Health Care News Letter Spring／Trends Watch Notes and News Clippings
1. Drugs Medicine
2. Quasi-Drugs
3. Health Care Services
4. Medical Devices
5. Cosmetics
6. Health Foods
7. Health Care Information Technology
8. Cure Services
9. Welfare Products & Services
1. Drugs Medicine
Yakult Honsha Signs an Exclusive License Agreement on Cancer Drug ThermoDox® in Japan
Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. today signed a final agreement pertaining to the commercialization in the Japanese market of ThermoDox® by Celsion Corporation in the
U.S. ThermoDox® is a drug constituted by a thermo-sensitive liposome encasing doxorubicin, which is a cancer drug already approved and in use for various
cancer treatments. Following the signing of this agreement, Yakult Honsha will work to obtain an approval of indication for primary liver cancer and other
types of cancer, as well as a marketing approval, for ThermoDox® in Japan. Primary liver cancer is a type of cancer that generates in liver cells. It is
difficult to detect primary liver cancer early, and this is the third major cause of cancer deaths among adults. Yakult Honsha is confident that the
development of ThermoDox® will give significant hopes for patients suffering from difficult cases of cancer.
Source: Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.
www.yakult.co.jp/cgi-bin/newsrel/prog/news.cgi?coview+00343 (Japanese
Site)
Source: Celsion Corporation
www.celsion.com/ (English Site)
Takeda Pharmaceutical Obtains Approval on the Efficacy of a Combination Therapy Using Type II Diabetes Drug
"Actos®” and Biguanide Agent
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. obtained an approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, which acknowledged the efficacy of a combined
therapy using type II diabetes drug "Actos®” and a biguanide agent. Actos® improves the insulin resistance, which is a condition unique to type II diabetic
patients. Specifically, it mainly acts upon muscle and fat cells, as well as the liver, to improve the deficiency of insulin action. On the other hand, a
biguanide agent primarily suppresses the production of sugar in the liver. To confirm the clinical utility of combining these two agents that have different
mechanisms of action, Takeda Pharmaceutical conducted a comparison test between double blind groups, comparing a therapy using only a biguanide agent and a
therapy combining Actos® and a biguanide agent. The results found that compared to the therapy using only a biguanide agent, the therapy combining Actos® and
a biguanide agent significantly improved HbA1c, which is an indicator of how the blood sugar level is controlled, without increasing the risk of
hypoglycemia. It is expected that, in addition to combination therapies using a sulfonylurea agent or an -glucosidase inhibitor, Actos® can also be combined
with a biguanide agent to provide an excellent effect in controlling blood sugar levels.
Source: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
www.takeda.co.jp/press/article_31405.html (Japanese Site)
Taisho Pharmaceutical to Develop an Anti-obesity Drug, Obtains Rights from Glaxo in the U.K.
Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. signed an agreement with Glaxo Group Limited, a subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline plc, regarding the development and sale in
Japan of Glaxo's anti-obesity drug Orlistat. Orlistat is an anti-obesity drug developed by Roche. It has the effect of inactivating lipase, which is a
lipolytic enzyme, and thereby inhibiting the absorption of fat into the body. Although not yet approved in Japan, Orlistat is already sold as an ethical drug
in 149 countries around the world under the brand name "XENICAL® (Orlistat 120 mg).” In the U.S., Orlistat is sold under the brand name "Alli® (Orlistat 60
mg)” as the only OTC drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose. After its release in June 2007, Alli® has sold US$298.5
million in six months.
Source: Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
www.taisho.co.jp/company/release/2009/2009011301.pdf (Japanese Site)
Takeda Pharmaceutical Obtains Manufacturing and Marketing Approval in Japan for Hypertension Drug "ECARD® HD” and
"ECARD® LD”
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited obtained a manufacturing and marketing approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for its hypertension
drugs "ECARD®,” which combine Blopress® (generic name: candesartan cilexetil) with a small dose of a diuretic (generic name: hydrochlorothiazide). Blopress®
by Takeda Pharmaceutical is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) which inhibits the action of hormones that raise the blood pressure. Sale of Blopress®
began in Japan in 1999, and in 2005 the drug received an approval as the first angiotensin II receptor blocker in Japan after the authorities recognized its
efficacy in treating chronic heart failure. On the other hand, hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic which is classified as a thiazide agent. It promotes
discharge of urine and decreases the amount of extracellular fluid, thereby lowering the blood pressure. ECARD® is a combination of angiotensin II receptor
blocker, whose use in combination with hypertension drugs is recommended under the Guideline for the Management of Hypertension, and a small dose of
diuretic. It is considered that, by keeping the content of hydrochlorothiazide to 6.25 mg, which is one-quarter of the normal dose of the agent, side effects
that are generally associated with thiazide diuretics can be lessened. The third phase of clinical test also found an increase in the pressure-lowering
effect due to ECARD®.
