精神神経疾患の治療において、薬は大きな役割を果たしています。精神神経疾患の多くではその病態メカニズムが解明されていませんが、薬という化学物質がどのように治療効果を発揮するのかを調べることで、病態メカニズムやひいては脳機能メカニズムの分子レベルでの解明に繋がってきています。一方、薬には副作用があり薬の感受性には個人差があるので、治療薬を適正に使用するためは薬理学的な研究が欠かせません。また、治療薬がまだ無い精神神経疾患も多く、治療薬があっても効果が限定的な場合も多いので、新規治療薬の開発が求められています。
精神薬理研究部では、分子精神薬理研究室と向精神薬研究開発室を設置して、①精神神経疾患治療薬の作用機序の研究、②精神神経疾患治療薬の適正使用に資する研究、③精神神経疾患治療薬の新規開発研究に取り組んでいます。
また、上記の取り組みと関係する全国の産官学における研究が発展するように当該領域の研究基盤を整備して、精神神経疾患治療薬の適正使用と新規開発において日本が世界に貢献することを目指しています。
Pharmaceutical interventions play a pivotal role in managing neuropsychiatric
disorders. Despite ongoing challenges in understanding the underlying pathological
mechanisms of many of these conditions, research into the pharmacodynamics
of therapeutic agents has not only shed light on these mechanisms but also
elucidated brain function mechanisms at the molecular level. However, the
variability in drug response among individuals underscores the necessity
for thorough pharmacological investigations to ensure safe and effective
usage, considering the potential side effects associated with these medications.Furthermore,the
absence of effective pharmacotherapies for certain neuropsychiatric disorders,
or the limited efficacy of existing treatments, underscores the pressing
need for the development of novel therapeutic agents.To address these challenges,
the Department of Neuropsychopharmacology has established two key Sections:
the Section of Molecular Pharmacology and the Section of Drug Development.
These facilities are dedicated to:
1. Investigating the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic actions of drugs
used in treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
2. Promoting the judicious and informed use of pharmacotherapies for neuropsychiatric
conditions.
3. Advancing research efforts towards the development of innovative pharmacological
treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Moreover, our department is committed to enhancing Japan's global leadership
in the responsible utilization and development of novel pharmacotherapies
for neuropsychiatric disorders. By fostering a robust research infrastructure,
we aim to catalyze collaborative endeavors across industry, government,
and academia nationwide, thereby driving progress in this critical field.
