News

– Expanding Japan’s Bio-Ecosystem to the MENA Region to Build a Sustainable Society –

Human Life CORD Japan Inc. (President & CEO: Masamitsu Harata, Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan, hereafter “HLC”), a pioneer in regenerative and cell therapy utilizing umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells, and HAYAT CAPITAL Limited (Headquarters: Abu Dhabi, UAE, hereafter “HAYAT CAPITAL”), the regional investment arm of Life Venture Capital, backed by Tawasol Holding a leading healthcare investment firm with a strong healthcare presence and networks across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on August 25, 2025, to establish a joint venture, Human Life CORD MENA LTD. (“HLC-MENA”), in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
This agreement marks a strategic step to expand HLC’s advanced cell therapy ecosystem into the MENA region, leveraging the UAE’s growing role as an international hub for biotechnology and life sciences.

Background and Significance
In the MENA region, particularly in the UAE, lifestyle-related diseases, especially obesity-driven complications, are on the rise, while public interest in extending healthy life expectancy is also increasing. Against this backdrop, cell therapy is drawing attention as a new medical approach. *
Among them, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair properties and hold strong potential for preventive medicine and chronic disease management. In particular, umbilical cord-derived MSCs, obtained from umbilical cords that would otherwise be discarded, can be collected non-invasively, ensuring a stable and storable supply, making them one of the most promising options for accessible and widespread medical applications.
The therapeutic potential of UC-MSCs, combined with the strong demand for solutions to pressing healthcare challenges, has brought together HLC’s technological leadership and HAYAT CAPITAL’s regional expertise, leading both parties to this collaboration.
(*Source: JETRO, “Current Status and Prospects of the Healthcare Industry in the UAE”)

Vision of HLC-MENA
The vision of HLC-MENA is to expand HLC’s Japan-originated cell therapy ecosystem across the MENA region and realize a society where cell therapy becomes a more accessible treatment option. Through research and development, manufacturing, and dissemination of UC-MSC–based cell therapies, HLC-MENA aims to deliver new therapeutic options, advance preventive medicine, and build sustainable healthcare foundations for the people of the region, driving the transformation of future medicine.

Alignment with National Strategies
This initiative aligns with the national visions promoted by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The UAE is advancing a transition from “sick care” (treating illness after onset) to “healthcare” (maintaining health and preventing disease). A symbolic initiative in this effort is the Emirates Genome Project, which leverages AI and genomic medicine to collect and analyze large-scale genetic information, laying the foundation for personalized and preventive medicine. The project aims for early disease detection, addressing rising medical costs and disparities in access. HLC-MENA will move in step with these strategies, helping to build a society where all people can fairly access cutting-edge medical care.

Comments
Masamitsu Harata, Founder, Chairman, President & CEO, Human Life CORD Japan Inc.
“This MOU is an important milestone in HLC’s global strategy. For us, the UAE is not just a market but a partner that shares our vision. This agreement represents a significant step toward building a global ecosystem spanning Tokyo, New York, and Abu Dhabi. By doing so, we will accelerate sustainable growth—bringing not only life-saving therapies but also new options that improve patients’ quality of life, while offering investors the shared joy of building the future together.”

Dr. Mohammed Amin, Chairman, Tawasol Holding
“This partnership is not just about investment, but about hope. We will deliver therapies where conventional medicine has no answers, and provide patients across the region with access to the latest Japanese breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, wellness, and longevity.”
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About Human Life CORD, Inc.
(https://humanlifecord.com)
Human Life CORD, Inc. develops and manufactures umbilical cord-derived cell products that can be domestically sourced and cryopreserved in Japan. Our mission is to transform umbilical cords—often discarded after birth—into sources of life-saving cell therapies for patients with unmet medical needs, and eventually into preventive medicine that extends healthy life expectancy. Awards include: Tokyo Venture Championship Grand Prize & Governor of Tokyo Award (2019), Japan Open Innovation Award – Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award (2023), J-Startup selected company (2023), and the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry “Courageous Management Award” – Startup Division Grand Prize (2024).

About HAYAT CAPITAL LTD.
(https://www.tawasolholding.com/)
HAYAT CAPITAL, (ADGM) the regional investment arm of LIFE VENTURES CAPITAL, supported by TAWASOL HOLDING and its subsidiaries, a regional investment group, is dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare, biotechnology, and life sciences across the MENA region. The company invests in transformative sectors driving the next wave of global healthcare innovation, including regenerative medicine, stem cell therapies, precision medicine, health technology, wellness, and longevity. By aligning international expertise with regional priorities, HAYAT CAPITAL fosters innovation, accelerates localization, and builds strategic global partnerships to create sustainable impact. With a mission to position the MENA region as a leading hub for health and life sciences, the company is committed to advancing medical breakthroughs, empowering healthier communities, and redefining the future of care.
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[Contact for Media Inquiries]
Public Relations, Human Life CORD Japan Inc.
Attn: Yuki Hayashi
TEL: +81-80-4671-0405
Email: info@humanlifecord.co