#Japan #Tokyo #Sky Labs #CART BP pro #Otsuka

Sky Labs Partners with Otsuka Pharmaceutical for CART BP pro in Japan

On February 6, 2026, Sky Labs Inc. announced a significant step in its global expansion by entering into an exclusive distribution agreement with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for its innovative blood pressure monitoring device, CART BP pro. This partnership marks an important milestone for the Seoul-based healthcare company as it aims to enhance patient care within the Japanese hospital and clinic markets.

Background of the Partnership

This new agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in December 2024, which set the groundwork for collaboration between Sky Labs and Otsuka. Initially, Sky Labs explored global expansion through Otsuka Pharmaceutical Korea, transitioning into formal discussions with the parent company in Japan. This relationship serves as a prime example of Open Innovation, where a dynamic Korean startup utilizes the local presence of a multinational corporation to forge a successful partnership at a global level.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical's Role

Otsuka, a leading global pharmaceutical company, is esteemed for providing a wide array of healthcare solutions and is regarded as one of the most trusted entities in Japan's healthcare sector. By collaborating with Otsuka, Sky Labs intends to leverage the pharmaceutical giant's extensive cardiovascular expertise and established distribution network to broaden its reach to a larger patient demographic across Japan.

Addressing Hypertension in Japan

With an alarming 43 million individuals diagnosed with hypertension in Japan, the need for effective monitoring and treatment has never been greater. Studies indicate that nearly 29% of patients fail to achieve adequate blood pressure control despite ongoing treatment, and about 33% remain unaware of their condition. Furthermore, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring is increasingly recognized for its clinical significance, particularly as abnormal blood pressure patterns and nocturnal hypertension are linked to a heightened risk of organ damage and cerebrovascular incidents. In light of these statistics, SKY Labs anticipates that CART BP pro will make a vital contribution to hypertension management in Japan, from precise diagnosis to the development of tailored treatment strategies and systematic evaluation of therapeutic success.

Proven Technology

CART BP pro has already demonstrated its technological prowess in the South Korean market. Following its approval as a medical device by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in 2023, the device received recognition in 2024 under the national health insurance scheme. As of now, CART BP pro is utilized for 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in over 1,700 healthcare institutions across the country, including university hospitals, with more than 150,000 prescriptions registered in the first year after its launch. This established success and clinical reliability were critical factors leading to the conclusion of the exclusive distribution agreement with Otsuka.

Innovative Measurement Technology

Unlike traditional blood pressure monitors that require an inflatable cuff, often causing discomfort and disrupted sleep during nighttime readings, CART BP pro employs the non-invasive photoplethysmography (PPG) technology. This advancement allows patients to comfortably monitor their blood pressure anytime, including during sleep, while healthcare providers receive stable and accurate data for precise treatment planning.

A Vision for Global Leadership

Jack Byunghwan Lee, CEO of Sky Labs, expressed enthusiasm about the Japanese market entry, stating, “Starting from our introduction in Japan, we will further validate our unique blood pressure measurement technology on the global stage, aiming to position ourselves as a leader in global blood pressure monitoring.”

About Sky Labs

Founded in September 2015, Sky Labs is a healthcare company dedicated to developing and operating the CART technology platform for monitoring chronic diseases. After launching its first CART product in 2020 for atrial fibrillation monitoring, the company received medical approval for CART BP pro in 2023, a wearable device for 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. The device was recognized as a reimbursable service by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) in 2024, and is widely utilized across Korea. In September 2025, Sky Labs also introduced CART BP, a consumer-focused blood pressure monitoring device.

About Otsuka

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a comprehensive healthcare company focused on fostering individual well-being. The company offers medical solutions for both physical and mental health, as well as nutraceutical products designed for everyday health maintenance.

This partnership between Sky Labs and Otsuka represents a forward stride in enhancing healthcare accessibility and monitoring technologies across Japan, thereby aiming for improved outcomes in hypertension management.