Clinical Trials for "Xenotransplantation" of Pig Kidneys into Human to Be Conducted at Hokkaido University and Other Hospitals

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

ブタの腎臓ヒトに“異種移植”の治験 北大などで実施へ

2026年6月29日6:38

サイエンス

ブタの腎臓を重い腎不全のヒトに移植するいわゆる「異種移植」の実用化を目指した治験を、北海道大学病院などで再来年にも始めると明治大学発のベンチャー企業が発表しました。

明治大学発のベンチャー企業やアメリカのバイオ企業などの研究グループは、拒絶反応が起こりにくいよう遺伝子操作したブタの腎臓を腎不全の患者に移植する「異種移植」の実用化に向けた研究を進めています。

ベンチャー企業は安全性を確認するための治験を北海道大学病院と、神奈川県の徳洲会 湘南鎌倉総合病院の2か所で、重い腎不全の患者を対象に早ければ再来年にも始めると発表しました。

研究グループに参加するアメリカのバイオ企業は、先行してアメリカで試験的に移植を行っていて、透析が必要ない状態を半年以上維持している患者もいるということです。

手術を執刀する予定の北海道大学の堀田記世彦 准教授は「国内では腎臓移植を受けるまで15年ほど待つ必要があり、将来的に課題の解決につながる治療になればと思う。今回の治験は安全性を確認するのが目的で、慎重に準備したい」と話していました。

異種移植をめぐっては、国内ではほかに東京慈恵会医科大学などのグループが腎臓に障害のある胎児にブタの腎臓を移植する研究の計画を明らかにしています。

Translation

Clinical Trials for "Xenotransplantation" of Pig Kidneys into Human to Be Conducted at Hokkaido University and Other Hospitals

June 29, 2026, 6:38 AM

Science

A venture company spun off from Meiji University announced that it would begin clinical trials aimed at the practical application of "xenotransplantation," the transplantation of pig kidneys into human with severe renal failure, to start at Hokkaido University Hospital and other locations the year after next.

A research group including a venture company spun off from Meiji University and an American biotech company was conducting research towards the practical application of "xenotransplantation," which involved transplanting genetically modified pig kidneys, designed to reduce the likelihood of rejection, into patients with renal failure.

The venture company announced that it would begin clinical trials to confirm safety at two locations: Hokkaido University Hospital and Tokushukai Shonan Kamakura General Hospital (徳洲会 湘南鎌倉総合病院) in Kanagawa Prefecture as early as two years from now, targeting patients with severe renal failure,

The American biotech company participating in the research group had already conducted experimental transplants in the United States, and reported that some patients had maintained a state of not requiring dialysis for more than six months.

Associate Professor Kiyohiko Hotta (堀田記世彦) of Hokkaido University, who was scheduled to perform the surgery, said, "In Japan, there is a waiting period of about 15 years for a kidney transplant, and I hope this treatment will help solve that problem in the future. The purpose of this clinical trial is to confirm safety, so we want to prepare carefully."

Regarding xenotransplantation, another group in Japan, including one from Tokyo Jikei University School of Medicine (東京慈恵会医科大学), had also announced plans to transplant pig kidneys into unborn baby that had kidney damage.

So, Japan will begin clinical trials aimed at the practical application of the transplantation of pig kidneys into human with severe renal failure starting the year after next. The hope is that this treatment will help solve the kidney failure problems in Japan.

Drug Targeting Common Causative Genes in Different Cancers: Drug for Practical Application

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

異なるがんで共通する原因遺伝子標的に 治療薬実用化

2026年6月22日17:35

医療・健康

異なる種類のがんで共通する特定の遺伝子変異を標的とすることでさまざまな希少がんや小児がんなどにも効果が期待できる薬を開発し、国の承認を得たと国立がん研究センターなどのグループが発表しました。患者数が少ないがんの患者の新たな治療につながるとしています。

がんの治療薬の開発はがんの種類ごとに行われることが多く、患者数が少ない希少がんや小児がんは薬の開発のための治験に参加する患者を集めるのが難しいことなどが課題となっています。

国立がん研究センターなどのグループは、希少がんや小児がんの中には、一般的ながんと共通する遺伝子変異が原因とみられる患者がいることに着目し、このうち肺がんなどの治療に使われる「ALK（アルク）」という遺伝子の変異を標的とする薬が、ほかのがんにも効果があるか治験を行いました。

その結果、骨や筋肉にできる希少がんや小児がんなど、さまざまながんに効果があることが確認され、5月、小児がんを含めた固形がんに対する治療薬として国の承認を得たということです。

国立がん研究センターの間野博行 理事長は「臓器ごとではなく、がんの原因となる共通の遺伝子に着目して新薬を開発する手法は今後さらに増えていくはずだ。患者数が少ないがんでもより早く薬を開発できるような体制を確立したい」と話していました。

Translation

Drug Targeting Common Causative Genes in Different Cancers: Drug for Practical Application

A group including the National Cancer Center announced that they we’re developing drugs that were expected to be effective against various rare cancers and pediatric cancers by targeting specific gene mutations common to different types of cancer. They had received national approval for it. This could lead to new treatments for patients with rare cancers.

The development of cancer drugs was often conducted separately for each type of cancer, and for rare cancers and childhood cancers which affected a small number of patients, recruiting patients for clinical trials had been a challenge.

