The present invention addresses the problem of providing a novel therapeutic agent that is effective against diseases involving stratified squamous epithelial cells such as dry eye syndrome. The present invention is an agent for promoting normal differentiation / maturation of stratified squamous epithelial cells, which comprises a
secretion of mesenchymal stem cells. It is preferable that the secretions not include animal serum, that the mesenchymal stem cells be adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells,
umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells, or
bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and that the stratified squamous epithelial cells be at least one selected from the group consisting of corneal epithelial cells, conjunctival epithelial cells, epidermal keratinocytes, oral epithelial cells, epiglottic epithelial cells, esophageal epithelial cells, vaginal epithelial cells, vocal fold epithelial cells, nasal epithelial cells, and nasal vestibular epithelial cells.