Challenges for the Future!! Part 3: I Want to Be Kinder to People with Asthma #04] ── Practical Application Phase: Challenges That Were Not Yet Visible ──

The names of the people and facilities appearing in the following story are entirely fictional.


Endo and Takenaka were summoned to the director's office at the Shizuoka Prefectural Institute of Medical Devices.
Outside the window, a quiet rain is falling.

This Shizuoka Prefectural Institute of Medical Devices is the same institute that developed those virus-protection glasses.
Junichi Kitagawa, who was the central figure in the development of the virus-protection glasses, was a rival of Ryosuke Endo, the lead researcher for the development of the mask-type asthma medication. They were both keenly aware of each other. Although Kitagawa's virus-protection glasses received PMDA approval first, Endo felt no impatience. And finally, the mask-type asthma medication also received approval.
Development code name: Asthma CO2 Deri 2025


The mask-type asthma medication had already received PMDA approval and had entered the practical application stage.
As a researcher, Endo should have reached a milestone.

Director Yamashita spoke quietly.

"The BreathEase Mask sold by Company T seems to have a very good reputation."

Endo nodded.

"Yes. There is almost no discomfort when wearing it, and the persistence of the medication is also highly regarded."

After a pause, he continued.

"However... there are cases where some people wear it beyond the prescribed period."

Takenaka added.

"Although doctors provide sufficient explanation in advance, it might be that it is being used as a 'mask' rather than as 'medicine'."

Yamashita crossed his arms and looked up at the ceiling.

"To establish it in society as a medical device,"
"it means there are still walls that must be overcome."

"Please proceed with further version upgrades."

The two nodded quietly.


Kaoruko Ikeda, who had suffered from asthma for many years, had been using Company T's mask-type medication for a month.

Previously, she carried an inhaler with her everywhere,
and every time she used it in front of others, she felt a sense of guilt.
She also disliked that bitter taste that remained after inhalation.

However, everything changed after she encountered the mask-type medication.

"It really has become easier..."

That day, too, Kaoruko went to the local supermarket wearing her mask as usual.

After finishing her shopping and leaving the store, it was pouring rain outside.
She didn't have an umbrella.

"It can't be helped... I'll run home."

It was about 10 minutes after she started running.

Suddenly, her chest felt tight and painful.

"...This is strange. I'm wearing the medication mask properly..."

The difficulty in breathing did not subside, and Kaoruko took out the inhaler she hadn't used in a long time from her bag.
"...I thought I would never have to use this again."

The mask, soaked by the rain, was stuck to Kaoruko's cheek.

――When the mask gets wet, the liposome components become inactivated.

It was another challenge that had been anticipated during the research stage...


Endo wrote this in his report at a later date.

Technology saves people.
However, people's lives do not conclude only within the laboratory.
There are still challenges to overcome.
Even so, there was no doubt that this treatment method was beginning to change the lives of many patients.
I want to make more asthma patients feel better...

(To be continued)

Surely, surely, to make that dream come true...

And, that I was kept alive by heaven...