RMDC Co., Ltd. Launches Joint Research with Kobe Gakuin University and Two Other Partners

RMDC Co., Ltd. (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; representative director: Nobuhiro Kawabata), a consolidated subsidiary of PAS Co., Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market Code: 3840) engaged in regenerative medicine-related businesses (hereinafter referred to as "the Company"), has entered into a joint research agreement with Kobe Gakuin University (School of Pharmacy; Professor Shoji Fukushima), Be-Ryu Co., Ltd., and Uni-Root Co., Ltd. The four parties will begin joint research titled "Pharmaceutical Research on Cancer Treatment Applications through the Integration of Stem Cells and Their Culture Products with Finely Dispersed Graphene" (hereinafter referred to as "this joint research") starting January 1, 2026 (research period: January 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027). The parties have now mutually agreed to publicly announce this joint research.

1. Background and Objectives of the Joint Research

In recent years, significant attention has been focused on the application of exosomes and various bioactive factors contained in "stem cell culture supernatant" for tissue repair in medical and cosmetic fields. In this joint research, RMDC will integrate its expertise in stem cells and culture supernatants with the pharmaceutical knowledge of the university and the cutting-edge nanomaterial dispersion technologies of the participating companies. RMDC will particularly focus on effects on the skin, aiming to scientifically analyze and verify safety upon topical application, impact on drug permeability through the skin (drug skin permeability), and efficacy in tissue healing and cancer lesion recovery processes (wound healing) using animal and cultured skin models.

(Objectives of the Research)

1. To evaluate the effects of stem cells or stem cell culture supernatant on the skin using animal models and cultured skin, and to explore applications for drug delivery.

2. To study the application of finely dispersed graphene with improved dispersibility for cancer treatment.

3. To apply graphene as a carrier for active ingredients in stem cell culture supernatant.

2. Roles and Research Locations of Each Party in the Joint Research

Kobe Gakuin University, School of Pharmacy:

Led by Professor Shoji Fukushima, Professor Shuichi Kishimoto, and Assistant Kenji Yasuda, the team will conduct pharmaceutical evaluations of skin efficacy and safety at the School of Pharmacy on Port Island Campus.

RMDC Co., Ltd.:

Responsible for supplying high-quality stem cells and culture supernatant, participating in the research at RMDC Hyogo CPC (cell culture processing facility).

Be-Ryu Co., Ltd.:

Providing technical guidance on fine and uniform dispersion, as well as processing techniques for stem cells and culture supernatant.

(Location: Be-Ryu headquarters)

Uni-Root Co., Ltd.:

Using its proprietary high-pressure emulsifier, the company will manufacture and supply "finely dispersed graphene formulations" with significantly enhanced water dispersibility, and handle culture supernatant processing at its Awaji Plant.

3. Future Outlook and Expectations for Practical Application

Through this research, RMDC aims to establish solid scientific evidence (data) on the specific effects and safety of stem cell culture supernatant on the skin, which have often been discussed anecdotally until now.

Furthermore, as the next step toward practical application, the research will also aim to develop foundational technologies for a "groundbreaking drug delivery system (DDS)" that leverages graphene's material adsorption properties. This system would adsorb active ingredients from stem cell culture supernatant onto graphene and enable their efficient release at targeted sites upon external stimuli such as light or ultrasound. This could lead to new treatment approaches for intractable skin diseases and contribute to practical applications in skincare and aesthetic medicine, including advanced anti-aging cosmetics.

The four parties will work together with a unified goal of contributing to healthier skin and a better future for all through solid scientific advancement.

Glossary (Notes)

※1 Graphene

An extremely thin sheet-like nano (ultrafine) material composed of carbon atoms bonded in a honeycomb lattice. It has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, but a major drawback has been its poor water solubility (tendency to aggregate). In this study, it will be used in a finely dispersed form achieved through special technology.

※2 Stem Cell Culture Supernatant

The liquid portion remaining after stem cells are cultured and the cells themselves are removed. Rich in nutrients and proteins secreted by the cells, it is attracting attention as a material that supports tissue repair.

※3 Exosomes

Extremely small capsule-like particles secreted by cells, approximately 1/10,000 mm in diameter. They play a crucial role in intercellular communication and are being studied as key agents in promoting the repair of damaged tissues.

※4 Bioactive Factors

A general term for substances (such as proteins) that regulate and activate various biological functions in the body. They are expected to promote skin turnover and suppress inflammation.

※5 Wound Healing

The natural process by which skin or tissues damaged by injury or disease are repaired and restored to a healthy state by the body's inherent capabilities.

※6 Material Adsorption Properties

The property of graphene to bind (adsorb) various components—specifically, active ingredients in the culture supernatant—onto its surface.

※7 Drug Delivery System (DDS)

A medical technology essential for delivering the "right amount" of drug components to the "right location" in the body at the "right time," thereby minimizing side effects and maximizing therapeutic efficacy.

4. Joint Research Participants

Kobe Gakuin University, School of Pharmacy (https://www.kobegakuin.ac.jp/)

Representative: Hisato Haratou (Acting President)

Address: 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Be-Ryu Co., Ltd. (http://www.be-ryu.net/)

Representative: Mitsuru Nakano, Representative Director

Address: 1-26 Saiwaimachi Nishi 1-chome, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture

Business Overview: Development, design, manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance services for micronization equipment related to emulsification, dispersion, dissolution, pulverization, and solubilization under the BERYU SYSTEM (Be-Ryu System)

Uni-Root Co., Ltd. (https://www.uniroot.co.jp/)

Representative: Takeshi Saeki, Representative Director

Address: 2-6-11 Awajimachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Business Overview: Environmental energy business, snow-melting business, urban mine recycling business, nanocarbon business, real estate business

RMDC Co., Ltd. (https://rm-dc.com/)

Representative: Nobuhiro Kawabata, Representative Director

Address: 6-17-11 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Business Overview: Manufacturing of specified cell processing products, manufacturing and sales of human-derived cosmetic ingredients, development of automated cell culture devices