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

Sky Labs and Otsuka Pharmaceutical: A New Era in Blood Pressure Monitoring in Japan

Sky Labs Inc., under the leadership of CEO Jack Byunghwan Lee, has made significant strides in the medical technology sector by entering into an exclusive distribution agreement with Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., aimed at launching their innovative blood pressure monitoring device, 'CART BP pro' in the Japanese market. This collaboration is not just a business deal; it represents a significant step forward in improving hypertension management within the healthcare system in Japan.

The deal comes on the heels of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the two companies in December 2024, which set the foundation for extensive discussions and negotiations leading up to this formal agreement. By leveraging Otsuka's established distribution network and deep-rooted expertise in cardiovascular health, Sky Labs hopes to enhance access to their pioneering technology in an environment that presents immense opportunities.

According to recent data, around 43 million individuals in Japan suffer from hypertension. Alarmingly, a significant proportion of these patients—approximately 29%—struggle to control their blood pressure despite receiving treatment. Additionally, about one-third of these patients remain unaware of their condition, which underscores the pressing need for advanced monitoring solutions like CART BP pro. This device promises to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by providing comprehensive data that can improve diagnosis and treatment strategies.

CART BP pro is built upon proven technology that has already achieved widespread adoption in Korea, where it is used in over 1,700 institutions, alongside national health insurance coverage. This track record offers a strong foundation for its introduction to the Japanese marketplace, where advanced and effective healthcare solutions are in high demand.

One of the standout features of CART BP pro is that it employs photoplethysmography (PPG) technology, a method that obviates the discomfort commonly associated with traditional cuff-based blood pressure monitors. Unlike conventional devices that restrict blood flow with an inflatable cuff, which can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep patterns during nighttime monitoring, CART BP pro measures blood pressure comfortably during daily activities or while the patient sleeps. This not only improves the patient experience but also enhances the reliability of the data collected—key to developing appropriate treatment plans.

Jack Byunghwan Lee, CEO of Sky Labs, expressed the company's ambitions stating, "By entering Japan's market, we are eager to validate our unique technology on a global scale and pave the way toward becoming a leader in the blood pressure monitoring industry." With this exclusive distribution agreement, Sky Labs and Otsuka aim not just to capture market share but also to contribute meaningfully to enhancing health outcomes for millions of hypertension patients in Japan.

As a healthcare innovator, Sky Labs has set a solid precedent for its offerings since its establishment in September 2015. With the successful launch of their medical device CART, originally designed for atrial fibrillation monitoring, the company has considerably widened its horizons. Recently receiving medical device approval for CART BP pro in Korea, followed by the introduction of a consumer-grade version of the blood pressure monitor, demonstrates their commitment to pioneering smart healthcare solutions.

The collaboration reflects a model of open innovation that sees a Korean startup partnering with a multinational corporation, facilitating a bridge to not only enhance product availability but to also foster deeper insights into patient care worldwide. As both health organizations pool their expertise and resources, the future of blood pressure monitoring in Japan looks promising.

This collaboration also has broader implications for healthcare technology. By setting standards for innovative solutions that address significant national health challenges like hypertension, Sky Labs and Otsuka are not only responding to current needs but are also paving the way for future advancements in medical technologies that aim to enhance both patient comfort and clinical accuracy.

In summary, as Japan faces growing hypertension challenges, the introduction of CART BP pro—backed by a robust partnership between Sky Labs and Otsuka Pharmaceutical—has the potential to significantly change how hypertension is monitored and managed across the nation, reinforcing the importance of insightful healthcare technology in improving patient outcomes.