U-Factor Announces “Excellence Award” for ALS Research by Partner Hitonowa Medical Clinic at the 24th Congress of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine

–A Major Breakthrough in Regenerative Medicine, Accelerating Global Expansion-

U-Factor Co., Ltd. (“U-Factor”) is pleased to announce that partner Hitonowa Medical Clinic has received the “Excellence Award” at the 24th Congress of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine for pioneering research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This milestone in regenerative medicine provides strong momentum for both organizations’ joint research and business development.

Research Overview

Background: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2022 to November 2023, involving 24 ALS patients.
Treatment Method: Conditioned media derived from stem cells of human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED-CM) was administered to verify safety and effectiveness.
Key Findings: The ALS Functional Rating Scale–Revised (ALSFRS-R) decline was slower than anticipated. Some patients experienced symptom improvement, including restored leg movement (see reference video).
Safety: Only 3% of patients reported mild adverse events. No severe allergic reactions or clinically significant laboratory abnormalities were observed.
Conclusion: SHED-CM may be safe and promising for ALS, raising expectations for further clinical development.

These findings have also been published in Biomedicines (MDPI, 2023, 12(10), 2193), garnering attention in regenerative medicine.

Significance of the Award and Future Outlook

This award reflects U-Factor’s cutting-edge regenerative technologies and Hitonowa Medical Clinic’s clinical approach to intractable diseases. U-Factor will continue strengthening its collaboration with Hitonowa, accelerating global clinical trials and regulatory approvals. As of April 2025, they are jointly conducting a specified clinical study (jRCT031230731) for ALS.
https://u-factor.com/en/news/als

What is U-Factor solution?
U-Factor solution is a highly purified culture supernatant obtained through U-Factor’s proprietary technology during the cultivation of stem cells. It contains a large quantity of cytokines (proteins with physiological effects) secreted by the stem cells. The efficacy of this solution was first discovered by U-Factor’s Director and Professor Emeritus Minoru Ueda of Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine and colleagues (M Ueda, et al. Neurosci 2015). U-Factor solution, further refined and purified through advanced methods, holds significant potential in terms of safety and efficacy.

About U-Factor Co., Ltd.
Established: March 2020
CEO: Hidehiro Ijima
Headquarters: 1st Floor, ESCALIER Rokubancho, 7-11 Rokubancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
URL: https://u-factor.com
Business: U-Factor aims to develop therapeutics for intractable diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease using U-Factor solution. The company is committed to addressing unmet medical needs by developing new drugs for diseases for which no effective treatments currently exist.

About Hitonowa Medical
Established: October 2020
Representative：Yasuhiro Seta, MD – Medical Director
Head Office：K Plaza Bldg. 2F, 1-7 Rokubancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0085, Japan
URL：https://hitonowa-medical.com/
Mission：Since opening in 2020, Hitonowa Medical has focused on “Regenerative Medicine × Rare and Intractable Diseases,” providing care that stands side-by-side with every patient. Leveraging stem-cell–derived conditioned medium, we deliver innovative treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, dementia, and other serious disorders. By advancing regenerative-medicine technology, we bring patients, their families, and healthcare professionals together in a single supportive circle—united in facing illness and moving toward hope.

For Inquiries Regarding This Press Release
U-Factor Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department
TEL: +81-3-5357-1580
Email: info@u-factor.com

For Inquiries Regarding The Research
Hitonowa Medical
TEL: +81-3-6272-8181
Email: info@hitonowa-medical.com