New Frontier Science Group

【Preventive Research on lifestyle-related diseases by regulating immunometabolism】 Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Professor Nagai In this project, we will utilize natural products that inhibit chron ic inflammation in lifestyle-related diseases, and promote the research in leading optimization and the development of functional food ingredients.

Manufacturing and Quality Group

【Development of new pharmaceutical synthesis process】 Department of Biotechnology, Professor Asano Increasing productivity of the small molecule pharmaceutical manufacturing process is one of the most important research targets in promoting the pharmaceutical industry. In this research, we further utilize the results of our research on the development of enzymes and their uses in organic synthesis at Toyama Prefectural University. In addition to developing stereo-controlled synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates by the enzymes, we also develop technologies of optimizing the enzyme reactions and improving their functions by rational protein engineering.

【Application of plant-derived polysaccharides as novel catalysts for an asymmetric synthesis of pharmaceuticals.】 Department of Biotechnology, Associate Professor Hibi In this research, we investigate the use of the plant-derived polysaccharides as novel catalysts for manufacturing chiral pharmaceutical intermediates and the mode of action of the catalysts. Since the polysaccharides are non-toxic materials from vegetable sources with low environmental impact, they might become extremely reasonable and innovative catalysts for pharmaceutical production.

Drug Formulation and Drug Delivery System Group

【Nanoliposome eye drops to treat intractable eye diseases.】 （2018 - 2020） Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Professor Murakami In this research, we aim to develop drug delivery systems for the eye drop treatment of intractable diseases in the posterior segment of the eye (back side of the eye), especially age-related macular degeneration. In its current treatment, the route of administration of drugs is mainly the intravitreal injection, and there are no clinically effective eye drops. Drug delivery to the posterior segment by eye drop instillation has long been recognized to be insufficient to obtain the therapeutic effects. Our goal is to contribute to the improvement of the QOL of the patients and of medical economy by realizing the self-medication with drug carriers (nanoliposomes) capable of overcoming this limitation.