News On Japan

World's First iPS Cell Heart Sheet Aims to Restore Cardiac Function

OSAKA, Apr 11 (News On Japan) - A new treatment using iPS cells, known for their ability to transform into any type of cell in the body, is poised to become the first of its kind in the world. A venture from Osaka University has applied to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for approval to manufacture and market the innovative therapy.

This therapy, which involves attaching a beating sheet of heart muscle cells derived from iPS cells to damaged hearts, could become the world’s first approved treatment of its kind. The company behind the development, Cuorips, announced on April 8th that it had submitted an application to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for approval to manufacture and sell the heart cell sheet. Clinical trials on eight patients have yielded promising results, giving hope to those suffering from severe heart conditions such as ischemic cardiomyopathy.

The innovation is on display just ahead of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, where one of the highlights is a small but remarkable model heart, measuring about five centimeters across. It visibly beats at a rate of approximately 50 times per minute. This tissue is made from around 200 million iPS-derived cardiomyocytes, which can transform into any cell type. The technology was led by Yoshiaki Sawa, specially appointed professor at Osaka University, who has spent years refining the technique of creating the heart muscle cell sheet.

Sawa explains that the sheet is placed directly onto the heart through a small surgical incision, without the need to cut into the heart itself. It attaches naturally within 10 to 15 minutes, and within about six hours, new blood vessels begin growing from the heart into the sheet. Initially, the sheet does not have its own blood flow, but once connected, it begins to release substances like cytokines that help repair the heart. Over time, the cells in the sheet gradually diminish, but not before stimulating the regeneration of blood vessels and supporting weakened cardiac tissue.

One patient who underwent the clinical trial, a man in his 50s, reported significant improvements in his quality of life. He said that before the treatment, even completing a full round of golf was impossible, but afterward, he was able to play 18 holes without difficulty. Such feedback underlines the real-world impact the treatment could have if it reaches full approval and widespread use.

In a studio interview, Sawa elaborated on how the technology mimics the function of a real heart outside the body. He explained that the cardiomyocytes beat independently but synchronize with each other, guided by the cell with the strongest electrical signal. This orchestrated motion is essential for effective blood pumping and is now being replicated in the lab.

The simplicity and low invasiveness of the procedure stand out. The surgery takes roughly one hour and involves placing three sheets on the heart. Because the heart is already in a weakened state in cases of heart failure, the goal is to provide support without causing further stress. The approach allows for healing without traditional cutting or stitching of heart tissue.

As time passes, not only do blood vessels grow, but overall heart function continues to improve. Sawa observed that patients experience progressive recovery, with many able to return to work and regain social functionality. Over the course of five years, eight patients have received the treatment, and most have successfully reintegrated into daily life.

The new treatment comes as an alternative to conventional options such as medication, artificial hearts, or transplants. By using the body's regenerative capabilities through iPS cells, the heart cell sheet represents a less invasive yet potentially powerful method to combat chronic heart failure. With regulatory approval pending, the therapy could mark a significant milestone in regenerative medicine and offer hope to patients worldwide.

Source: TBS

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

The Japan Mobility Show opened on October 29th, marking the start of Japan’s premier automotive exhibition, where foreign manufacturers are stepping up their entry into the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market.

Prime Minister Takaiichi’s first face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Trump drew high praise from officials at the Prime Minister’s Office, who described the atmosphere as friendly and open. According to government sources, the two leaders addressed each other by their first names, “Sanae” and “Donald,” a gesture that one senior official called “120 points,” underscoring the success of the meeting.

An elderly woman was found dead in a roadside ditch in Akita City on October 27th, with police investigating the possibility that she was attacked by a bear. A local resident discovered the woman lying face down in a drainage channel around 11 a.m. and called emergency services.

The Nikkei Stock Average closed at 50,512 yen on October 27th, surpassing the 50,000 mark for the first time in history and setting a new all-time high. The benchmark index rose 1,212 yen from the previous trading day, driven by strong gains across sectors.

McDonald's Japan announced it will phase out the use of paper straws and introduce new lids that allow customers to drink directly from the cup without a straw starting on November 19th.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

Japan’s H3 Rocket No. 7, carrying a newly developed unmanned cargo spacecraft, successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture at 9 a.m. on October 26th, marking another milestone for the nation’s space program.

Geothermal energy is drawing growing global attention as a key to combating global warming and achieving a decarbonized society. Among clean energy sources, it stands out for its stability and scalability. Japan, blessed with abundant volcanic activity, possesses the world’s third-largest geothermal reserves—yet its utilization remains limited.

A next-generation hydrogen-powered vessel that operated during the Expo is set to expand its role beyond the event.

A rare astronomical event will unfold next week as Comet Lemmon makes its closest approach to Earth on October 21st, offering skywatchers a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that will not return for roughly 1,400 years.

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced that satellite images from the Himawari-9 weather satellite are currently unavailable due to a communication failure. While some functions have been restored through the backup satellite Himawari-8, key nighttime observation data such as infrared imagery remain inaccessible.

Tokyo has confirmed its first case of a dog infected with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a potentially fatal disease transmitted by ticks. It is the first time an animal infection has been recorded in the capital.

Osaka University’s Professor Shimon Sakaguchi has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering regulatory T cells that suppress excessive immune reactions, a landmark finding that has brought excitement to colleagues, students, and the medical community.

Collectors and growers in Australia have long been limited by availability. Import restrictions, shifting regulations, and supply gaps have made sourcing quality seeds a challenge.