Creating new value through drug discovery (Naruto Research Institute)
The Naruto Research Institute is responsible for research at the Research and Development
Center. With the aim of “creating new value through drug discovery,” we work on generating new themes for drugs, medical devices, and biomedical products, and improving
existing products.
In addition to the three nonclinical areas (pharmacology/pharmacodynamics, safety, and pharmacokinetics),
we are a group of people with diverse knowledge, skills, and expertise, including researchers
in biosample analysis and chemical synthesis, as well as experimental technicians. We are fully
committed to opening up the future of medicine, with an eye toward expansion not only in Japan
but also overseas.
Research areas of focus
Clinical nutrition area
Abnormalities in fluid intake and nutrition, which are considered fundamental to human
life, greatly affect treatment and prognosis for illnesses, injuries, and surgeries. In
the clinical nutrition area, which is closely related to our core business of IV
solutions, we are engaged in research and development of products aimed at treating and
improving abnormalities in water and electrolyte metabolism and nutritional disorders,
and in recent years we have focused particularly on conditions such as cancer, renal
failure (dialysis), and sepsis.
For these conditions, new therapeutic drugs are being developed around the world. We take
an original approach focusing on abnormalities in nutrient metabolism and believe that providing
nutrition suited to or required by each condition can control disease progression and improve
outcomes of drug or surgical treatments. We are conducting research aiming to develop new
IV solution products and therapeutics that utilize nutrients.
Perioperative complications area
From making the decision to operate and performing the surgery itself to providing
postoperative care, the perioperative period requires solutions to a wide range of
issues. Therefore, we are working on the development of drugs and medical devices to
reduce invasiveness and complications/adverse events associated with medical procedures.
In 2015, we developed Olanedine, a new external-use antiseptic as a preventive measure for
postoperative infections and also offered colored preparations to enable identification of
the area of application.
In 2020, we developed VISCOCLEAR gel to secure the visual field in endoscopy. This gel improves
the poor visual field during gastrointestinal endoscopy and treatment, which has also become
available as an ultrasonic transmission medium. We always listen to healthcare professionals
to promote product development and innovative approaches to meet diversifying medical needs.
Taking on the challenge of developing new technologies
What products are truly necessary for patients and healthcare professionals? While
continuing to consider that question, we are strengthening collaboration not only with
the medical community but also with universities and research institutions to promote
technology development and R&D in new fields.
In addition to small-molecule drug discovery, we value flexible thinking unconstrained by
existing frameworks—such as medium- and high-molecule synthesis technologies, genetic engineering,
nanotechnology, and biomaterials—and will actively pursue new drug discovery research.
- Research on improving the performance and functionality of biomaterials
- Research on drug delivery systems applying hybrids of polymer materials and nanoparticles
- Drug discovery research targeting energy metabolism (small and medium molecules)
- Research on genetic modification of microorganisms and medical applications
Post-marketing activities
The mission of the institute does not end once products are released to the market. Even
for products approved after clinical studies, in actual medical practice they will be
used in a wider variety of situations than during development, leading to new questions
for healthcare professionals about using the products effectively and safely.
We listen sincerely to such questions, address them using various nonclinical test data from
the development phase, and, depending on the case, try conducting new basic research as needed.
Since nonclinical data is important information for correctly understanding and using products
safely and reliably, we publish particularly important findings through conference presentations
and papers and strive to disseminate information.
Research and development performed alongside frontline healthcare
Researchers at the Naruto Research Institute not only conduct bench research but also
focus on fieldwork for patient-centered product development that addresses unmet medical
needs.
We prioritize the voices of patients and healthcare professionals, and develop new products
based on feedback from actual medical practice while collaborating with product development,
sales, and business development divisions.
We also work with the Technical Center to incorporate new technologies into the design of formulations
and containers to enhance efficacy and safety.