Source: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
www.takeda.co.jp/press/article_31870.html (Japanese Site)
SYSMEX Develops Technology to Detect Free, Live Cancer Cells in Blood with High Sensitivity
SYSMEX CORPORATION developed jointly with Oncolys BioPharma Inc. a technology to detect a trace amount of free, live cancer cells in blood (i.e., cancer
cells circulating in blood) by illuminating them using a virus that grows within cancer cells (TelomeScan®). This technology is expected to provide a new
choice for diagnosing the possibility of metastasis of cancer more quickly and accurately than before, or even treating patients suffering from early and
advanced stage cancers. When used in periodic monitoring after a treatment, this technology is also likely to help determine the effectiveness of the
treatment.
Source: SYSMEX CORPORATION
www.sysmex.co.jp/news/press/2009/090121.html (Japanese Site)
www.sysmex.co.jp/en/news/press/2009/090121.html (English Site)
Source: Oncolys BioPharma Inc.
www.oncolys.com/en/index.html (English Site)
SYSMEX Begins Joint Research with Epigenomics in Germany on Technology for Early Detection of Colon
Cancer
SYSMEX CORPORATION agreed in principle with Epigenomics AG to jointly examine the possibility of detecting colon cancer early by detecting methylated genes
(DNA) which originate from cancer cells and are present characteristically in colon cancer patients, by combining the colon cancer methylation marker SEPT9
from Epigenomics with the quick, high-sensitivity methylation detection technology currently under developed by SYSMEX. The two companies have already begun
research toward achieving this purpose. Methylation refers to a process in which molecules called methyl groups bond with genes, thereby controlling the
expression of genes. It is considered that genes that should not be methylated, as long as the cells are normal, sometimes become methylated. If they are not
methylated properly, in this case, the cells become abnormal and eventually cause cancer. Accordingly, SYSMEX can detect with high sensitivity the existence
of methylated genes characteristic of cancer, among the genes that flow out from cells into blood streams, in order to detect cancer early. Going forward,
the two companies will use this measurement system to conduct basic clinical evaluations regarding the possible application of this technology to colon
cancer examination.
Cancer and DNA methylation
Source: SYSMEX CORPORATION
www.sysmex.co.jp/news/press/2009/090122.html (Japanese Site)
www.sysmex.co.jp/en/news/press/2009/090122.html (English Site)
Source: Epigenomics AG
www.epigenomics.com/ (English Site)
2. Quasi-Drugs
Tsumura Lifescience Launches Newly Developed Hair Growth Promoters Using World's First Hair Growth Mechanism to
Make Individual Hairs Thicker and More Voluminous
Tsumura Lifescience Co., Ltd. launched its newly developed hair growth promoter "Mouga L Extra (for Women)” and "Mouga Synergy-X (for Men)” that combine
"Taraxacum mongolicum” root to provide the world's first hair growth mechanism. The two hair growth promoters are the first in the world in that they are
made 100% of effective ingredients that focus on the protein that constitutes hair follicles. In a recent study, around half of both men and women who use
hair growth agents said that they wanted to use hair growth agents made of galenical preparations or natural ingredients. As for the specific problems
relating to hair, the study found that men were concerned of balding and hair fall, while women were worried about thinning hair and lack of volume. The two
new hair growth agents from Tsumura Lifescience adopt an optimal combination of galenical preparations that are known to enhance hair growth and generation,
and contain no preservatives (antioxidants, antiseptics), pigments or aromatic agents so as not to affect this optimal combination. In addition, Tsumura
Lifescience obtains these galenical preparations from specific parts of plants grown in certain production regions, by using a specific extraction method, in
order to obtain extract containing more active ingredients that enhance the intended effects.