The group including the National Cancer Center focused on the fact that some patients with rare cancers and childhood cancers appeared to be caused by gene mutations common to common cancers. They conducted clinical trials to determine if a drug targeting the "ALK" gene mutation which was used to treat lung cancer could also be effective against other cancers.

As a result, it was confirmed that the drug was effective against various cancers, including rare cancers of bone and muscle, and childhood cancers. In May, it had received national approval as a therapeutic drug for solid tumors, including pediatric cancer.

Dr. Hiroyuki Mano (間野博行), president of the National Cancer Center, said, "We expect to see an increase in the development of new drugs that focus on common genes that cause cancer, instead of on each individual organ. We want to establish a system that will allow us to develop drugs more quickly, even for cancers with a small number of patients."

So, Japan has announced that they are developing drugs that are expected to be effective against various rare cancers and pediatric cancers by targeting specific gene mutations common to different types of cancer. Apparently, this new approach will develop drugs more quickly, even for cancers with a small number of patients.

First Clinical Trial of Heart Disease Treatment Using iPS Cells Conducted: Transplantation via Catheter

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

The catheter system used (Source: NHK)

iPS細胞使う心臓病治療の治験1例目を実施 カテーテルで移植

2026年6月12日18:19

iPS細胞

iPS細胞から作った心臓の細胞をカテーテルを使って心臓病の患者に移植する治験の1例目を行ったと、慶応大学発のベンチャー企業などが発表しました。胸を開く手術を行う必要がなく、企業は患者の負担の少ない治療につながるとしています。

これは、慶応大学発の医療ベンチャー企業と、信州大学医学部附属病院の小林秀樹助教らが12日、会見を開いて発表しました。

企業はiPS細胞から心臓の筋肉の細胞を作り球状に加工したうえで、重い心臓病の患者の足の付け根の血管から心臓までカテーテルを通して移植する新たな治療法の開発を進めています。

ことし3月、治験の1例目として「拡張型心筋症」という重い心臓病の70代の男性患者に移植を行い、これまでのところ重い合併症はなく、術後1か月の時点で心臓の機能に改善傾向が見られたということです。

企業は今後、3年間かけて合わせて14人に移植を行い、安全性や有効性を確認するということです。

ことし国に承認されたiPS細胞を使った別の心臓病の治療は胸を開く手術が必要で、企業は今回の方法は患者の負担の少ない治療につながるとしています。

小林助教は「心臓の機能の数値も改善していて他の治療ではなかなか見られないデータだ。長期的な安全性や有効性をしっかりと確認したい」と話していました。

Translation

First Clinical Trial of Heart Disease Treatment Using iPS Cells Conducted: Transplantation via Catheter

June 12, 2026, 18:19

iPS Cells

A venture company originating from Keio University and others had announced the first clinical trial of transplanting heart cells created from iPS cells into patients with heart disease, using a catheter. The company stated that it led to treatments that were less burdensome for patients as it eliminated the need for open-chest surgery.

This was announced at a press conference on June 12th by a medical venture company originating from Keio University, and Assistant Professor Hideki Kobayashi (小林秀樹) of Shinshu University Hospital.

The company was developing a new treatment method in which heart muscle cells were created from iPS cells, processed into a spherical shape, and then transplanted into the heart through a catheter from a blood vessel in the hip joint of patients who had severe heart disease.

In March of this year, the first clinical trial involved a male patient in his 70s with “dilated cardiomyopathy” which was a severe heart disease. So far, there had been no serious complications, and improvement in heart function was observed one month after the surgery.

The company planned to perform transplants on a total of 14 people over the next three years to confirm safety and effectiveness.

Another heart disease treatment using iPS cells, approved by the government this year, required open-chest surgery. The company said the new method would lead to treatment that minimized the burden on the patient.

Assistant Professor Kobayashi said, "The cardiac function values ​​have also improved, and such data are rarely seen in other treatments. We want to thoroughly confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness."

So, Japan has carried out the first clinical trial of transplanting heart cells created from iPS cells into patients using a catheter. By using a catheter, the treatment that could reduce burden on patients as it eliminates the need for open-chest surgery. This is good news for many patients with heart disease.

The Physical Society of Japan Introduced Software to Detect "AI-Written Papers"

 Recently NHK news on-line reported the following;

“AIで書かれた論文” を判定するソフト 日本物理学会が導入

2026年3月25日午後5時00分

生成AI・人工知能

海外の学術誌で、AIで書かれたとみられる粗悪な論文が投稿されるケースが問題になっています。これを受けて国立情報学研究所の研究チームが科学論文がAIで書かれていないかを判定するソフトを開発し、日本物理学会が25日から導入したことが分かりました。

日本物理学会が導入したのは国立情報学研究所の越前功教授の研究チームが開発した科学論文の執筆者が人間かAIかを判定するソフトです。

越前教授によりますと、海外の学術誌などで、AIで執筆されたとみられる不正確な内容が書かれるなどした粗悪な論文が多数投稿されるケースが確認されていて、問題になっています。

開発されたソフトには、人間やAIが書いた10万本以上の論文の特徴的な文章を学習させていて、英語の科学論文では、AIかどうかを90％以上の精度で判定できるということです。

