Faculty
Videos Introducing Keio Research
Pharmaceutics is a discipline to pursue the optimal delivery of drug substance to target site of patient's body through the best scientific knowledge and technology, so that patients are released from diseases and disorders. The ultimate goal of our research is "Individualized Pharmaceutical Care".
For realizing such an object, two projects are currently carried out ;
Molecular mechanisms of drug transport across the blood-placental barrierThe transport process across the blood-placental barrier is a key determinant of fetal drug disposition. The elucidation of placental transport mechanism will provide molecular basis for the individual optimization of drug administration to expectant mothers in more-successful and strategic manner. The blood-placental barrier is formed by syncytiotrophoblasts. Conditionally immortalized syncytiotrophoblast cell lines, TR-TBTs were established in our laboratory. We have elucidated mechanisms of placental transport of several drugs, such as zidovudine and didanosine. These nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are used for preventing the transmission of HIV from infected pregnant mothers to their fetuses.
Development of various tools for best utilization of drug information, especially, those of OTC therapy. We have developed a manual and an e-learning system of OTC (Over-the-Counter) medicines. These products are now available to public and are used at community pharmacies for guidance to patients.
Students to be welcomed are those who have interest in pharmaceutics and its clinical application. During the stay at our laboratory, students will acquire a vast knowledge of pharmaceutics and its meaningfulness for better clinical drug use. Through collaboration with other research units, students will have the opportunity to brush up their skills of international communication.