Source: Tsumura Lifescience Co., Ltd.
www.tsumura-ls.co.jp/news/2009/0122_minagi.htm (Japanese Site)
www.tsumura-ls.co.jp/news/2009/0122_adegami.htm (Japanese Site)
3. Health Care Services
FUJIFILM Acquires U.S. Radiology Information System Manufacturer Empiric to Expand its Medical IT System
Business
FUJIFILM Corporation acquired Empiric Systems, LLC, a manufacturer of radiology information systems (hereinafter referred to as "RISs”) (*1) through
FUJIFILM's medical sales subsidiary FUJIFILM Medical Systems USA, Inc., thereby making Empiric a fully owned subsidiary of the FUJIFILM Group. Through this
acquisition, both FUJIFILM and Empiric will accelerate the integration of their respective systems to increase the combined competitiveness in the U.S.
market where sales of integrated RIS/PACS systems are growing. The two companies will also utilize the strength of their web-based technology to actively
expand the business into remote imaging diagnosis, RIS/PACS ASP service and other untapped areas where the Internet environment is expected to boost demand.
FUJIFILM and Empiric will also work together to increase sales widely in the medical IT systems markets not only in the U.S., but also in the U.K.,
Australia, Middle East and Israel.
*1 Information systems that manage the workflow of the radiology department by offering such functions as patient registration, examination booking and
generation of diagnosis result reports.
Source: FUJIFILM Corporation
www.fujifilm.co.jp/corporate/news/articleffnr_0243.html (Japanese Site)
Source: Empiric Systems, LLC
www.empiricsystems.com/news/fujifilm_acquires_information_s
ystems_vendor_empiric (English Site)
Asahi Kasei Medical to Build a New Spinning Factory for Its Virus Removal Filter "Planova™”
Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd. decided to build a new spinning factory and thereby enhance the production capacity for hollow fibers used in the production of
the company's virus removal filter for industrial use (trademark "Planova™”). Planova™ is widely used in the manufacturing processes for biologics such as
plasma fractionation derivatives and bio medical drugs, and is receiving high marks in Japan as well as overseas for its excellent virus removal performance
and protein permeation performance. Currently 90% of Planova™ customers are in Europe and the U.S. The demand for Planova™ has been increasing each year, due
partly to the growing call for virus safety of biologics around the world in recent years, and partly to the accelerating development of bio medical drugs
such as those based on monoclonal antibodies. Since this trend is likely to continue on a global basis in the near future, Asahi Kasei decided to build the
new spinning factory to ensure a stable supply to meet the expanding demand.
Source: Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd.
www.asahi-kasei.co.jp/medical/pdf/information20080129.pdf (Japanese
Site)
4. Medical Devices
TERUMO Launches a Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor "Terumo Digital Blood Pressure Monitor P400” for Women under its
New "PREMIAGE” Brand
TERUMO CORPORATION of Japan launched a new wrist blood pressure monitor for women, the "Terumo Digital Blood Pressure Monitor P400”. The Terumo Digital Blood
Pressure Monitor P400 was developed to provide the design and color that seamlessly integrate with the interior of the user's home, as well as the
functionality and reliability expected from medical equipment, based on a survey of women in their 40s through 60s to identify their preference in blood
pressure monitors. "PREMIAGE” is a coined word combining "PREMIUM” and "AGE,” and has the meaning of "Living the remainder of life with greater energy and
vigor.” Going forward, TERUMO will release new products that will help older women stay away from hypertension and other lifestyle-related diseases,
incidence of which increases rapidly with age due to the decrease in the female hormone (estrogen).
Sources: TERUMO CORPORATION, Japan
www.terumo.co.jp/press/2009/002.html (Japanese Site)
FUJIFILM Starts Selling Capsule Endoscopes from Given Imaging in Japan
FUJIFILM Corporation began selling capsule endoscopes from Given Imaging Ltd. in Japan. FUJIFILM Medical Co., Ltd., which is the medical equipment sales arm
of FUJIFILM, will sell the products supplied by Given's Japanese subsidiary Given Imaging K.K. A capsule endoscope allows the doctor to inspect the small
intestine of the patient based on the images captured by and transmitted from the ultra-compact camera encased in the tablet-sized capsule. Given has already
released double-balloon endoscopes, which consist of two balloons, to improve the ease of insertion into the small intestine and facilitate the observation
and procedure inside the small intestine. In the clinical field, Given's capsule endoscopes which are effective examination tools, and double-balloon
endoscopy systems that demonstrate significant power when performing procedures in the small intestine, are used widely in diagnosis, treatment and research,
and produce great outcomes.