さらに、人間らしい自然な文章に書き換える「ヒューマナイザー」と呼ばれる機能を使った場合でも、見分けることができるとしています。

日本物理学会では25日からこのソフトを導入し、学会が刊行している英語の学術誌に投稿された論文などを対象に、使用するということです。

日本物理学会では、文章の推こうや校正などでのAIの使用は認めていて、まずはソフトを使って、論文にどの程度AIが使われているか実態を把握することにしています。

日本物理学会の播磨尚朝理事は「判定ソフトの導入で、査読の効率化と、不正行為への抑止力になることを期待している」と話していました。

また、ソフトを開発した越前教授は「生成AIを使った学術論文の執筆は非常に脅威になってきている。査読に活用することで健全な学術の進展につなげてほしい」と話していました。

論文でAIを利用する際のルール

論文でのAIの利用はどこまで認められているのでしょうか。

国立情報学研究所などによりますと、日本では学術論文の執筆にAIを利用する際のルールについては、各大学や研究機関、投稿先の雑誌ごとの判断に委ねられているということです。

このうち日本物理学会では、文章の推こうや校正などでAIを補助的に利用している研究者は多いと考えていて、執筆者の責任のもとに、AIを利用すること自体は制限していないとしています。

ただ、

▽論文に掲載するデータや画像について、意図しないねつ造や盗用につながるおそれのあるAIの利用や

▽論文の大部分を生成AIで執筆するなどの補助の範囲を超えている利用は認めておらず、注意を呼びかけているということです。

またAIを利用した場合には、どのように使ったかを論文に明記することも推奨しています。

日本物理学会の林青司理事は「この数年でAIが関与したと思われる論文数が急増しているというデータも報告されているほか、ペーパーミルと呼ばれる粗悪な論文を不正に大量生産する問題も海外で指摘されています。私たちも、チェックしてきましたが、それだけで今の動向に対応できるかは不安もありますので、今回のような判定ソフトに期待しています」と話していました。

Translation

The Physical Society of Japan Introduced Software to Detect "AI-Written Papers"

March 25, 2026, 5:00 PM

Generative AI/Artificial Intelligence

The submission of poorly written papers seemingly written by AI to overseas academic journals had become a problem. In response, a research team at the National Institute of Informatics developed a software to determine whether scientific papers were written by AI, and the Physical Society of Japan (日本物理学会) brought in this on March 25th.

The software introduced by the Physical Society of Japan was developed by a research team led by Professor Isao Echizen (越前功) of the National Institute of Informatics to determine whether a scientific paper was written by a human or an AI.

According to Professor Echizen, numerous poorly written papers, including those containing inaccurate content seemingly written by AI, had been submitted to overseas academic journals, and that was posing a significant problem.

The developed software was trained on characteristic sentence patterns based on over 100,000 papers written by humans and AI, and could determine whether an English scientific paper was written by AI with over 90% accuracy.

Furthermore, the software could tell a text written using a function called a "humanizer" which rewrote text into more natural-sounding human-like language.

The Physical Society of Japan would introduce this software on the 25th and use it on papers submitted to its English-language academic journals.

The Physical Society of Japan allowed the use of AI in text editing and proofreading, and would initially use the software to understand the extent to which AI was being used in papers.

Naotomo Harimam (播磨尚朝), a director of the Physical Society of Japan stated "We hope that the introduction of this adjudication software will improve the efficiency of peer review and act as a deterrent against academic misconduct."

Professor Echizen, who developed the software also stated "The writing of academic papers using generative AI is becoming a serious threat. We hope that its use in peer review will contribute to the healthy advancement of academic research."

Rules for using AI in academic papers

To what extent the use of AI is permitted in academic papers?

According to the National Institute of Informatics and other sources, in Japan, the rules regarding the use of AI in writing academic papers were left to the discretion of induvial  university, research institution, and journal to which the paper was submitted.

The Physical Society of Japan believed that many researchers used AI to assist in tasks such as text revision and proofreading, and stated that it would not restrict the use of AI itself, as long as the author was responsible for its use.

However,

- regarding data and images to be included in academic papers, the usage of AI in ways that could lead to unintended fabrication or plagiarism, or

- the usage went beyond the scope of assistance, such as writing the majority of a paper using generative AI would not be permitted. They were urging caution in these regards.

They also recommended that if AI had been used, how it was used should be clearly stated in the paper.

Seiji Hayashi (林青司), a director of the Physical Society of Japan said "Data also shows that a sharp increase in the number of papers that appear to involve AI in recent years, and in overseas, the problem of paper milling, where low-quality papers are fraudulently mass-produced, has been pointed out. We have been performing checking, but we are concerned whether that alone would be sufficient to deal with the current trends, so we have high hope for adjudication software like this."

 So, the submission of poorly written papers, seemingly written by AI, has become a problem. In response, a research team at the National Institute of Informatics has developed software to determine whether scientific papers were written by AI. Apparently, AI is affecting our daily life in many respects.

