Pharmacotherapy

Welcome to the Pharmacology and Therapeutics Laboratory!

In our Pharmacology and Therapeutics Laboratory, we aim to achieve "the realization of appropriate pharmacotherapy." Grounded in a broad range of knowledge spanning physiology, anatomy, pathology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and pharmaceutical information science, we explore the understanding of disease states and individual differences to pursue personalized pharmacotherapy.

Specifically, our research revolves around the following keywords:

• Drug administration tailored to disease states
• The impact of disease states and background factors on drug action and pharmacokinetics
• The development of new drugs better suited to disease conditions
• Identifying and solving challenges that cannot be addressed by existing drugs

We have focused particularly on lifestyle-related diseases, especially type 2 diabetes, conducting research spanning from the molecular level to clinical practice to elucidate its onset and progression mechanisms and complications.

Examples of Research Themes

• Exploring and controlling genetic and environmental factors related to the onset and progression of diabetes.
• Discovering novel target molecules involved in insulin secretion and resistance.
• Research leading to the early detection and treatment of diabetic complications.
• Analyzing big data from diabetes clinical practice.
• Developing novel therapies using cell and animal models (regulation of intracellular metabolism, nanoparticulate formulations, therapeutic vaccines, etc.).
• Research to enhance the effects of exercise therapy.
• Elucidating the relationship between sensory neuropathy and renal dysfunction.

Features of Our Laboratory

• Covers a wide range of research fields from molecular to clinical levels.
• Promotes research through both basic research (Wet & Dry) and clinical research.
• Equipped with state-of-the-art experimental facilities (confocal fluorescence microscope, mass spectrometer, etc.).
• Practical clinical research through collaboration with medical institutions.
• Close interaction between faculty and students, fostering active discussions and supportive guidance.
• Active support for presentations at academic conferences and manuscript writing.
• A proven track record of diverse career paths (advancement to graduate school, hospital pharmacist, pharmaceutical companies, etc.).

What We Seek in Individuals

• Individuals who can seriously engage in research, with a positive attitude.
• Those who are eager to actively interact with staff and members to improve their skills.
• Individuals who are willing to proactively challenge new methodologies.
• Those who want to deeply explore "what science is."

Would you like to join us in pioneering the future of pharmacology and therapeutics? If you have even a slight interest, please don't hesitate to open the door to our laboratory.

All faculty members wholeheartedly look forward to your enthusiastic participation!

Laboratory Members

• Professor: Akifumi Kushiyama (MD, Specialist in Diabetes Mellitus)
• Assistant Professor: Daisuke Yamamuro (Pharmacist)
• Research Associate: Taichi Muramatsu (Pharmacist, Class of 2021)
• Students: 1 third-year, 9 fourth-year, 6 fifth-year, 6 sixth-year undergraduates; 4 graduate students; 1 doctoral student.

Collaborative Research Partners

We collaborate with various research institutions and companies both domestically and internationally, including other laboratories at Meiji Pharmaceutical University, the Asahi Life Foundation Institute for Adult Diseases, Hiroshima University, the University of Tokyo, Nihon University, Kumamoto University, Tohoku University, Nagoya City University, Osaka University, Kyoto University, Tokyo Gakugei University, National College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Yonsei University, St. Luke's International Hospital, RIZAP, Hakuhodo Healthcare, and the Japan Council for Quality Health Care.