The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine Enters into Memorandum of Understanding with Japan’s Forum for Innovative Regenerative Medicine

– March 12, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC, March 12, 2015 – The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM), the international organization representing the regenerative medicine and advanced therapies field, announced today it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Japan’s Forum for Innovative Regenerative Medicine (FIRM), effective immediately.

FIRM is a Tokyo-based trade association that establishes advanced therapies industry-led partnerships with governments, academia, research institutions and the private sector to further research and promote a stable and welcoming business environment. 

Signed by ARM Chairman and President and CEO of Sangamo BioSciences Edward Lanphier and FIRM’s Chairman Yuzo Toda, the MOU marks the formalized collaboration between ARM and FIRM.

With similar missions to accelerate research, development and commercialization of regenerative medicine and advanced therapies products, the two organizations will seek to coordinate their respective activities to reach common objectives, including global regulatory harmonization.

“Our collaboration with FIRM is an important step towards ensuring the continued growth and support of this field,” said Lanphier. “With the recent changes in Japan’s regulatory environment, FIRM is uniquely positioned as a vital partner in promoting the success of regenerative medicine and advanced therapies worldwide.”

According to the terms of the MOU, ARM and FIRM will be granted reciprocal, non-voting membership in the other’s organization and will be responsible for reporting on pertinent regulatory trends.  The organizations will also have the opportunity to participate in the other’s events and conferences as presenters and panelists, and will have an observation role in the other’s board and membership meetings.

For more information about ARM, please visit alliancerm.org. For more information about FIRM, please visit firm.or.jp.

About The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine
The Alliance for Regenerative Medicine (ARM) is an international multi-stakeholder advocacy organization that promotes legislative, regulatory and reimbursement initiatives necessary to facilitate access to life-giving advances in regenerative medicine worldwide. ARM also works to increase public understanding of the field and its potential to transform human healthcare, providing business development and investor outreach services to support the growth of its member companies and research organizations. Prior to the formation of ARM in 2009, there was no advocacy organization operating in Washington, D.C. to specifically represent the interests of the companies, research institutions, investors and patient groups that comprise the entire regenerative medicine community. Today, ARM has more than 200 members and is the leading global advocacy organization in this field. To learn more about ARM or to become a member, visit http://www.alliancerm.org.

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