Note:

1. The National Institute of Informatics (国立情報学研究所)（NII）is a Japanese research institute located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. NII was established in April 2000 for the purpose of advancing the study of informatics. This institute also works on creating systems to facilitate the spread of scientific information to the general public. (Wikipedia)

2. A "paper mill" (ペーパーミル) is an unethical organization (paper factory) that undertakes the fabrication and ghostwriting of research papers, mass-producing and selling them. By forging scientifically unfounded papers and submitting them to academic journals, they help researchers advance their careers and pose a serious problem that undermines the credibility of the scientific community. (Google)

Hair Regeneration Success in Experiments Using Mice: "Aiming for Application to Treat Alopecia"

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

毛の再生 マウス使った実験で成功 “脱毛症治療に応用目指す”

2026年2月25日午後5時20分

サイエンス

毛の再生に必要な3種類の細胞を特定し、マウスを使った実験で実際に毛を再生することに成功したとする研究成果を理化学研究所などのグループがまとめました。グループは脱毛症の治療への応用を目指すとしています。

理化学研究所の辻孝客員主管研究員らのグループは、これまでにマウスの皮膚から採取した2種類の細胞を使って、髪の毛を作り出す「毛包」という器官のもとを作製しています。

しかし、毛を生やすには皮膚に移植する必要があり、グループはほかにも発毛に関係する細胞があるとみてマウスの皮膚の細胞を詳しく解析しました。

その結果、ABM細胞という毛穴の近くから採取した細胞に、毛包を成長させ発毛を促す働きがあることを突きとめたということです。

この細胞と毛包のもとを作る2種類の細胞を大人のマウスから採取して一緒に培養したところ、1センチほどの毛が生え数週間ほどで生え替わったということです。

グループによりますと、薄毛などの脱毛症に悩む人は国内で2000万人以上いるとされますが、治療は毛が細くなるのを抑える薬などに限られるということで、グループは今後ヒトの細胞でも研究を進め、体の外で毛包と毛を作り出して患者に移植する臨床研究を行いたいとしています。

辻客員主管研究員は「髪の毛を毛包ごと移植できれば症状の重い人でも治療できる可能性がある。ヒトにも同様の細胞があり、実用化に向けて研究を進めたい」と話していました。

Translation

Hair Regeneration Success in Experiments Using Mice: "Aiming for Application to Treat Alopecia"

Science

A group including the RIKEN Institute had reported successful research results in identifying three types of cells necessary for hair regeneration, and successfully regenerating hair in experiments using mice. The group aimed to apply this to the treatment of alopecia.

A group led by Takashi Tsuji, an honorary supervising researcher at the RIKEN Institute who had previously used two types of cells extracted from mouse skin to create the base of “hair follicles” which were organs that produced hair.

However, hair growth required transplantation into the skin to grow. The group suspected that there were other cells involved in hair growth, so they conducted detailed analysis of mouse skin cells.

As a result, they discovered that ABM cells, cells extracted from near hair follicles, had the function of growing hair follicles and promoting hair growth.

When these cells, cultured together with two types of cells which formed the base of hair follicles that were extracted from adult mice, the hair grew about 1 cm and was then regenerated in a few weeks’ time. 

According to the group, it was said that there were more than 20 million people in Japan who were suffering from alopecia such as thinning hair, but treatments were limited to medications that controlled hair thinning. Therefore, the group planned to continue their research using human cells, and conduct clinical research to create hair follicles and hair outside human body and transplant them into patients.

Tsuji said, "If we can transplant hair along with its follicles, it may be possible to treat even people with severe symptoms. Human also have similar cells, and we would like to continue our research with the aim to put this into practical use."

So, a group from the RIKEN Institute has reported success in identifying three types of cells necessary for hair regeneration and successfully regenerating hair in experiments using mice cells. The group aims to use their finding to treat alopecia.

Note:

1. Hair loss, also known as alopecia or baldness, refers to a loss of hair from part of the head or body. Typically, at least the head is involved. The severity of hair loss can vary from a small area to the entire body. (Wikipedia)

2.  RIKEN ​is a large natural sciences research institute in Japan. Founded in 1917, it now has approximately 3000 scientists on seven campuses across Japan, the main one in Wako, just outside Tokyo. RIKEN is an Independent Administrative Institution whose formal name in Japanese is 理化学研究所 (Rikagaku Kenkyūjo) and in English is The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research. (Wikipedia)

3. Takashi Tsuji（つじ たかし） (辻 孝) is the honorary member of the group. He is a Japanese Life Science Researcher doing research activities at the RIKEN Institute (RIKEN). (ChatGPT)

To transplant iPS Cell into Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: Clinical Trials to Begin as Early as December Next Year

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

iPS細胞 脊髄損傷患者に移植 早ければ来年12月にも治験開始へ

2026年2月24日午後10時42分

iPS細胞

iPS細胞から作った神経のもとになる細胞を脊髄を損傷した患者に移植する世界初の治験を早ければ来年12月にも開始すると、慶応大学発のベンチャー企業が発表しました。

慶応大学などのグループは去年3月、事故などで脊髄を損傷し体が動かせなくなった患者4人にiPS細胞から作った神経のもとになる細胞を移植して運動機能を評価する臨床研究を行い、リハビリだけの場合よりも改善がみられたと報告しました。

この結果を受け慶応大学発のベンチャー企業「ケイファーマ」は24日に会見を開き、早ければ来年12月にも国の承認を得るための治験を始めると発表しました。

治験は脊髄を損傷してから数週間ほどたった重症患者7人程度を対象に行うということで、投与する細胞の数など具体的な計画は今後、検討するということです。

グループによりますとiPS細胞を使った脊髄損傷の治験は世界で初めてだということで、慶応大学の岡野栄之教授は「どんな患者にどれくらい細胞を投与すると効果が得られるのか見極め、一日も早く治療を社会実装できるよう進めていきたい」と話していました。

Translation

To transplant iPS Cell into Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: Clinical Trials to Begin as Early as December Next Year

iPS Cells

A venture company spun off from Keio University announced that it would as early as December next year begin the world's first clinical trial of transplanting nerve-forming cells created from iPS cells into patients with spinal cord injuries.

