want is a better quality of life. This raises an important question: Do those developing and supplying regenerative technologies fully understand the needs of frontline care? When it comes to innovation, we must ask ourselves more clearly—who are we developing this for? Since regenerative medicine is still medicine, the solutions must be deeply rooted in the needs of the patient.
It was this realization that led me to pursue regenerative medicine as a business. By offering high-value solutions at fair value to patients, we can use the profits to fund continued research—then channel the results of that research back into patient care. This kind of sustainable cycle is what I believe in. To truly deliver peace of mind to patients, we must act with both sincerity and realism. That, above all, is what matters most.
The Present
There’s an experience from my work in regenerative medicine that left a lasting impact on me and continues to shape who I am today. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our company launched an initiative to give back to patients by offering free regenerative treatment to 40 individuals. Despite the challenging circumstances, we made a deliberate choice to dedicate our resources to this effort. We set specific criteria—limiting eligibility to patients with stroke or spinal cord injuries—and conducted individual interviews with every applicant. To our surprise, we received close to 500 applications for just 40 available slots. As we met with each applicant, it became clear that every person was carrying significant hardship in their daily lives. The selection process became incredibly difficult, and we had to hold second and even third rounds of interviews to reach a decision. In the end, we provided treatment to 20 individuals with spinal cord injuries, 20 with stroke, and another 15 suffering from joint disorders. But deep down, I wished we could help every single person who came to us. I wanted to support more people struggling with debilitating conditions. That experience awakened something powerful in me—a strong desire to expand our impact and reach as many patients as possible.
Since then, we’ve shifted our focus toward becoming an approved provider under Japan’s advanced medical care system. It’s worth noting that this direction sets us apart in the industry. Most companies in regenerative medicine are working toward drug development or product commercialization. In contrast, I believe it would be ideal if patients could access regenerative treatments when they need them. Specifically, I envision a model where treatment costs can be covered through private insurance and long-term savings programs. I believe this is the most rational and realistic path forward. However, the current infrastructure and regulations to support such a system are still lacking. As someone deeply committed to this field, I see it as my responsibility to call attention to these gaps, to share knowledge, and to advocate for change. Above all, my hope is to provide patients with regenerative treatments that are both effective and truly reassuring—one patient at a time.
For the Future
As we move into 2025, our company is focused on launching the Osaka International Regenerative Medicine Center—a new integrated facility that combines a medical clinic, rehabilitation services, and a cell processing facility under one roof. At this center, we will offer not only regenerative treatments, from cell culturing to administration, but also combine them with physical rehabilitation. Patients naturally seek the most effective outcomes possible, and we believe that incorporating all available methods to improve treatment potential is the best path forward. In particular, integrating rehabilitation—where patients actively move their bodies—can play a key role in accelerating recovery. Our aim is to contribute to the well-being of as many people as possible by delivering holistic treatment that improves both medical outcomes and quality of life. As we continue building this center, our focus remains not only on regenerative technology, but also on the individual patients who stand before us. That patient-centered approach will always guide our operations.
That said, there are still many challenges to overcome in making regenerative medicine safe, trusted, and widely accessible. There is a long list of concrete challenges to address, including regulatory guidelines for regenerative medicine, gaps in the health insurance system, and the need for legal and policy development. While we’ve already been active in advocating for this field, we recognize the ongoing need to strengthen our voice and extend our reach. Regenerative medicine is a field where lives are at stake and advanced expertise is essential. It also involves cutting-edge technologies, which naturally come with high costs and expensive treatment options. That’s exactly why it’s critical for developers and providers to have a deep understanding of both the science and its proper application in order to deliver real value to society. At our company, we remain committed to promoting the responsible use of regenerative medicine and expanding its reach. We won’t compromise when it comes to clear, accurate communication—and we’ll continue driving our efforts forward with the future in mind.