Sparkling Photon, Inc (Headquarters: Tama City, Tokyo; CEO: Michihiro Kaneda; hereinafter “Sparkling Photon”) and Sound Wave Innovation Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President, CEO & CMO: Hiroaki Shimokawa; hereinafter “Sound Wave Innovation”) are pleased to announce that they have entered into a business alliance agreement regarding the commercialization of “Shock Wave Catheter Ablation (SWCA),” a therapeutic medical device targeting patients with tachycardic ventricular arrhythmias.

1. Background and Objectives of the Alliance
In the treatment of tachyarrhythmia, catheter ablation—a radical procedure that inactivates the causative myocardial tissue—is playing an increasingly vital role alongside conventional drug therapies. However, traditional radiofrequency (RF) ablation relies on heat generation. Due to limitations in penetration depth, RF ablation often fails to treat tachycardic ventricular arrhythmias originating from the epicardial side, which are common following heart failure or myocardial infarction. Consequently, the clinical field has long demanded the development of new therapeutic modalities.
Sound Wave Innovation is advancing the development of Shock Wave Catheter Ablation (SWCA) using Laser-Induced Shock Waves. This technology is based on the research achievements of its founders and key members: Dr. Hiroaki Shimokawa (MD, PhD, Professor Emeritus at Tohoku University), Dr. Kazuyoshi Takayama (PhD, Professor Emeritus at Tohoku University), Mr. Michihiro Kaneda (CEO of Sparkling Photon), Mr. Miyuki Nishimura (Chairman of Lake R&D), and Dr. Hiroaki Yamamoto (PhD, Research Manager at Sound Wave Innovation).
SWCA guides an ultra-short pulse laser beam to the tip of a catheter to generate laser-induced shock waves, which are then focused into the myocardial tissue to treat conditions such as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular premature contractions. Because SWCA utilizes shock waves (pressure waves that travel faster than the speed of sound with discontinuous jumps in pressure, density, and temperature), it offers:
•　Deep penetration into tissue.
•　Non-thermal effect on the target.
•　Avoidance of severe complications (thromboembolism and myocardial perforation).
•　Less superficial damage and rapid recovery from local inflammation.
This technology is expected to bring a revolutionary transformation to arrhythmia treatment. In 2024, the adequacy of non-clinical data for SWCA was confirmed during a PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) Medical Device Strategy Consultation, yielding results that strongly suggest both efficacy and safety. Following these results, the companies are now planning to initiate exploratory clinical trials to further verify these factors
Sparkling Photon possesses extensive experience and expertise in the development and manufacturing of laser devices. As such, it is the ideal partner to accelerate the social implementation of Sound Wave Innovation’s shock wave technology. This alliance aligns with Sparkling Photon’s founding mission: “To develop cutting-edge technology into socially implementable forms, expand their application to social infrastructure, and contribute to society while achieving corporate profit.” Furthermore, Sound Wave Innovation aims for the “social implementation of medical devices that bring innovative change.” Through this partnership, both companies aim to provide new medical options for ventricular arrhythmia and improve the Quality of Life for patients.

2. Overview of the Business Alliance
Under this agreement, Sound Wave Innovation will lead the exploratory clinical trials for SWCA, leveraging the collective knowledge, experience, technology, intellectual property, and expertise of both parties. Sparkling Photon will be responsible for the manufacturing and supply of the laser devices that constitute the SWCA system.
Future Roadmap:
•　Late 2029: Scheduled completion of confirmatory clinical trials.
•　Post-Trial: Immediate commencement of procedures to obtain manufacturing and marketing approval for the medical device.
•　Spring 2030: Targeted commercial launch and rollout to medical institutions nationwide.

3. Future Outlook
Sparkling Photon, as “Japan’s first company focusing on application fields with ‘lasers’ and ‘shock waves’ as core technologies,” will continue to support social infrastructure with its proprietary laser oscillation and shock wave generation devices, designed for operation even in harsh environments.
Sound Wave Innovation aims for the world’s first social implementation of a shock wave catheter ablation system. The company expects this technology to evolve into a powerful new modality effective against many types of refractory arrhythmias originating in the ventricles.
Through this alliance, both companies will contribute to the early practical application and dissemination of SWCA, solving social issues by improving the QOL of patients and their families. We remain committed to maximizing corporate value and accelerating business growth through this close collaborative relationship.

【Sound Wave Innovation Co., Ltd.】
• Business: Research, development, licensing, manufacturing, and sales related to Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) and Shock Wave Catheter Ablation (SWCA).
• Goal: Social implementation of minimally invasive treatment platform technologies using sound waves.

【Sparkling Photon, Inc.】
• Business: Research, development, manufacturing, and sales of laser oscillation devices, laser application systems, shock wave generation devices, shock wave application systems, and imaging devices.
• Note: Certified as a “Base Operator for Manufacturing of Equipment, etc.” by the Ministry of Defense (September 2025).

【Inquiries】
Sound Wave Innovation Co., Ltd.
Public Relations: info@sw-innovation.com