Domestic News
Medtec Japan 2026, a Specialized Exhibition for Medical Device Manufacturing and Design, is Approaching
Medtec Japan, the only specialized exhibition in Japan dedicated to medical device design and manufacturing, will be held at Tokyo Big Sight from April 21 to 23, 2026. This exhibition will feature numerous exhibits showcasing the latest IoT technology, AI-powered medical devices, and mobile medical containers. Of particular note is the demonstration of the “Vehicle-type Mobile Treatment Unit 'Mobile SCOT®'”, which integrates digital operating rooms with 5G technology. Additionally, during the exhibition period, the final judging and awards ceremony for the “Medtec Innovation Award” will be held, providing a platform for innovative technologies from Japanese companies to be highly recognized.
Medical Imaging Program “TH-ZEY (Zeus)” Obtains Medical Device Certification
Soracentes, a company invested in by Creek & River Co., Ltd., announced that its medical imaging program “TH-ZEY (Zeus)”, which utilizes augmented reality (AR) developed by the company, has officially received medical device certification from the Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA). This system is a groundbreaking technology that directly overlays CT images onto the patient's body, guiding medical professionals as if they can see through the body. This is expected to significantly reduce invisible risks in surgical procedures such as chest tube drainage and greatly contribute to improving medical safety.
International News
Johnson & Johnson's MedTech Division Shows Strong Performance in Q1 2026 Earnings
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) announced its first-quarter 2026 earnings, reporting that its MedTech (medical device) division achieved sales of $8.4 billion, a 7.7% increase year-over-year. This growth was driven by its electrophysiology product portfolio, including the Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) platform, as well as Abiomed's heart pumps and Shockwave's intravascular lithotripsy technology. During the same quarter, significant milestones were also achieved, such as regulatory approval for new intraocular lenses and the launch of a new neurovascular catheter, demonstrating the robust growth foundation of the division.
CMS Proposes Eliminating Additional Payment System for Breakthrough Devices
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has indicated in its proposed rule for the 2027 Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) its intention to eliminate the alternative pathway for New Technology Add-on Payments (NTAP) for medical devices with Breakthrough Device designation, effective fiscal year 2028. CMS expressed concerns that its experience with the alternative pathway's operation revealed a limited evaluation process. If this proposal is implemented, breakthrough devices will be required to meet the same substantial clinical improvement criteria as other technologies. In response, industry group AdvaMed has expressed concern about this regression in policy, stating that the current system has contributed to fostering innovation.
Summary and Impact on the Industry
This news confirms that advanced technologies such as AI, AR, and 5G are being implemented in actual medical settings both domestically and internationally. Exhibitions at "Medtec Japan" and the acquisition of certification for "TH-ZEY" indicate that medical device development in Japan has entered a new phase. Meanwhile, in the United States, as seen in J&J's strong financial results, innovative devices are driving market growth. However, the proposed changes by CMS to reimbursement rules for breakthrough devices could significantly impact future development strategies and market access. Companies are therefore required to pursue technological innovation while closely monitoring regulatory and insurance reimbursement trends in each country and responding flexibly.
References
- PR TIMES: Japan's only specialized exhibition and seminar on medical device manufacturing and design [Medtec Japan] "Medtec Innovation Award" nominated companies, seminar program introduction
- ZAI Online: C&R Co.---Medical image program "TH-ZEY (Zeus)" developed by invested company Solacentes officially certified as a medical device
- MassDevice: Johnson & Johnson ups 2026 outlook on Q1 beats
- MedTech Dive: CMS proposes repeal of add-on payment path for breakthrough devices
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