Source: FUJIFILM Corporation
www.fujifilm.co.jp/corporate/news/articleffnr_0248.html (Japanese Site)
Source: Given Imaging Ltd.
www.givenimaging.com/en-us/Pages/GivenWelcomePage.aspx (English Site)
5. Cosmetics
Lion Reveals the Mystery of Odor Unique to Males in Their 30s
The Beauty Care Research Laboratories of Lion Corporation revealed the substance that generates the odor unique to males in their 30s, the mechanism of how
this substance generates odor, and the method of suppressing the odor. To be specific, Lion found that this unique odor of men in their 30's, which is
similar to used cooking oil, is caused by "pelargonic acid.” The amount of sebum secretion peaks in the bodies of men in their 30s, and men in this age group
also have many sebaceous glands over their trunk. Accordingly, it is assumed that sebum secreted from the trunk is oxidized and some of this oxidized sebum
changes to pelargonic acid. Since the odor in question generates as a result of oxidization of sebum secreted from the skin, Lion evaluated the effects of
antioxidant components in suppressing the oxidization of sebum. As a result, Lion found that "evening primrose extract” was very effective in suppressing the
oxidization and confirmed, through a use test involving men in their 30s, that evening primrose extract was indeed effective in suppressing the odor. Evening
primrose extract contains a lot of polyphenol and is known to provide antioxidant effect, antiinflammatory effect and whitening effect. Although evening
primrose extract is already used in cosmetics and other products, Lion is the first to confirm the body-odor suppressing effect of evening primrose
extract.
Source: Lion Corporation
www.lion.co.jp/ja/company/press/2008/2008085.htm (Japanese Site)
ROHTO Releases Face Wash "OXY Milky Whip,” Designed to Create Dense Foam to Address Needs of Men Conscious of Their
"Skin Beauty”
"OXY” is a brand of ultra-refreshing skin care products developed through research of the physiology of skin specific to men. A majority of traditional face
washes for men contain agents that provide a cool after-wash feel and effective cleansing effect. In recent years, however, men's face washes of the
moisturizing type have also become available. The growing awareness of "skin care” among men is evident, partly from the expanding market for men's skin
lotions, and partly from the strong sales ROHTO has been enjoying from its moisturizing skin lotion and moisturizing face wash for men released last year. In
fact, men are going one step further and becoming more aware of their "skin beauty.” The OXY brand focuses on this growing awareness of skin beauty among
men. Although the number of men's face washes providing moisturization and skin care effects is still small, the same value and awareness women place/have on
highly moisturizing effects and skin care are likely to spread among men as well in the future. Based on this prediction, ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
added the new washing foam to its OXY line. All the user needs to do is push the nozzle, and a generous heap of foam is released. The fine, dense foam not
only washes the skin gently, but it can also be used as shaving foam.
Source: ROHTO Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
www.rohto.co.jp/comp/news/?n=r090127 (Japanese Site)
6. Health Foods
KAO to Introduce Health Carbonated Drink "Healthya Sparkling” Designed to Promote Fat Metabolism
KAO CORPORATION will introduce "Healthya Sparkling,” the first soda drink that reduces body fat, on May 21, 2009. Since the start of the mandated "specific
health examination/specific health guidance scheme” in April 2008, the public interest in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases and metabolic fat has
been growing further. Healthya Sparkling is the first carbonated drink designated as a specified health food having the effect of reducing body fat.
Consumers can enjoy the refreshing taste, while reducing their body fat at the same time. It's a perfect healthy carbonated drink for adults.