A group including Keio University conducted a clinical study in March last year by transplanting iPS cell-derived nerve-forming cells to evaluate the motor function of four patients who had been paralyzed by spinal cord injuries due to accidents or other causes. The group reported that the results showed improvement compared to just doing rehabilitation alone.

In response to these results, Kei Pharma, a venture company spun off from Keio University, held a press conference on the 24th and announced that it would begin clinical trials as early as December next year with the aim to earn government treatment approval.

The clinical trial would target approximately seven severely injured patients who had been injured for several weeks. Specific plans, such as the number of cells to be administered, would be considered later.

According to the group, this would be the first clinical trial in the world to use iPS cells for spinal cord injury, and Professor Hideyuki Okano (岡野栄之) of Keio University said, " We would like to determining which patients need how much of the cells to be administered to achieve a beneficial effect. We want to push it forward so that the treatment can be implemented in society as soon as possible."

So, a venture company under Keio University announces that it will begin the world's first clinical trial of transplanting nerve-forming cells created from iPS cells into patients with spinal cord injuries as early as December next year. I hope the transplant will be a success.

Japan's First Clinical Study of “Exosomes” for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

変形性ひざ関節症の治療に「エクソソーム」 国内初臨床研究

2026年2月17日午後6時42分

医療・健康

50歳以上の2人に1人がなるとされる「変形性ひざ関節症」の治療に、組織の再生を促す働きがあるとされる「エクソソーム」という物質が有効かを確かめる国内初の臨床研究を、神奈川県にある病院の研究グループが始めました。

これは神奈川県鎌倉市にある徳洲会湘南鎌倉総合病院の研究グループが、17日会見を開いて発表しました。

変形性ひざ関節症は加齢でひざの軟骨がすり減るなどして、変形や炎症が起きる病気で、国内の患者は50歳以上では2人に1人の割合とされています。

グループは、この病気の治療にエクソソームという物質が有効かを確かめる臨床研究を始め、ヒトの細胞の培養液から採取したエクソソームを1例目の患者に投与したと明らかにしました。

エクソソームは細胞から分泌される物質で、動物実験で軟骨を修復したと報告されるなど、組織の再生を促す働きがあるとされています。

美容などを目的に自由診療で提供するクリニックが増えていますが、グループによりますと、科学的に効果を確認する臨床研究は国内で初めてだということです。

ことし中に5人の患者に投与して安全性を確認するほか、痛みが治まるかやひざが動かしやすくなるかを評価するということです。

湘南鎌倉総合病院の小林修三院長は「高齢者の暮らしに大きく影響する病気なので、今回の研究をきっかけに多くの患者に応用できるようにしたい」と話していました。

Translation

Japan's First Clinical Study of “Exosomes” for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

February 17, 2026, 6:42 PM

Medicine & Health

A research group at a hospital in Kanagawa Prefecture had begun Japan's first clinical study to test whether “exosomes”, a substance believed to promote tissue regeneration, were effective in treating “knee osteoarthritis”, a condition that was estimated to affect one in two people over the age of 50.

This was announced at a press conference on the 17th by a research group at Tokushukai Shonan Kamakura General Hospital (徳洲会湘南鎌倉総合病院) in Kamakura City (鎌倉市), Kanagawa Prefecture(神奈川県).

Knee osteoarthritis was a disease that caused deformation and inflammation due to the wear and tear of knee cartilage because of aging. It was estimated that in Japan one in two people over the age of 50 suffered from this condition.

The group had begun clinical research to test whether exosomes were effective in treating this disease, and announced that they had administered exosomes extracted from human cell culture medium to the first patient.

Exosomes were substances secreted by cells that were believed to have the ability to promote tissue regeneration, as shown by reports that they could repair cartilage in animal experiments.

While there were an increasing number of clinics offering this treatment for cosmetic purposes, etc., but according to the group, this was the first clinical study in Japan to scientifically confirm their effectiveness.

The drug would be administered to five patients this year to confirm its safety, and to evaluate whether it relieved pain and made knee movement easier.

Shonan Kamakura General Hospital Director Shuzo Kobayashi (小林修三) said, "This is a disease that has a major impact on the lives of the elderly, I hope that this research will inspire this application to many patients. "

So, Japan has begun its first clinical study to test whether “exosomes”, a substance believed to promote tissue regeneration are effective in treating “knee osteoarthritis”, and to evaluate whether they can relieve pain and make knee movement easier. I hope good news will come out from this clinical study.

Note:

1. Exosomes (エクソソーム), ranging in size from 30 to 150 nanometers, are membrane-bound extracellular vehicles (EVs) that are produced in the endosomal compartment of most eukaryotic cells. In multicellular organisms, exosomes and other EVs are found in biological fluids including saliva, blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid. EVs have specialized functions in physiological processes, from coagulation and waste management to intercellular communication. (Wikipedia)

US clinical trial to transplant pig kidney into patient; kidney functions for up to 270 days

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

米 ブタの腎臓を患者に移植する治験 腎臓は最長で270日余機能

2026年2月15日午後10時49分

医療・健康

アメリカの病院などが進めている、ブタの腎臓を患者に移植する治験に携わる日本人医師が15日、都内で最新の経過を発表し、移植した腎臓は最も長い患者で270日余り機能したと報告しました。

