Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death worldwide. In 2022, approximately 20.4 million people died from CVD, accounting for about one-third of all deaths *1. The number of patients with CVD has exceeded 600 million, with the majority concentrated in low- and middle-income countries. In developed countries as well, the number is expected to increase further due to population aging. As a result, challenges such as rising medical costs, shortages of physicians, and disparities in access to healthcare are becoming increasingly evident. On the other hand, advances in digital technology and AI, the spread of innovative devices, and the entry of new startups are significantly transforming treatment and chronic disease management. Among these, remote patient monitoring is expected to grow at an average annual rate of about 23% through 2032*2, and it is anticipated to continue driving market expansion as an important solution for the establishment of preventive care.
*1 Source: World Health Organization (WHO), 窶弩orld Heart Report 2023窶
*2 Source: Fortune Business Insights
OMRON窶冱 strengths lie in the technological expertise and know-how we have accumulated through more than 50 years in the home-use healthcare device business since launching the first electronic blood pressure monitor in 1973, the brand power trusted by both the medical community and consumers, and our distribution network that spans more than 130 countries and regions. Building on these strengths, under SF2030 we are working to promote at-home electrocardiogram (ECG) recording and to strengthen our digital health business.
Promotion of at-home ECG recording
Atrial fibrillation (AFib), an arrhythmia that is a risk factor for heart failure and stroke, is said to be asymptomatic in about 40% of patients. To support its early detection and treatment, we have been globally marketing blood pressure monitors with ECG and portable ECG devices since 2020, and as of the end of fiscal 2024, these products are available in about 50 countries and regions. Furthermore, to expand the scope of use in cardiac disease treatment and to gain endorsement from healthcare professionals, we convened an advisory board in March 2025, bringing together key opinion leaders in arrhythmia and hypertension treatment. We gained practical insights into the clinical value of at-home AFib screening in the prevention and early detection of stroke and heart failure, as well as its applications in monitoring after AFib detection.
Building the foundation of our digital health business
In April 2024, we made Luscii Healthtech B.V. a wholly owned subsidiary to further strengthen our remote patient monitoring services. Luscii窶冱 services are used in more than 70% of hospitals in the Netherlands, with over 150 programs covering conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, pneumonia, and renal failure. These programs have produced results such as reducing unexpected hospitalizations for heart failure and pregnancy-induced hypertension, and lowering medical costs for patients with COPD*3. In the B2C domain, we have fully launched a verification project that combines daily blood pressure data accumulated in the health management app 窶廾MRON connect窶 with JMDC Inc.窶冱 health checkup and medical claims data to predict individual disease risks. This initiative enables us to provide each individual with optimal advice and support lifestyle improvements.
We are working to build a new healthcare model that connects medical care and users, covering from prevention to treatment.
*3 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Creation of innovative devices
In 2024, leveraging over 50 years expertise in Pressure Pulse Wave (PPW)*4 and AI, we launched a blood pressure monitor equipped with OMRON窶冱 proprietary next-generation algorithm 窶廬ntellisense AFib,窶 in Europe, the United States, and China. The device can detect the potential AFib simply by measuring blood pressure. This unprecedented technology analyzes the PPW data obtained during blood pressure measurement to determine the likelihood of AFib. In China, we are working with major pharmacy chains to increase opportunities for customers to experience the value of this technology, such as by establishing 窶廣Fib risk screening areas窶 in their stores.
We will globally expand initiatives that contribute to the early detection and treatment of AFib, a cause of stroke.
*4 The pressure exerted on the arterial walls as the heart beats and blood flows through the arteries
Acceleration of the digital health business
Launched in Japan in 2016, the health companion App 窶廾MRON connect窶 has now been downloaded more than 15 million times across over 130 countries and regions. Going forward, we will further strengthen OMRON connect globally by leveraging Luscii窶冱 technology and expertise. In addition to strengthening our user base by promoting the spread of connected devices, we will expand collaboration with healthcare professionals to provide personalized health management programs, as well as partnerships with external services.
Furthermore, through initiatives with external organizations, we are advancing the development of algorithms that utilize AI to support diagnosis and treatment. By analyzing vital data collected at home, medical institutions, and health checkups, and through collaboration with institutions such as Kyoto University and Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, we aim to develop and provide personalized programs that detect early signs of life-threatening cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases and offer tailored lifestyle improvement recommendations.
Through these initiatives, we will implement innovative preventive care frameworks in society and contribute to the extension of healthy life expectancy for people around the world.
Net Sales for Fiscal 2024
In the market for our mainstay product, blood pressure monitors, demand remained steady in regions such as Japan and Europe. On the other hand, demand in China continued to stagnate due to sluggish personal consumption. In addition, sales of nebulizers and oxygen concentrators decreased year on year, reflecting a reactionary decline following the special demand for respiratory disease-related devices in the previous year.
Operating Income for Fiscal 2024
Although we exercised careful control of fixed costs in response to lower sales and higher logistics costs, operating income decreased year on year.