Source: KAO CORPORATION
www.kao.co.jp/corp/news/2009/1/n20090128-02hhc.html (Japanese Site)
www.kao.co.jp/en/news/2009/n20090128-01hhc.html (English Site)
7. Health Care Information Technology
Advanced Media Starts Selling Its "AmiVoice® Ex Endoscope” to Help Generate Endoscopy Reports
Advanced Media, Inc. began selling at the end of January 2009 its voice input system "AmiVoice® Ex Endoscope,” which allows the user to generate endoscopy
reports just by speaking into it, to around 1,100 facilities where guidance is provided by expert physicians who are members of the Japan Gastroenterological
Endoscopy Society. The new system is a software package developed to help generate endoscopy reports by applying the existing functions provided by the
"AmiVoice® Ex” series of voice input systems for medical use, which are currently in use by over 2,700 medical institutions throughout Japan and receiving
rave reviews. The "AmiVoice® Ex” series can be used to enter medical opinions such as the course of therapy and procedure, generate medical certificates, and
produce written replies to referrals. It incorporates a dictionary of medical terms listing the names of procedures, drugs, diseases and conditions which are
used frequently in various clinical environments, and achieves high recognition accuracy. Unlike other traditional voice recognition software products
available on the market, AmiVoice® Ex does not require any pre-registration of voice (i.e., it can recognize the speaking voices of many different users) and
also responds flexibly to different accents and speaking speeds. In addition, the dedicated handheld microphone lets the user make entries and corrections
with ease, and the automatic learning function improves the rate of recognition of a given user's speech over time as the user uses the system more.
Furthermore, this system enables voice input not only for endoscopy systems, but also in various other applications.
Source: Advanced Media, Inc.
www.advanced-media.co.jp/newsrelease/newsrelease.cgi?
detail=20090128100226 (Japanese Site)
NEC Builds Temperature Control System Utilizing Active RFID Tags for St. Joseph Hospital in U.S.
NEC Corporation and NEC Unified Solutions, Inc. built a temperature control system utilizing active RFID tags at St. Joseph Hospital in the U.S. This system
controls temperatures of chemicals, blood and other items stored in a hospital based on the temperature-sensor integrated active RFID tags installed in the
hospital's refrigerators and freezers where these chemicals, blood, and other items are stored. This way, the system improves the efficiency of quality
control operations inside the hospital and allows for real-time monitoring of the quality conditions of various substances used, thereby contributing to the
improvement of safety in the medical field.
Source: NEC Corporation
www.nec.co.jp/press/ja/0901/1401.html (Japanese Site)
www.necunifiedsolutions.com/main/NewsEvents/NewPressPage.asp?release=2009011301.xml (English Site)
Hitachi Starts Offering "HITPHAMS ERP Adapter Version 1.0” Linking Hitachi's Manufacturing Control System for
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plants "HITPHAMS” with SAP's ERP Systems
Hitachi, Ltd. developed "HITPHAMS ERP Adapter Version 1.0,” a software program designed to link Hitachi's manufacturing control system for pharmaceutical
manufacturing plants "HITPHAMS” with ERP systems*1 by SAP Japan Co., Ltd., and added the new software to Hitachi's "HITPHAMS” solution lineup. Hitachi's
HITPHAMS is a MES*2 software package that provides a one-stop system covering all steps in pharmaceutical manufacturing from the original drug manufacturing
process to the formulation process. Offering such functions as manufacturing instructions management, and manufacturing results management and recording that
are required by the GMP*3 for pharmaceuticals, HITPHAMS allows for establishment of a strict manufacturing control system that ensures drug manufacturing at
high quality and reliability. Over 100 HITPHAMS systems of varying sizes from large to small are currently in use. The new software introduced this time, or
specifically HITPHAMS ERP Adapter Version 1.0, conforms to the ANSI/ISA95 international standard that defines the interface specifications for linking ERP
systems and other mission-critical systems with manufacturing control systems. Since HITPHAMS can be linked easily with SAP's ERP systems, the production
control information, manufacturing results and other information regarding the conditions on the manufacturing floor, which is managed in HITPHAMS, can be
understood easily on the ERP system side. This way, management decisions can be instantly reflected on the manufacturing floor in the form of production
planning information, and other benefits are also realized to achieve more flexible manufacturing control. As a result, greater productivity is realized on
the manufacturing floor.
