• The development of organic molecules which function as a catalyst has been extensively investigated to achieve selective and efficient transformation of organic molecules. Brønsted acids and bases are commonly employed as the catalyst in synthetic organic chemistry. To aim at their functionalization, axially chiral phosphoric acids and axially chiral guanidine bases have been developed as chiral Brønsted acid and base catalysts, respectively. A variety of optically active compounds has been synthesized through the development of highly stereoselective reactions using these catalysts.

The development of chiral Brønsted acid and base catalysts has been accomplished as recoverable and reusable organocatalysts and highly stereoselective molecular transformations have been established using these catalysts. The present methodology is applicable to process chemistry in preparing medicines and relevant compounds on the basis of the selective and efficient molecular transformations thus developed with reduction of the waste material.

The response rate of systemic chemotherapy for metastatic lymph nodes is low. This invention presents the optimal values for solvent properties, especially viscosity, in a method for directly administering drugs to lymph nodes (lymphatic drug delivery system). In 2024, a specified clinical study (jRCTs021230040) on lymph node metastasis was started at the Iwate Medical University Hospital Head and Neck Cancer Center.

In systemic chemotherapy for metastatic lymph nodes, the amount of drug delivered to the metastatic lymph nodes is small. This is due to the increase in internal pressure caused by tumor growth in the lymph nodes and the disappearance of microvessels caused by the formation of tumor mass. In this invention, we clarified the optimal viscosity range of the solvent for the lymphatic drug delivery system, which directly administers drugs to lymph nodes.

• The amount of anticancer drug required to treat one metastatic lymph node is 1/100 to 1/1000 of the systemic dose.
• The drug can be administered into the lymph node under ultrasound guidance.
• An international patent has been filed for the solvent of the administered drug.

1. Treatment and prophylactic therapy of affiliated lymph nodes in head and neck cancer, breast cancer, etc.
2. Pharmaceutical companies aiming to develop drugs by drug repositioning and generics
3. Medical device manufacturers aiming to develop a dosing system

Beyond the classic function of bone, bone cells have been shown to regulate whole energy metabolism through bone-derived factors (osteokines). However, much of the research done to elucidate the pathophysiology of metabolic dysfuntion uses the classical approach of studying organs obviously implicated in energy metabolism. When Looking at the importance of skeletal integrity through the lens of evolution, we find that bone served a survival function. Humans had to consistently be mobile to look for food and shelter. Furthering this logic reveals that bone and energy metabolism are entwined. Therefore, this project aims to 1. identify bone factors that are associated with metabolic conditions and 2. to bridge our knowledge of the skeletal system represented by its cell types and our understanding of energy metabolism of the organism into one integrated subject.

Our research project offers a transformative advantage over conventional approaches by thinking with the end in mind (i.e translational potential) . We employ a multi-omics approach that goes beyond the conventional focus on single layers of biological information that will deepen our understanding of metbaolic diseases and accelerates identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

• Interdisciplinary approach
• Multi-omics integration
• Translatioal potential

Our research offers potential for early diagnostics, novel biomarkers, and personalized therapeutic approaches for conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and diabetic osteoporosis. Our work fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and inspires future translational research and RnD with industrial partners.
This work promotes public awareness of the importance of bone health and ultimately aims to deliver tangible societal benefits.