Research Outline
Development of new treatment methods for type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease caused by genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors such as viral infection. The autoimmune mechanism destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, resulting in almost complete depletion of insulin secretion. Therefore, complementary insulin therapy (self-injection at least four times a day) is essential to maintain life. In our laboratory, we can reduce the number of self-injections using type 1 diabetes model animals (NOD mice). Furthermore, we are conducting research with the aim of developing new treatment methods that can be used without self-injection (oral medication only).
Development of new treatment methods for atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a condition that begins in infancy and mostly resolves with growth by the age of about 2 years. There is a wide range of drug treatment options, including glycocorticoid ointments and antiallergic drugs. However, the existing treatment methods do not alleviate the symptoms even in adulthood, and an increasing number of cases have become chronic. Our laboratory is conducting research to develop new treatment methods for such intractable atopic dermatitis (steroid-resistant atopic dermatitis).
Development of new treatment methods for multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyositis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an intractable autoimmune disease with an etiology of damage to myelin, the myelin sheath component of nerves, and nerve fibers. Symptoms are generally followed by remissions and relapses. Since relapses are common with existing treatment methods, the development of treatment methods that can induce complete remission is awaited. Our laboratory is conducting research to develop an ideal treatment method to induce complete remission in multiple sclerosis using a novel immunosuppressive agent, FTY720. If we can establish a treatment method that can induce complete remission, it is expected to be applicable to other intractable autoimmune diseases. We are currently expanding on this research to develop new treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis and polymyositis.
Clinical research
The following studies are being conducted in collaboration with clinical facilities.
1) Appropriateness of supportive care in cancer treatment regimens
2) Influence of the patient's general condition on cancer treatment
3) Development of methods to predict the onset of drug-induced anaphylaxis
4) Development of simple and rapid biochemical tests that can be performed in pharmacies and drugstores.