これは15日、東京 千代田区で開かれたシンポジウムで、アメリカ・マサチューセッツ総合病院の河合達郎医師が発表しました。

シンポジウムで河合医師は、重い腎不全の患者にブタの腎臓を移植する手術をこれまで4人に行い、移植した腎臓は、最も長い患者で271日間機能して透析が必要ない状態だったと報告しました。

この患者はその後腎臓のドナーが見つかり、移植を受けて回復したということです。

また、ほかの3人のうち、1人は別の病気で死亡し、残りの2人は今も移植したブタの腎臓が機能しているということで、河合医師らは今後も手術を行いアメリカでの承認を目指すとしています。

動物の臓器などを治療のために移植する「異種移植」をめぐっては、ドナーの不足を背景に、国内でもブタの腎臓を移植する治験の準備を進める動きが出ています。

シンポジウムでは国立成育医療研究センターの神里彩子部長らが異種移植への理解について国内の3200人余りにアンケートした結果も報告され、全体の52.9％が異種移植を知らず、勧められた場合抵抗感があるとする回答も77％に上ったと紹介されました。

河合医師は、「日本ではドナーが圧倒的に足りず、移植を諦めている人が多い。われわれの治験の結果も参考にしてもらい、国内での実施について議論してほしい」と話していました。

Translation

US clinical trial to transplant pig kidney into patient; kidney functions for up to 270 days

February 15, 2026, 10:49 PM

Medicine & Health

A Japanese doctor involved in a clinical trial of pig kidney transplants into patients, currently being conducted at American hospitals, gave an update on the progress in Tokyo on the 15th, reporting that the transplanted kidney had functioned for over 270 days in the longest-lasting patient.

This was announced on the 15th at a symposium held in Chiyoda Ward of Tokyo by Dr. Tatsuro Kawai (河合達郎) from the Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States.

At the symposium, Dr. Kawai reported that he had performed pig kidney transplants on four patients with severe kidney failure, and that the transplanted kidney functioned for 271 days in this longest-lasting patient without the need for dialysis.

This patient subsequently found a kidney donor, received a transplant and recovered.

Of the other three patients, while one died of a different illness, for the remaining two, the transplanted pig kidney was still functioning, so Dr. Kawai and his colleagues planned to continue performing surgeries and seek approval in the United States.

Regarding xenotransplantation, the transplantation of animal organs for medical treatment, a shortage of donors had led to movements in Japan to prepare clinical trials for pig kidney transplants.

At the symposium, Director Ayako Kamisato (神里彩子) of the National Center for Child Health and Development and her colleagues reported the results of a survey of over 3,200 people in Japan regarding their understanding of xenotransplantation which found out that 52.9% of respondents were unaware of xenotransplantation, and 77% would be hesitant if it were offered to them.

Dr. Kawai said, "There is an overwhelming shortage of donors in Japan, and many people give up transplanting. I would like the results of our clinical trial to be used as a reference in discussing doing transplantation in Japan."

So, a Japanese doctor involved in a clinical trial of transplanting pig kidney into patients in the US gives an update on the progress and reports that in the longest-lasting patient, the transplanted kidney has functioned for over 270 days. I think this is an impressive medical record.

Keio University Venture Improves Cardiac Function with Cardiomyocytes made from iPS Cells

Recent NHK News on-line reported the following:

“iPS細胞から作った心筋球で心機能改善” 慶応大発ベンチャー

2025年12月16日午後8時46分

iPS細胞

iPS細胞から作った心臓の筋肉の細胞を心不全の患者に移植したところ、心機能に改善が見られたとする治験の結果を、慶応大学発のベンチャー企業が発表しました。

慶応大学発のベンチャー企業「ハートシード」は、重い心不全の患者10人の心臓に、iPS細胞から作った心臓の筋肉の細胞のかたまり「心筋球」を注射で移植する治験を進めてきました。

5000万個から1億5000万個の細胞を心臓の血流を改善するための手術とあわせて移植し、半年以上たった時点で心機能の変化などを解析しました。

その結果、このうち8人は血液を送り出す心機能の数値が改善したほか、7人は階段を上るときなどに見られたどうきや息切れなどの症状がなくなり、6分間に歩ける距離が150メートルから500メートルに延びた人もいたということです。

重い副作用はなく、手術の影響が及ばない部分の心筋の動きにも改善が見られたとして、企業は今回のデータをもとに、来年の夏にも国への承認申請を目指すとしています。

この企業の社長で慶応大学の福田恵一名誉教授は「移植する細胞の数が多いほうが改善する傾向が見られた。多くの患者にこの治療を届けたい」と話していました。

iPS細胞をめぐっては、ことしに入り心臓病とパーキンソン病の治療で国に承認申請が行われるなど、実用化を目指す動きが相次いでいます。

Translation

Keio University Venture Improves Cardiac Function with  Cardiomyocytes made from iPS Cells

A Keio University (慶応大学) based venture company announced the results of a clinical trial showing that transplanting cardiac muscle cells created from iPS cells into patients with heart failure had improved their cardiac function.

HeartSeed, a Keio University-based venture company, had been conducting clinical trials to inject "cardiospheric cell clusters" (cardiac muscle cells created from iPS cells) into the hearts of 10 patients with severe heart failure.

Between 50 million and 150 million cells along were transplanted in conjunction with surgery to improve blood flow to the heart, then after over six months changes in cardiac function were analyzed.

