Japan launches nationwide initiative to promote gastric health and early detection of gastric cancer, Co-initiated by Mirxes Japan & Nagawa

Image credit: Mirxes

A nationwide public health initiative focused on gastric health and early detection of gastric cancer has been launched by Japan's 93rd Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. The initiative will leverage GASTROClear™,  a novel non-invasive microRNA-based blood test developed by Mirxes.

The launch of this nationwide public health initiative coincides with the launch of a strategic  partnership between Mirxes Japan and Nagawa Pharmaceutical that aims to accelerate the  development and deployment of Mirxes’ early cancer screening solutions, and strengthen its  brand recognition across Japan. 

Singapore-headquartered Mirxes is deploying miRNA detection technology and the approved, clinically  validated GASTROClear™ blood test to make the screening experience more comfortable and  boost screening participation for the Japanese public through local presence as Mirxes Japan.

Co-initiated by Mr. Hatoyama, Mirxes Japan and Nagawa Pharmaceutical, the ambitious  initiative will offer free screening to 10,000 residents across Japan, with a particular focus on  senior citizens. This initiative aims to: 

• Raise public awareness and improve gastric cancer screening rates. 
• Provide wider access to innovative, non-invasive blood-based screening
• Reduce strain on hospitals and conventional screening facilities.

Unlike  traditional screening methods like barium x-ray or endoscopy, GASTROClear™ offers a non invasive, fast, and physically gentle alternative, which is particularly beneficial for individuals  with chronic conditions.

The broader collaboration will leverage Mirxes’ proprietary blood-based miRNA test platforms,  including GASTROClear™ and LUNGClear™, to build a comprehensive early cancer detection  ecosystem in Japan. Nagawa Pharmaceutical’s roles include localising the testing platforms,  establishing a manufacturing system, and setting up the distribution network in the Japanese  market. Its experience in technology transfer for PCR testing reagents, along with its "Japan  Quality" manufacturing standards, will accelerate the deployment of Mirxes' technology and  products in Japan. 

This strategic partnership builds upon MirxesJapan's recent securing of a grant from the Japan  External Trade Organization (JETRO) to develop and validate a new non-invasive cancer  biomarker screening test service specifically for the Japanese market. It also represents a  significant step in Mirxes’ global expansion and its commitment to advancing preventive  healthcare worldwide.