Sekisui Chemical Group and Himawari no Kai Begin Collaboration

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. (President: Yusuke Shimizu, hereinafter "Sekisui Chemical") and the Specified Nonprofit Corporation Himawari no Kai (located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Chairperson: Seiko Noda) announce the initiation of a collaboration in awareness activities regarding expanded newborn screening.

Expanded newborn screening is an optional test conducted in addition to standard newborn mass screening, targeting congenital rare diseases. This test can help prevent severe illness, enable early detection, and expand treatment options, increasing awareness of its importance.

However, because testing content, opportunities, and cost-sharing ratios vary by municipality, the implementation status is complex, and sufficient information is not always reaching the public.

Against this backdrop, Sekisui Medical Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Sekisui Medical"), which handles medical business within the Sekisui Chemical Group, and Himawari no Kai have begun collaboration to promote understanding of expanded newborn screening through accurate and easy-to-understand information dissemination.

Going forward, we will jointly advance the following initiatives: - Information dissemination on expanded newborn screening - Planning and production of educational content for a wide range of people, including parenting generations - Understanding-promotion activities through seminars and events - Promotion of awareness activities in cooperation with relevant organizations and healthcare professionals

Expanded newborn screening awareness poster (Left: President Hiroyuki Yamashita, Sekisui Medical; Right: Chairperson Seiko Noda, NPO Himawari no Kai)

Sekisui Medical aims to resolve information disparities and cost burdens through this collaboration, working toward a society where all babies can receive expanded newborn screening at public expense, regardless of birthplace.

[About Expanded Newborn Screening] Expanded newborn screening is a test targeting rare diseases such as primary immunodeficiency, spinal muscular atrophy, and lysosomal storage diseases, in addition to standard newborn mass screening. In Japan, to detect potential diseases in newborns early, a small amount of blood is usually collected from the heel on days 4-6 after birth for newborn mass screening. Currently, about 20 diseases are included, and children diagnosed can receive early appropriate treatment.

In recent years, treatments and therapeutic drugs for rare diseases have advanced, enabling early or pre-symptomatic detection and treatment initiation, leading to improved prognoses.

Against this background, the introduction and spread of expanded newborn screening are progressing, expanding efforts to protect the health of the next generation.

[About NPO Himawari no Kai] NPO Himawari no Kai is an organization working toward a society where pregnant women and parents can live with peace of mind. To date, it has distributed maternity stickers at municipal maternal and child health counters, displayed maternity marks at highway service areas, provided information on childbirth and childcare support, and improved environments in cooperation with administrative and medical institutions. Going forward, it will continue to promote social contribution activities with a focus on maternal support.

[Supporting Organizations] National Governors' Association, Japan Federation of Bar Associations, Japan Medical Association, Japanese Nursing Association, Japan Midwives Association, etc.

Related Links: The Children and Families Agency also starts moving [Protect newborns from intractable diseases!] Expanded newborn screening by doctors and Sekisui Chemical Group | Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. To discover invisible diseases and create smiles for tomorrow ~Expanded newborn screening~ | Sekisui Medical Co., Ltd.

[Contact for this matter] Sekisui Medical Co., Ltd. Inquiries related to PR: here Inquiries about expanded newborn screening: here