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

Exclusive Distribution Agreement in Japan

On February 6, 2026, Sky Labs Inc., led by CEO Jack Byunghwan Lee, announced a significant exclusive distribution agreement with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for their innovative blood pressure monitoring device, CART BP pro. This partnership marks a vital step in improving hypertension management in Japan's healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics.

This agreement follows a memorandum of understanding that both companies signed in December 2024. Initially, Sky Labs explored international expansion potential through Otsuka Pharmaceutical Korea. Subsequent introductions led to formal discussions and negotiations with Otsuka's global headquarters, showcasing an exemplary model of open innovation. A South Korean startup is collaborating directly with a multinational corporation's headquarters to drive healthcare innovation.

Otsuka, a well-established global pharmaceutical company, offers a wide array of medical solutions and is recognized as a trusted entity within the Japanese healthcare system. By leveraging Otsuka's extensive expertise in cardiology and vast distribution network, Sky Labs aims to reach a broader patient population and accelerate the adoption of CART BP pro across Japan.

Currently, Japan has an estimated 43 million patients with hypertension. Alarmingly, approximately 29% of these individuals do not achieve adequate blood pressure control despite treatment, while about 33% remain unaware of their condition. The pressing need for effective monitoring is amplified by emerging clinical insights regarding 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), which has shown a correlation with increased risks of organ damage and cerebrovascular disease. Amid these clinical challenges and the extensive patient population, CART BP pro is poised to contribute significantly to hypertension management, offering accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.

CART BP pro's proven performance in Korea enhances its credibility. After receiving the necessary medical device approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) in 2023, the device gained recognition for reimbursement from national health insurance in 2024. Currently, it is prescribed for 24-hour ABPM in over 1,700 medical institutions nationwide, including university hospitals. Within just one year of its domestic launch, CART BP pro has surpassed 150,000 cumulative prescriptions.

One key factor behind the success of this exclusive distribution agreement is the technological innovation that CART BP pro introduces in blood pressure monitoring. Conventional blood pressure meters often employ inflatable cuffs to momentarily occlude blood flow, resulting in patient discomfort, pain, and sleep disturbances during nighttime measurements. In stark contrast, CART BP pro utilizes photoplethysmography (PPG) technology, allowing for blood pressure measurement without a cuff. This innovation empowers patients to conveniently monitor their blood pressure during daily activities and while sleeping, ensuring that healthcare providers receive stable data for crafting effective treatment plans.

Jack Byunghwan Lee, Sky Labs' CEO, expressed optimism about this new venture, stating, “With our entry into the Japanese market as a starting point, we will continue to validate our unique blood pressure monitoring technology in the global market and take the next step as a leading player in the worldwide blood pressure monitoring industry.”

About Sky Labs

Founded in September 2015, Sky Labs develops and operates CART, a ring-shaped medical device and monitoring platform targeting patients with chronic conditions. The company's technological journey began with the introduction of the first CART in 2020, designed to monitor atrial fibrillation through cardiac signals from optical sensors. Building on this expertise, Sky Labs received medical approval for the CART BP pro in 2023. By 2024, the device was validated by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service for coverage under existing medical procedures in Korea.

About Otsuka Pharmaceutical

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is an integrated healthcare enterprise focused on harnessing the potential of every individual for better health. Their medical activities emphasize treatments and diagnostics for both physical and mental wellness, while their nutraceutical endeavors support daily health maintenance and improvement. Otsuka's innovative and science-based offerings are borne from its commitment to the company philosophy: "Otsuka – people creating new products for better health worldwide."