Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for end-stage renal failure that allows home dialysis and has advantages in terms of medical economy. However, it has to be discontinued after about five years because the peritoneum deteriorates over time and can cause serious complications. Currently, the only way to check the condition of the peritoneum is by laparotomy or laparoscopic observation. Peritoneal dialysis patients always have a tube inserted into the peritoneum to inject dialysis fluid. We have developed an ultra-fine endoscope (diameter about 1 mm)that can be inserted through this thin tube to observe the peritoneal cavity non-invasively in collaboration with Tohoku University, Juntendo University and The Jikei University School of Medicine. We listened to the opinions of many physicians and developed this disposable product with an outer diameter of approximately 1 mm, which is suitable for specifications in the medical field, by outsourcing to a company with fiberscope technology.

In August 2022, the fiberscope, the main frame of the endoscope, was submitted to the PMDA for approval, and in December of the same year, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) granted regulatory approval. In September 2022, we entered into a collaboration agreement with HI-LEX Corporation and its subsidiary HI-LEX Medical, Inc. for the development of medical devices including the guide catheter.  In May 2024, we entered into a license agreement with HI-LEX Medical for the endoscope for medical applications including peritoneal dialysis.