NeuroMetrix Announces DPNCheck Distribution Agreement with Fukuda Denshi in Japan

NeuroMetrix Inc. has reported an agreement with Fukuda Denshi for DPNCheck distribution in Japan. DPNCheck is NeuroMetrix’ rapid, accurate, and quantitative point-of-care test to detect diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetes is a serious health issue in Japan with a prevalence of 5.7 percent of the adult population or more than 7 million people.

DPNCheck received regulatory clearance and was commercially launched in Japan during 2014. Distribution was handled by Omron Healthcare until the sale of its hospital medical products business to Fukuda Denshi in late 2016. This new distribution arrangement will complete the product transition to Fukuda Denshi and represents an opportunity to accelerate local marketing efforts. DPNCheck is currently being introduced to Fukuda Denshi’s domestic sales force who will handle the product through their national sales network of more than 230 locations.
 
“Omron Healthcare did an excellent job of developing DPNCheck’s scientific and clinical credibility among leading academic and practicing physicians in Japan,” said Shai N. Gozani, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of NeuroMetrix Inc. “Multiple clinical studies coordinated by Omron confirmed the effectiveness of DPNCheck in the Japanese population, a factor crucial to local marketing efforts. We look forward to working with Fukuda Denshi to build upon this clinical foundation to expand the Japan market for DPNCheck.”
 
“We appreciate the important role of DPNCheck in early detection of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and the avoidance or management of related health complications,” said Hiroyuki Babasaki, senior operating officer of Fukuda Denshi. “This technology has the potential to meet the needs of medical facilities in Japan and we believe the synergy between our distinct product portfolio and the DPNCheck will bring great opportunities and positive impact to our business.”
 
NC-stat DPNCheck is a rapid, accurate and quantitative point-of-care test to detect diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or DPN, at an early stage allowing physicians to select appropriate treatment. DPN is the most common complication of diabetes, affecting over half of people with diabetes. DPN causes significant morbidity including pain, increased risk of falling in the elderly, and is the primary trigger for diabetic foot ulcers which may require lower extremity amputations. .
 
Fukuda Denshi, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and founded in 1939, is a medical device company with a product focus in cardiology instrumentation, patient monitoring, ultrasound technologies, and home medical care.
 
NeuroMetrix is a commercial stage healthcare company combining neurostimulation and digital medicine to address chronic health conditions including chronic pain, sleep disorders, and diabetes. The company’s lead product is Quell, an over-the-counter wearable therapeutic device for chronic pain. Quell is integrated into a digital health platform that helps patients optimize their therapy and decrease the impact of chronic pain on their quality of life. The company also markets DPNCheck, a rapid point-of-care test for diabetic neuropathy, which is the most common long-term complication of Type 2 diabetes. The company maintains an active research effort and has several pipeline programs. The company is located in Waltham, Mass., and was founded as a spinoff from the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology in 1996.