The origin of drugs in Japan goes back to descriptions in the country’s oldest chronicle of myths, legends and traditions, the Kojiki. The story involved a white hare in Inaba, which used cattail pollen for treating wounds. That crude drug was presumably the dried pollen of Typha domingensis, which has been used since ancient times as an external application for treating trauma.
Historically, drugs have been applied to support medical care in all societies: their development has involved a consideration of risks and benefits. Today, patients receive medicines that have verified with respect to safety and efficiency. In anticipation of variations in disease activities, pharmacologists seek to develop novel drugs, execute clinical trials, and provide effective drugs to patients. In recent years, the role of pharmacotherapy has become increasingly important: it requires greater expertise and personalization. The development of medicines has made remarkable progress. Molecular target drugs and nucleic acid drugs have recently attracted attention as new approaches to precision medicine.
Pharmacology has adapted to disease complexity with respect to diagnosis, treatment, and preemptive medicine. Pharmacotherapy faces diversified social needs. In our department, we examine the theory of drugs and aim to deepen an understanding regarding the advanced medical science related to drugs.