JLK's Brain MRI AI Receives Japan Approval: Green Light for Global Growth

JLK is accelerating its efforts to penetrate the Japanese market by obtaining regulatory approval in Japan for its brain MRI AI solution 'JLK-GRE'. With this approval, JLK has established a portfolio of a total of six medical imaging AI solutions in Japan, further strengthening its position in the local market. 'JLK-GRE' is an advanced AI solution that automatically detects and analyzes even subtle low-intensity areas in brain MRI GRE (Gradient Echo) images. The analyzed information, along with intuitive visualization, is immediately provided to medical professionals through hospital PACS and user interfaces, supporting quick and accurate diagnostic decisions. This is expected to significantly improve clinical efficiency. Japan boasts 57.39 MRI devices per million people (as of 2020), making it a country with one of the world's highest MRI penetration rates and utilization frequencies. By reinforcing its lineup of MRI-based AI solutions optimized for Japan's unique clinical environment, JLK has secured a direct driving force for expanding contracts with local hospitals and boosting sales growth. Currently, JLK now possesses a robust portfolio of a total of six solutions, including JLK-CTP, JLK-PWI, JLK-NCCT, JLK-FLAIR, JLK-DWI, and the newly added JLK-GRE. To target the Japanese market, JLK is pursuing strategic collaboration with a medical specialist company affiliated with a major local general trading company. As this partner possesses strengths in medical device distribution and an extensive hospital network within Japan, it is expected to serve as a crucial bridgehead for JLK's expansion of local sales. Furthermore, JLK is continuing its proactive steps for market entry, recently inviting Professor Manabu Inoue from Japan's National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center and Professor Kim Chi-kyung from Korea University Guro Hospital to host a Korea-Japan Stroke Web Symposium. JLK CEO Kim Dong-min stated, "The Japanese regulatory approval for JLK-GRE is a crucial turning point that will enable us to effectively target Japan's MRI-centric clinical environment," adding, "Through the expansion of MRI-based solutions, we will accelerate contracts with local hospitals and translate them into substantial sales growth." Meanwhile, in Korea, JLK's stroke AI solution 'JLK-LVO' is awaiting designation as a non-reimbursable service, making it potentially applicable in clinical settings as early as the second half of this year. Unlike the existing 'JLK-DWI', which was primarily utilized for confirmed patients, 'JLK-LVO' can be applied to all suspected patients, which is expected to significantly expand its scope of application in the domestic market.