FACULTY
- Department
- Department of Pharmacy
- Laboratory
- Medicinal Organic Chemistry Laboratory
- Field of Study
- Chemistry
- Degree
- Doctor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
History
Graduate School/University, etc.
1982 Graduated from Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokushima University 1984 Completed Master’s Course, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University 1986 Withdrew from Second Term Doctoral Course, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University 1989 Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Sciences (Kyoto University)
Why I Became a Researcher
When I was an undergraduate student, I was interested in the complexity of the chemical structures of natural products, so I thought that I would like to do research that handled natural products and went to graduate school. In graduate school, I received guidance in the organic synthesis laboratory, and I began my research life with research themes related to the correlation between the structure and activity of anti-tumor diterpene, and as I considered completing my research, the research became interesting and I also went on to a doctoral program. I was also able to publish several papers with my name on them before and after earning my degree, and my self-awareness as a researcher sprouted little by little along with my happiness, bringing me to where I am today.
Research Information
Research Area and Theme
Synthesis of Biologically Active Molecules and Pharmacologically Active Molecules
I am searching for and synthesizing biologically active substances derived from nature using organic chemical methods.
Thoughts on Research Theme
In addition to the development of new and highly versatile organic reactions, it would bring me pleasure to be able to synthesize biologically active molecules and pharmacologically active molecules that would be seeds for drug development. Of the available chemical compounds that are expected as drug candidates, the probability of actually becoming a drug is said to be less than 1 in 30,000. Even if you synthesize every day at a rate of one molecule per day, with only one person, it would take close to 100 years to accomplish anything. And even with reactions that proceed at an 80% yield, if you continue with three steps in succession, the product material will be reduced to half the number of moles as the raw material molecules. Creating drugs requires an extreme amount of effort, but pharmaceutical products made by Japanese universities do exist. If we learn from the achievements of those who came before us, and use the chemical compounds that we have synthesized as hints to put out pharmaceuticals in the world, I would feel blessed to be a researcher as a member of the Department of Pharmacy faculty.
Message to Students
Mastering the basic science that forms the structure of pharmaceutical science is extremely important
Pharmaceutical science is one of the practical sciences, but mastering the basic science that forms the structure of pharmaceutical science is extremely important, even if students see it as a detour. As a member of the organic chemistry faculty, I want you to understand that "the biological reactions taking place within our bodies, the toxic substances, and the mechanism of action for drugs can all be explained with organic chemistry theory, and that there is also meaning in regard to biological activity in the structural formulas of pharmaceuticals.” On the other hand, understanding bioethics and the spirit of the law is also extremely important for science and technology. Please grow into people who, after 6 years of school life, are able to flexibly respond to changing times, and who can contribute to progress for the pharmaceutical sciences and the development of new drugs.