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

Introduction

In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare technology in Japan, Sky Labs Inc., under the leadership of CEO Jack Byunghwan Lee, has recently finalized an exclusive distribution agreement with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. This partnership aims to introduce Sky Labs' innovative blood pressure monitoring device, the CART BP pro, into Japanese hospitals and clinics, marking a pivotal moment for both companies as they strive to meet the growing demand for effective hypertension management.

Background of the Agreement

Announced on February 6, 2026, this agreement follows a memorandum of understanding (MoU) established between Sky Labs and Otsuka in December 2024. Initially, Sky Labs sought expansion opportunities through Otsuka Pharmaceutical Korea, leading to formal negotiations with Otsuka's global headquarters. This collaboration highlights a successful case of open innovation where a South Korean startup leverages the local arm of a multinational corporation to establish a direct partnership.

As a globally recognized pharmaceutical company, Otsuka has built a reputation for providing a wide array of medical solutions and is considered one of the most reliable firms in Japan's healthcare landscape. This partnership promises to enhance the accessibility of CART BP pro to a broader patient population, expediting its adoption across Japanese healthcare facilities.

The Growing Need for Effective Blood Pressure Monitoring

With an estimated 43 million individuals in Japan suffering from hypertension, the significance of effective monitoring has never been more apparent. Research indicates that around 29% of these patients struggle to maintain adequate blood pressure control despite treatment, while approximately one-third remain unaware of their condition. Anomalous blood pressure profiles over 24 hours, particularly nocturnal hypertension, have been linked to increased risks of organ damage and cerebrovascular diseases, further emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring.

The CART BP pro device is designed to address these clinical needs. It facilitates accurate diagnosis and strategic therapeutic planning, ultimately aiming to enhance patient outcomes in hypertension management.

Technological Advantages of CART BP pro

Sky Labs' CART BP pro has already proven its technological efficacy 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 gained recognition for reimbursement under South Korea's national health insurance system the following year. It has since been prescribed for 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in over 1,700 medical institutions, achieving remarkable cumulative prescriptions exceeding 150,000 within just a year post-launch.

Traditional blood pressure monitors typically rely on inflatable cuffs, which can be uncomfortable, painful, and disruptive during nighttime measurements. In contrast, the CART BP pro employs photoplethysmography (PPG) technology, allowing for blood pressure measurements without the use of a cuff. This non-invasive approach enables patients to comfortably measure their blood pressure during daily activities and sleep, providing healthcare professionals with reliable data to devise suitable treatment plans.

Future Prospects

Jack Byunghwan Lee, CEO of Sky Labs, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, "Starting from our entry into the Japanese market, we will continue to validate our unique blood pressure monitoring technology globally, taking a significant step forward as a leader in the world of blood pressure monitoring." The collaboration is expected to advance Sky Labs’ mission to provide innovative healthcare solutions while improving the management of hypertension in Japan.

About Sky Labs

Founded in September 2015, Sky Labs specializes in healthcare technology. The company developed the CART device and platform aimed at monitoring chronic disease patients. Since launching the first CART for atrial fibrillation monitoring in 2020, the company has expanded its technology capabilities. The CART BP pro, a blood pressure monitoring device, received medical device approval and national insurance recognition in South Korea, and continues to evolve with the introduction of consumer-friendly versions through online platforms.

About Otsuka Pharmaceutical

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. focuses on enhancing individual well-being through its innovative healthcare solutions. The company emphasizes the potential of each person and provides treatments and diagnostic solutions for physical and mental health preservation, guided by a commitment to scientific evidence and their corporate philosophy, "Otsuka – people who create new products for better global health."

This partnership between Sky Labs and Otsuka is set to transform how blood pressure is monitored in Japan, potentially establishing a new standard of care in patient management and healthcare delivery.