The result was that eight of the patients experienced improvements in their cardiac pumping function, 7 people no longer experienced symptoms such as palpitations or shortness of breath when climbing stairs, and some patients even increased their six-minute walking distance from 150 meters to 500 meters.

There were no serious side effects and the surgery showed improvement in the function of myocardium in areas not affected by the surgery, the company aimed to apply for approval from the national government next summer.

The company's president and Keio University professor emeritus Keiichi Fukuda (福田恵一) said, "We observe a tendency for the more cells transplanted the better. We would like to make this treatment available to many patients."

There had been a series of movements in putting iPS cells to practical use, including applications for national approval this year for the treatment of heart disease and Parkinson's disease.

              So, Japan has announced the results of a clinical trial showing that transplanting cardiac muscle cells created from iPS cells into patients with heart failure could improve the cardiac function. Apparent, Japan is quietly making some improvements in using iPS cells to improve conditions of patients, from problems in the eye to the heart. It has already built an iPS cells bank that can help make iPS cell available quickly and economically. I am expecting more good news in this respect.

Approximately 30% of diabetes cases in young, non-obese people are caused by genetic mutations, according to the Japan Diabetes Society.

Recently NHK News on-line reported the following:

若く肥満ない人の糖尿病 約3割は遺伝子変異が原因 糖尿病学会

2025年11月20日午前6時12分

医療・健康

35歳未満で糖尿病と診断され、肥満などがない人の、およそ3割は、遺伝子の変異が病気の原因だとする調査結果を、日本糖尿病学会のグループがまとめました。

糖尿病は主に、自分の免疫などが原因で発症する1型と、加齢や肥満、体質などが影響して発症する2型がありますが、いずれにもあてはまらず、若い年齢で診断される患者も少なくありません。

日本糖尿病学会の研究グループは、全国の医療機関で35歳未満で診断された患者のうち、1型ではなく肥満もない232人を対象に、インスリンの分泌などに関わる11種類の遺伝子を解析しました。

その結果、全体の28.9％にあたる67人は、いずれかの遺伝子に変異が見つかり、こうした遺伝子がうまく働いていないことが糖尿病の原因とみられるとわかったということです。

67人の多くはインスリン注射などをしていましたが、原因となる遺伝子がわかることで、血糖値が高めでも症状が出にくいタイプで、治療が必要ないとわかったり、注射から飲み薬に切り替えられたりするなど、適切な治療を提案できることがわかったとしています。

グループの推計では、こうした患者は国内に数万人いるとみられるということです。

研究グループの代表で京都大学の稲垣暢也名誉教授は「糖尿病の遺伝子検査は保険適用されておらず、原因がわからないまま治療を受けているケースは少なくない。適切な治療につなげるため、検査の保険適用を求めたい」と話していました。

遺伝子変異が原因のケース 検査は広く行われず

糖尿病は、血糖値を下げる働きのあるインスリンが、すい臓で十分作られなかったり働かなかったりして血糖値が高くなる病気で、厚生労働省の平成28年の推計では、国内の患者はおよそ1000万人とされています。

初期症状として、のどの渇きや疲労感などが出るほか、血糖値が高い状態が続くと血管が傷ついて心臓病や腎臓病などのリスクが高まり、人工透析が必要になることもあります。

糖尿病には主に、▽インスリンを作る細胞を自分の免疫が攻撃してしまうなどして発症する1型と、▽加齢や肥満、体質などが影響して発症する2型があり、原因に応じた治療が行われます。

一般的には、運動や食事の改善が行われ、血糖値が下がらない場合はインスリン注射や飲み薬で治療します。

糖尿病にはこのほか、インスリンの分泌などに関わる遺伝子の変異が原因のケースもありますが、日本糖尿病学会によりますと、国内ではこうした遺伝子を調べる検査に公的な医療保険が適用されておらず、広く行われていないため、患者の詳しい実態はわかっていないということです。

Translation

Approximately 30% of diabetes cases in young, non-obese people are caused by genetic mutations, according to the Japan Diabetes Society.

A group from the Japan Diabetes Society had compiled survey results suggesting that genetic mutations were the cause of approximately 30% of people under the age of 35 who were not obese yet diagnosed with diabetes.

Diabetes was primarily divided into type 1, which was caused by factors such as the immune system, and type 2, which was caused by aging, obesity, or physical constitution. However, many patients did not fit either category and were diagnosed at a young age.

A research group from the Japan Diabetes Society at medical institutions nationwide studied 232 non-obese and non-type 1 diabetic patients under the age of 35 in order to analyze 11 genes related to insulin secretion and other processes.

The results showed that 67 patients, or 28.9% of the total, their genes weren't working smoothly​, suggesting that the malfunction of these genes could the cause of diabetes.

While many of these 67 people were receiving insulin injections, by identifying the causative genes, it was discovered that some people had a type of diabetes that was less likely to cause symptoms even when their blood sugar levels were high and therefore no treatment was necessary, or they could switch from injections to oral medication etc., making it possible to suggest different appropriate treatments.

The group estimated that there were tens of thousands of such patients in Japan.

Research group leader and Kyoto University Professor Emeritus Nobuya Inagaki (稲垣暢也) said, "Genetic testing for diabetes is not covered by insurance, and in many cases, patients are receiving treatment without knowing the cause. I would like to request insurance coverage to do testing so that patients can receive the right treatment."

