Campaign Launched for 1 Million Signatures to Seek Early Approval of 'Cat AIM Drug' for Feline Kidney Disease

May 31, 2026

To Whom It May Concern,

Neko no Forum Executive Committee Animal Hospital HEADLINE News Co., Ltd. Executive Committee Chair & CEO: Tomoo Ozawa

Animal Hospital HEADLINE News is a media outlet delivering the latest information on the animal hospital industry, management tips, and veterinary research trends.

In recent years, the number of cats being kept has increased to nearly 10 million in Japan, driven by changes in living environments and 'stay-at-home' demand. The pet-related market, often called 'Nekonomics,' continues to grow. Against this backdrop, our media has organized the 'Neko no Forum' since 2024 to connect researchers, clinicians, industry players, government, and advocacy groups toward a better symbiotic society for humans and cats.

Today, Neko no Forum has decided to launch a petition campaign with a goal of 1 million owners to seek the early approval of the 'Cat AIM drug.' This medication is highly anticipated for the treatment of kidney disease, which is extremely common in cats.

Please note that this campaign is conducted independently by Neko no Forum and this media outlet, and is not affiliated with the drug development company or its discoverer, Dr. Toru Miyazaki.

1. Background: Cats are Prone to Kidney Disease There are approximately 10 million domestic cats in Japan. While they are irreplaceable family members, about 40% of elderly cats suffer from declining kidney function. Kidney disease countermeasures are becoming an increasingly urgent theme for many families as the feline population ages. Furthermore, urinary tract diseases are the leading cause of death for cats, accounting for approximately 30% according to the latest statistics. This highlights how directly kidney and urinary problems impact feline lives.

2. What is AIM? AIM (Apoptosis Inhibitor of Macrophage) is a protein in the blood that marks waste products in the body to facilitate their removal. The Cat AIM drug is the culmination of over 25 years of research by Dr. Toru Miyazaki. On April 24, 2026, Dr. Miyazaki's pharmaceutical company, IAM CAT Co., Ltd., filed a manufacturing and marketing approval application with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). If approved, it will be the world's first drug to suppress the progression of kidney disease in cats.

3. About the '1 Million Signatures' Campaign Regulatory review after application takes time. Many cats and their families are waiting for the Cat AIM drug while battling the disease. We decided to launch this petition to request early approval and ensure the drug reaches them as soon as possible. Our goal is to collect 1 million signatures from cat owners to submit to the MAFF, demonstrating the scale of social expectation and necessity.