We research how to optimize pharmacotherapeutics based on molecular biology and physiologically-based pharmacokinetics (PBPK) model-based analyses. Our research mainly focuses on cancer pharmacotherapy and cognitive function associated with neurogenesis, but also includes the following areas of pharmacotherapeutics:
- Pharmacokinetic studies for anticancer drugs based on biochemical and mathematical analyses with an aim to optimize pharmacotherapeutics
- Improvement of learning and memory by food-derived compounds via promoting neurogenesis
- Identification of biomarkers for transporters and diseases based on metabolome analyses
- Prediction of pharmacokinetics in humans based on a combination of microphysiological systems (MPS) and PBPK modeling
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of biologically active proteins
We have clarified the mechanism underlying pharmacokinetics of the anticancer drug regorafenib and found that its unexpected higher unbound concentration in plasma is associated with severe side effects, including hand-foot skin reaction in cancer patients1. We also research the promotion of learning and memory in both humans and rodents by oral administration of a food-derived antioxidant, ergothioneine, possibly via stimulation of neurogenesis2,3. We are also researching biomarker candidates for assessing transporter functions, drug-interactions, and disease states by using metabolome analyses4. We have demonstrated the synergetic role of the liver and intestines in drug metabolism using a combination of MPS and PBPK modeling5.
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References:
- Kubota Y et al. Clin Pharmacol Ther 108, 586, 2020.
- Nakamichi N et al. Curr Mol Pharmacol 14, 220, 2021.
- Watanabe N et al. Jpn Pharmacol Ther 48, 685, 2020.
- Masuo Y et al. Pharm Res 35, 224, 2018.
- Arakawa H et al. Lab on a Chip 20, 537, 2020.
