Three-Day International Preceptorship Program on Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) Held at Shinshu University Hospital

From April 22 to 24, 2025, a three-day international preceptorship program on transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), supported by Pfizer Japan/Taiwan Inc., was held at Shinshu University Hospital. The program welcomed eight physicians from Taiwan--five cardiologists, one neurologist, and two radiologists.

In recent years, with the rapid aging society, it has been reported both domestically and internationally that 13-14% of elderly patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) may actually have wild-type ATTR-CM. As a result, cardiac amyloidosis is gaining attention as a common yet under-recognized form of secondary cardiomyopathy. Notably, Nagano Prefecture is known to have an endemic of hereditary ATTR (ATTRv), and our hospital serves as a national center for amyloidosis care, particularly through the Neurology Department.

Aiming to promote awareness, education, and international collaboration in ATTR-CM care across Asia, this intensive three-day program featured lectures and hospital tours led by specialists in cardiology, neurology, rheumatology, and orthopedics. The program was led by Dr. Masatoshi Minamisawa, Specially Appointed Associate Professor of Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, and was organized under the guidance of Professor Koichiro Kuwahara (Department of Cardiovascular Medicine), Professor Yoshiki Sekijima (Department of Medicine (Neurology and Rheumatology), and Professor Jun Takahashi (Department of Orthopedic Surgery).

On the second day, we welcomed Ms. Reina Koji, Deputy Director of the Bio-Industry Division at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), who delivered a special lecture entitled "METI's Efforts to Establish a Drug Discovery Ecosystem in the Biopharmaceutical Field" She addressed critical issues such as drug lag and drug loss in Japan, which sparked an engaging and lively discussion following her presentation.

This preceptorship was not only a valuable opportunity to advance amyloidosis care in Asia but also a significant step forward in Shinshu University's commitment to international contribution in the field of medical education and clinical practice.

Participant Feedback from a Taiwanese Physician

"This was very comprehensive, thorough, and whole perspective program. In fact, this is THE best preceptors program I've had ever participated. Extremely helpful for me.......as a general cardiologist! Thanks for ALL speakers with fantastic lectures and willing to share those precious experiences. For me, taking care of those patients is never only their hearts, but also systemic! I would love to learn how pathologists, genetic councilors, neurologists see and manage patients. I hope you do not mind me asking countless questions since those were actually what I have been encountering while treating those patients. I would love to share what I have learned with others in my hospital. I was impressed by how close relationship between your patients and you as well as the great relationship between you and your colleagues. I am not surprised by this after the program: you've shown us great knowledge and warmth. I've learned so much with every perspective! Thanks for offering me such a great opportunity. I really appreciate it."