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Medicine that was previously a mere science fiction is now being realized by innovative nanotechnology. The following six themes of studies are being carried out for the realization of "In-Body Hospitals".
Kanjiro MIYATA
Anticancer drug-loaded prototype nanomachines are already in a Phase III clinical trial and will be soon to be approved. In this subtheme, a next generation of nanomachines will be developed to target intractable cancers, such as brain tumors, metastatic cancers, and cancer stem cells. Our goal is to reduce the mortality from cancer.
Yasutaka ANRAKU
The brain is protected by a highly developed barrier, through which it is difficult to deliver a biologically active substance.
An effective therapeutic approach has not been found although aging society is suffering from a high prevalence of central nervous system diseases. This research theme aims to develop an innovative therapeutic technology for central nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, by creating nanomachines that can deliver diverse biologically active substances to the brain.
Keiji ITAKA
A nanomachine for delivering messenger RNA (mRNA), which is next-generation "nucleic acid-based therapeutics", is being developed. By delivering mRNA to the necessary place at the necessary time to produce proteins that would improve and/or restore the functions of motor and sensory cells, definitive treatment will be actualized against intractable diseases, such as central nervous system disorders and age-related motor and sensory disorders.
Takanori ICHIKI
A quick cancer diagnostic device will be developed that separates, purifies and detects circulating microRNAs in the blood with high sensitivity. Noninvasive diagnostic devices will also be developed that determine the profiles of microRNAs and amino acids in urine and saliva. The research team will lead in creation of innovative diagnostic technology that will support future preventive medicine and home healthcare.
Nobuhiro NISHIYAMA
This subtheme aims to develop a pinpoint diagnostic and therapeutic technology that removes all the diseased area while minimizing damage to the healthy tissue by combining a nanomachine that delivers imaging molecules or an agent that is activated by light, ultrasonic waves, or neutron irradiation with medical equipment, such as MRI and allay-type ultrasound transducer.
Tomohiro ANZAI
Toward realization of a smart life care society, a social system is being constructed to help "efficient, quick and widespread" implementation of the new products and services created in COINS. Novel research, regulation, review and drug price systems and business models will also be formulated and dispatched to society.