2025.8.28
- Notices
JSRM and ISEV Sign MOU to Strengthen International Collaboration in the Field of Extracellular Vesicles and Secretomes
On July 20, 2025, the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine (JSRM) and the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance global collaboration in the fields of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and secretomes.
This MOU establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation, including joint research efforts, harmonization of regulatory and technical standards, and strategic public communication to promote the understanding and trust in EV- and secretome-based innovations in science and medicine.
Key areas of collaboration include:
- Supporting international joint research and industrial applications in the EVs and secretome fields
- Sharing information and exchanging knowledge on scientific, clinical, and regulatory developments
- Cooperating in the development of international guidelines and standardization
- Co-hosting academic forums and symposia to foster dialogue among academia, industry, and government
- Promoting public engagement and awareness to enhance societal understanding and trust
JSRM has been actively working toward the safe clinical application of extracellular vesicles and related technologies. In collaboration with relevant organizations, it has published “Basic points to consider regarding the preparation of extracellular vesicles and their clinical applications in Japan” (published in Japan in March 2021; English version in May 2022) and “Guidance on the clinical application of extracellular vesicles” (published in Japan in April 2024; English version scheduled for March 2025).
Through this MOU, JSRM will further expand international collaboration in the field of regenerative medicine, including extracellular vesicles and secretomes, and remain committed to advancing innovative research and its implementation in society.
Glossary
Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)
The term ‘extracellular vesicles’ (EVs) refers to particles that are released from cells, are delimited by a lipid bilayer, and cannot replicate on their own (i.e., do not contain a functional nucleus). In general, ISEV recommends use of the generic term ‘EV’ and operational extensions of this term instead of inconsistently defined and sometimes misleading terms such as ‘exosomes’ and ‘ectosomes’ that are associated with biogenesis pathways that are difficult to establish.
[Reference: Welsh JA, et al. Minimal information for studies of extracellular vesicles (MISEV2023): From basic to advanced approaches. J Extracell Vesicles. 2024;13(2):e12404. Erratum in: J Extracell Vesicles. 2024;13(5):e12451.]
Secretome:
The term ‘secretome’ is defined as the repertoire of molecules and biological factors that are secreted from cells into the extracellular space. It is broadly categorized into soluble factors (growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes) and extracellular vesicles that transport lipids, proteins, and RNA and DNA subtypes.
[Reference: Daneshmandi L, et al. Emergence of the stem cell secretome in regenerative engineering. Trends Biotechnol. 2020;38(12):1373-1384.]
- About the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine (JSRM)
JSRM is the largest academic society in regenerative medicine globally, with over 6,000 members spanning diverse fields, including basic and clinical sciences, tissue engineering, bioethics, regulatory science, and health policy. JSRM serves as a multidisciplinary platform for researchers, clinicians, industry leaders, and policymakers to collaborate on regenerative medicine development and implementation. The society actively engages in policy advocacy, develops industry standards, and hosts international academic conferences to drive scientific and regulatory advancements in regenerative medicine. - About the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV)
ISEV is the leading global organization advancing the extracellular vesicle (EV) field through standardization, education, knowledge exchange, and applied research. Established in 2011 and now headquartered in New Jersey, USA, ISEV has over 1,700 members worldwide. Through its annual meetings, gold open-access journals, and international educational programs, ISEV supports the growth of a global EV research community and promotes scientific excellence in the field. ISEV regularly publishes the MISEV (Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles) – in 2014, 2018, and most recently in 2024 as MISEV2023 – providing position papers/guidelines that promote standardization and improve reproducibility in EV research, thereby leading the field globally.
For more information, please contact:
Foreign Affairs Office
The Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine
Email: foreignaffairs@jsrm.jp