It is with great honor to announce that I have been appointed as the Representative Director and Chairperson of the Forum for Innovative Regenerative Medicine. I have previously served as chairperson for two consecutive terms, totaling four years. Following the conclusion of my term two years ago, I have been actively involved in the operations of the organization as Representative Director and Vice Chairperson. I am deeply humbled to have been entrusted with this important role once again, and I am committed to fulfilling my responsibilities with the utmost dedication and integrity.
Regenerative medicine is a highly innovative field that offers new hope for diseases that have been difficult to treat. This field is also attracting global attention due to its potential for the development of a wide range of products, including iPS cells. Our mission is to ensure that our research results are successfully translated into practical applications and delivered safely and efficiently to patients. To achieve this, it is crucial to promote industrialization and establish an integrated framework that seamlessly bridges research and development with manufacturing and distribution.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of platforms that contribute to the development and provision of regenerative medicine products as a means of accelerating their practical application. One of the distinctive characteristics of our organization is that it includes not only enterprises directly involved in regenerative medicine products but also many enterprises engaged in related materials, equipment, facilities, and services. Furthermore, the role of contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) has become increasingly pivotal in recent years. Together with our diverse membership, I am committed to promoting the successful commercialization of cutting-edge technologies and early identified ideas, as well as to contributing to the overall advancement of the industry.
At the same time, I intend to further advance regenerative medicine through global expansion. Leveraging Japan’s advanced technical capabilities and commitment to quality, we will first focus on strengthening our partnerships with Asian countries to establish a competitive international industrial base. Additionally, we will actively engage in efforts to build a global network and promote international information exchange.
As such, I earnestly request the ongoing guidance and support of all our members and related parties. Let us join forces to pioneer the future of regenerative medicine originating from Japan.
Ken-ichiro Hata, Chairperson of the Forum for Innovative Regenerative Medicine