*1 ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning
*2 MES: Manufacturing Execution System
*3 GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
Source: Hitachi, Ltd.
www.hitachi.co.jp/New/cnews/month/2009/01/0119.html (Japanese Site)
Source: SAP Japan Co., Ltd.
www.sap.com/index.epx (English Site)
8. Cure Services
Hitachi Develops Remote Health Guidance Platform System Linked to "Wii Fit”
Hitachi, Ltd. and Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd. developed a platform system that links the home video game console "Wii®” by Nintendo and "Wii Fit,”
a dedicated Wii software developed and sold by Nintendo, with the "Wii Fit Body Check Channel” application designed for use on specific health guidance
systems, in order to securely and anonymously manage the data measured by Wii Fit while utilizing the data to provide health guidance remotely over the
Internet. The new system targets health insurance societies or specific health guidance services. By using this system, the user can actively communicate
with his or her specific health guidance counselor, record one's health condition and health maintenance efforts, and receive proper advice on how to promote
health, prevent lifestyle-related diseases, and so on.
Source: Hitachi, Ltd.
www.hitachi.co.jp/New/cnews/month/2009/01/0127.html (Japanese Site)
Source: Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.
http://hitachisoft.jp/news/news090127.html (Japanese Site)
Source: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/2009/090127.html (Japanese Site)
NEC to Start Heath Promotion Support Service Linked to "Wii Fit”
NEC Corporation and NEC Mobiling, Ltd. will debut in April an Internet-based health promotion support service for employees and families of the NEC Group by
linking the cellular-phone based health promotion support service developed by NEC, home video game console "Wii®” of Nintendo, and dedicated Wii software
"Wii Fit” developed and sold by Nintendo, with the "Wii Fit Body Check Channel” utilized on specific health guidance systems. The new service integrates the
health activity data taken at home (such as exercise data stored in Wii Fit) and personal management data stored via cellular phone services (such as meal
data, number of cigarettes smoked and amount of alcohol consumed), which have been managed separately before, so as to allow the user to receive proper
advice at home from a designated health guidance counselor of NEC. The user can also check the trend of measured weights and exercise data at any time using
a cellular phone. Since the service uses the SaaS platform provided by NEC, the initial investment can be minimized and the lead time until the introduction
of the service is as short as 3 weeks. Since the system is operated and managed on NEC servers, the burdens of health insurance societies relating to system
administration can be reduced. This service will also be actively promoted to potential customers outside the NEC Group, in addition to the health insurance
societies used by the NEC Group.
Source: NEC Corporation
www.nec.co.jp/press/ja/0901/2701.html (Japanese Site)
Source: NEC Mobiling, Ltd.
www.nec-mobiling.com/html/news/articles/pressrelease/2009-01-
27_01.html (Japanese Site)
Source: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/2009/090127.html (Japanese Site)
Life Balance Management Provides E-learning Self-care Training to Impart Knowledge and Skills for Coping with Stress
Smartly
Life Balance Management Inc., a provider of mental health management services for businesses, began providing on January 27 an e-learning service called
"Self-care Training @ E-learning in Workplace” designed to impart knowledge on mental health. This service is intended to help the recipients stay free from
mental and physical illness caused by stress. Employees can learn the knowledge needed to care for themselves relatively quickly, but at their own pace, over
the Internet. Life Balance Management hopes to teach self-care knowledge to employees in order to help them gain greater knowledge and skills for coping with
stress smartly and thereby reduce the cases of mental and physical illness.
Source: Life Balance Management Inc.
www.lifebalance.co.jp/press/20090127.html (Japanese Site)
9. Welfare Products & Services
Tsukuda Launches Japan's First Jeans for Hemiplegics
According to the statistics released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, there are around 340,000 hemiplegics in Japan who became paralyzed on one
side of the body due to an accident or illness, and this figure is rising each year. Putting on clothes using one hand is a fairly difficult job for
hemiplegics, and they also have difficulty finding clothes they like from among ready-made products. Tsukuda Cloth Style Co., Ltd. joined the "Universal
Fashion Product Development Study Group” (an organization working jointly with the NPO, Japan Universal Fashion Association, to study ways to "Empower
everyone to enjoy fashion”), and established a new alteration service (utility model application pending). After conducting an independent monitor study
involving hemiplegic subjects across the country, Tsukuda obtained very positive responses from both male and female subjects and therefore decided to launch
this service.
Source: Tsukuda Cloth Style Co., Ltd.
www.e-tsukuda.com/gkakou.html (Japanese Site)
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