Summary of Research Findings

HealthTech products and services that are the target of this research vary, but many of them have been developed or launched only after 2015. Specifically, while robots have started being launched relatively early, products and services in SaMD (Software as a Medical Device) have been launched relatively late, in association with enforcement of PMD Act (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act.) in 2014. There also are many products and services that attracted more attention by corona crisis, such as online medical care system, online drug administration guidance, Tele-ICU (Intensive care telemedicine), long-term care robots, etc. In such a situation, the market for monitoring/watch devices from FY2020 to FY2030 is expected to keep at high level, backed by labor shortage in the long-term care industry, and the DTx (digital therapeutics) market is projected to grow rapidly.

Noteworthy Topics

Attention to RWD and Medical Big Data Heightens

Higher attention to medial big data or RWD (Real World Data) has been observed in recent years. RWD refers to the data gathered in daily clinical practices and is regarded as the concept that pairs up with data obtained with a predetermined purpose in clinical trials. To be specific, RWD can be either of the followings: 1) Insurer-derived data such as medical fee receipts and health checkup data, 2) Data derived from hospitals and clinics such as DPC (Diagnosis Procedure Combination) and electronic health records, 3) pharmacy-derived data including drug prescription receipt, and 4) Life log data (data recorded by individuals through smartphones, wearable devices, etc.)

Data generated at medical institutions, including medical fee receipts, are owned by the government (MHLW) and used for research and studies. In 2018, The Next Generation Medical Infrastructure Act, a special law under the Act on the Protection of Personal Information has come into force, building a system to promote the use of anonymously processed medical information for research and development purposes.

On the other hand, there are services for private companies to use medical big data, e.g., for marketing purposes at pharmaceutical companies, or product development at life insurance businesses. Among such services, there seem to be some offerings by collaborating with their subsidiaries and capital alliance companies. Private services have competitive edge over public data bases in speediness for data provision. In addition, if collecting life log data proceeds through in-house PHR (Personal health record) services, the advantage in that area can be higher.

Research Outline