Cases Caused by Genetic Mutations: Testing Not Widely Carried Out

Diabetes was a disease in which the pancreas did not produce enough insulin which lowered blood sugar levels, or did not function properly causing blood sugar levels to rise. According to a 2016 estimate by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, there were approximately 10 million patients in Japan.

Initial symptoms included thirst and fatigue. Prolonged high blood sugar levels could damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease and kidney disease, and might even require dialysis.

There were two main types of diabetes: type 1, which occurs when the body's own immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, and type 2, which develops as a result of aging, obesity, or physical make-up. Treatment was based on the cause.

Generally, treatment involved exercise and dietary changes, and if blood sugar levels did not decrease, insulin injections or oral medication were used.

Diabetes could also be caused by mutations in genes related to insulin secretion, but according to the Japan Diabetes Society, testing for these genes would not be covered by public health insurance in Japan and was not widely available, so the details of the patient's actual condition were not known.

              So, a research group in Japan has studied 232 non-obese and non-type 1 diabetic patients who are under the age of 35 so as to analyze 11 genes related to insulin secretion etc. As diabetes could also be caused by mutations in genes related to insulin secretion, testing for these genes would help identify the causative genes and make it possible to suggest more appropriate treatments.

iPS Cell - Clinical Study of Spinal Cord Injury: Patient Reported Improvement Discusses his Decision-Making

Recently NHK News on-live reported the following:

iPS細胞 脊髄損傷の臨床研究 改善報告の患者が決断の心境語る

2025年9月28日 1時28分

ことし3月、慶応大学などのグループがiPS細胞を使った脊髄損傷の臨床研究で症状の改善がみられた世界初のケースと報告した患者の1人が初めて取材に応じ、研究への参加を決断した際の心境を語りました。

iPS細胞をめぐっては、ことしに入り、治療の実用化を目指した研究成果の発表などの動きが相次いでいます。

このうち慶応大学などのグループは事故などで脊髄を損傷し体が動かせなくなった患者4人にiPS細胞から作った神経のもとになる細胞を移植して運動機能を評価する臨床研究を行い、重症度の同じ患者がリハビリだけ行った場合よりも改善がみられたとことし3月に報告しています。

グループはiPS細胞を使った脊髄損傷の臨床研究で症状の改善がみられた世界初のケースとしていて、今回、2年前に移植を受けた患者が初めて取材に応じました。

この男性患者は4人の中で最も改善がみられ、スプーンなどを手に固定することで食事をとれるようになったほか自分で体重を支えられるようになり、歩く練習も始めたということです。

男性は「世界で例のない手術なので受けるかどうかすぐには決められませんでした。不安が9割、期待が1割でしたが可能性にかけようと決断しました。初めて足が動いたときはうれしくてすぐに妻に伝えました。リハビリは大変で痛みやしびれに悩まされていますが、周りの励ましもあり頑張っています。今回のものを含めいろいろな治療の研究が広がればと思います」と話していました。

慶応大学の中村雅也教授は、「中枢神経は一度傷つくと再生しないと信じられてきた。研究には手応えを感じていて、今後症例を重ね確証に近づけていきたい」と話していました。

研究グループは今後、国の承認を目指した治験を行うとしています。

Translation

Recently NHK News online reported the following:

iPS Cell - Clinical Study of Spinal Cord Injury: Patient Reported Improvement Discusses his Decision-Making

September 28, 2025, 1:28 AM

In March of this year, a group including Keio University reported the world's first case of clinical study using iPS cells showed improvement in spinal cord injury symptoms. One patient spoke for the first time about his thoughts when he decided to participate in the study.

This year, there was a series of activity surrounding iPS cells, including the announcement of research results etc. that aimed at the practical application of iPS cells for treatment.

One of these groups, including Keio University, conducted a clinical study in which four patients who had suffered spinal cord injury due to an accident or other causes that made them unable to move their bodies were transplanted with nerve-forming cells created from iPS cells to evaluate their motor function. In March this year, they reported that the improvement was greater compared to those of patients with the same severity who underwent rehabilitation alone.

The group claimed the world's first case of symptomatic improvement in a clinical study of spinal cord injury using iPS cells. Now, for the first time, a patient who received the transplant two years ago spoke to us.

Of the four patients, this male showed the greatest improvement, being able to eat by holding a spoon in his hand, and becoming able to support his own weight, and even began to practise walking.

The man commented, "Because this is a surgery that has never been seen before in the world, I couldn't decide right away whether to have it. I was 90% anxious and 10% excited, but I decided to take a chance. I was so happy when I was able to move my legs for the first time that I immediately told my wife. Rehabilitation is difficult, and I'm tormented by pain and numbness, but with the encouragement from those around me, I'm doing my best. I hope that research into various treatments, including this one, will spread."

Professor Nakamura Masaya (中村雅也)of Keio University commented, " It was once believed that the central nervous system would be incapable of regeneration once damaged.” We are seeing positive results from our research, and we would like to continue to accumulate cases to solidify our conclusions."

The research group planned to conduct clinical trials with the aim of gaining national approval.

              So, researchers in Japan have reported the world's first case of symptomatic improvement in a clinical study of spinal cord injury using iPS cells. One patient is able to eat by holding a spoon in his hand, and becoming able to support his own weight, and even begins to practise walking. Apparently, this research has challenged our belief that the central nervous system does not regenerate once damaged.