News

・Vitiligo is a condition in which areas of the skin lose their color. Vitiligo vulgaris, which is considered the most common form of acquired vitiligo, is estimated to affect approximately 150,000 potential patients in Japan.

・Many patients initially visit local dermatology clinics and receive treatments such as topical medications and phototherapy. However, some patients do not achieve sufficient results with these treatments and require additional treatment options.

・For such patients, when surgical treatment such as transplantation of autologous cultured epidermis using JACEMIN, which is manufactured by culturing the patient's own cells, is required, treatment is provided at specialized medical institutions, such as university hospitals, that have the necessary surgical facilities and inpatient capabilities.

・To ensure that patients receive appropriate information about surgical treatment options, including regenerative medicine, at the local dermatology clinics they regularly visit, and can smoothly transition to treatment at specialized medical institutions when necessary, closer collaboration between local clinics and specialized medical institutions is becoming increasingly important.

・By combining Maruho's strong network with dermatology facilities throughout Japan with J-TEC's role in manufacturing and ensuring the stable supply of JACEMIN, the two companies will work together to strengthen collaboration between local clinics and specialized medical institutions and establish an environment that enables patients to smoothly access the treatment they need.

・As a specialty pharmaceutical company in dermatology, Maruho provides information to approximately 10,000 dermatologists in Japan. As the exclusive distribution partner for JACEMIN, Maruho will provide information on JACEMIN to dermatology facilities nationwide.

・As the marketing authorization holder for JACEMIN, J-TEC will leverage the technology and expertise it has accumulated to provide specialized medical institutions conducting surgical treatments with technical support for surgical procedures and safety management support, helping to create an environment in which patients can receive treatment with confidence.

・By leveraging their respective strengths, J-TEC and Maruho will deepen collaboration among medical institutions through initiatives including study meetings for physicians in local communities, while also promoting awareness of vitiligo treatment.

J-TEC will accelerate the establishment of treatment systems at specialized medical institutions throughout Japan, with the aim of consistently achieving more than 100 cases annually within the next several years. Maruho will make the necessary preparations and commence full-scale sales activities in April 2027.
The two companies will work to build regional collaboration between dermatology clinics and specialized medical institutions and provide treatment opportunities to patients with vitiligo who need JACEMIN.

Autologous Cultured Epidermis
Containing Melanocytes "JACEMIN"

Comment from Kazuto Yamada, President and CEO, Japan Tissue Engineering Co., Ltd.
"We believe that Maruho, with its strong network of dermatologists throughout Japan, is the best partner for us in delivering more appropriate treatment to patients living with vitiligo. Through this partnership, we will make every effort to help establish JACEMIN as a widely adopted treatment option for vitiligo and contribute to improving the quality of life of more patients."

Comment from Atsushi Sugita, President and CEO, Maruho Co., Ltd.
"Vitiligo can significantly impact patients' quality of life. At the same time, effective treatment options remain limited, and some patients may give up seeking treatment. We consider this an overlooked unmet need. Under our Long-Term Vision 2036, 'Transcending boundaries with dermatology, for every YOU.', we will work together with J-TEC, which has expertise in regenerative medicine products, to contribute to better daily lives and more smiles for people living with vitiligo."

About Japan Tissue Engineering Co., Ltd. (J-TEC)
J-TEC is a leading regenerative medicine manufacturer driven by its vision of "Creating a Future for Regenerative Medicine," and has been a member of the Teijin Group since March 2021. As a pioneer in Japan's regenerative medicine industry, J-TEC achieved Japan's first regulatory approval for a regenerative medicine product in October 2007 with its autologous cultured epidermis "JACE." J-TEC currently markets five tissue-engineered products, including cultured epidermis, cartilage and corneal epithelium.

About Maruho Co., Ltd.
Maruho Co., Ltd. is a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Kita-ku, Osaka, engaged in the research, development, manufacturing and sale of prescription pharmaceuticals and related products. Founded in 1915, Maruho had 1,632 employees as of the end of September 2025, and net sales of 78.924 billion yen for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025. Under its Long-Term Vision 2036, "Transcending boundaries with dermatology, for every YOU.", Maruho stays close to the concerns and needs of each individual and works to create value through dermatology.