We aim to advance regenerative medicine for vision by transplanting retinal tissues differentiated from iPS cells. To achieve effective visual reconstruction, it is essential not only to enhance the transplanted tissue but also to develop peripheral technologies for patient-side factors, such as post-treatment rehabilitation, new examination methods, and innovations that improve visual functions. The purpose of this study is to establish an academic foundation for vision and create novel, science-based technologies.

To date, we have been conducting clinical research for visual recovery by transplanting iPS-derived retinal tissues in adventitiously blind patients with degenerative retinal diseases. Although the academic and clinical findings obtained in the clinical study have been highly evaluated, the development of peripheral technologies that maximize the sophistication and optimization of regenerative tissues and their effects will lead to the global establishment of regenerative medicine. We believe this is an urgent task and essential for establishing an academic foundation for such technologies.

In this study, as a foundation for developing advanced medical care that will be globally accepted, we will focus on creating innovative solutions for visual reconstruction. We will enhance the environment for the early-stage industrialization of these innovations and establish a strong foundation for international collaboration. Our vision is to provide all kinds of solutions for all patients, not just in Japan but also around the globe.

We will develop a research system for next-generation regenerative medicine for vision. In particular, we will sow the seeds for visual reconstruction, enhance the environment for the early-stage industrialization of these innovations, and establish a strong foundation for international collaboration. We will advance research on regenerative medicine and peripheral technologies while preparing for patent applications in collaboration with related faculties within the university. For international collaboration, we will hold joint meetings with international vision researchers to build a collaborative system for research, medical care, and industrialization.

By creating a new model of industry-academia collaboration, we aim to smoothly disseminate visual research and retinal medicine, and to develop internationally accepted advanced medical care. Our goal is to create a next-generation society, and we believe that we can contribute to all fields.

Partnerships:

In addition to collaborating with researchers in visual science, the commercialization of the developed technology requires collaboration with intellectual property specialists. To bring the technology from our university to the world, we aim to promote strategic meetings and research activities in collaboration with the faculties responsible for intellectual property education within the university on a regular basis. Such efforts have rarely been carried out in laboratories so far, but we believe they are essential for fostering active research and development and enhancing industry-academia collaboration in the future.

Research collaborations:

We hope to encourage and witness researchers from various fields coming together, leveraging their strengths, and collaborating with a shared vision of achieving visual reconstruction. At the same time, we aim to foster an environment where participants feel motivated and rewarded by their voluntary involvement in the project, rather than feeling compelled to participate.