Notice

August 30, 2025 - Drug Discovery and Medical Pharmacology Symposium 2025 for Young Leaders of the Next Generation
Drug Discovery and Medical Pharmacology Symposium 2025 for Young Leaders of the Next Generation will be held on August 30, 2025 at the Komatsushima Campus of Tohoku University of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. We sincerely look forward to your participation (Chair of the Executive Committee).

March 17 - March 19, 2025 - APPW2025 Planning Symposium
"A joint Meeting of the 130th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Association of Anatomists, the National Annual Meeting, the 102nd Congress of the Japanese Physiological Society, and the 98th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Pharmacological Society"
A symposium jointly organized by the Next Generation Society of the Japanese Pharmacological Society, the Japanese Association of Anatomists, and the Young Physiologists' Society of Japan will be held at APPW2025. We sincerely look forward to your participation (organizer and chairperson).

Saturday, October 12, 2025 - Parkinson's Disease Public Lecture - Living with Parkinson's Disease
Kawahata will be a featured speaker and piano player at a public lecture on Parkinson's disease at National Hospital Organization Sagamihara Hospital given by Dr. Kazuko Hasegawa.

August 4, 2024 - The 38th Annual Meeting of the Basal Ganglia Research Society of Japan in Jimbocho, Tokyo
We made a presentation at the 38th Annual Meeting of the Basal Ganglia Research Society of Japan (Gakushi-Kaikan) on the pathophysiology of Segawa disease and its therapeutic application using Parkinson's disease and dystonia models. Title: “New Therapeutic Strategies for Segawa's Disease and Challenges in Drug Discovery.”

May 15, 2024 - JST New Industry Creation Fund for University Startups “Startup Ecosystem Co-Creation Program” MASP Adopted
Our research project “Development of the World's First Fundamental Treatment for Lewy Body Disease Using FABP3 Ligand” has been accepted by JST-MAST program (Principal Investigator).

 Highliths

September 25, 2023【Press Release: New Prediction and Differentiation Technology for Brain Diseases - Expectations for Ultra-Early Diagnosis of Dementia】
We issued a press release about our novel prediction and identification technology for age-related brain diseases.
→https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/japanese/2023/09/press20230925-03-ad.html
→http://www.pharm.tohoku.ac.jp/file/information/20230925.pdf
(Contents)In order to realize early therapeutic intervention for the increasing number of age-related brain diseases such as dementia and movement disorders in an aging society, it is very important to accurately predict neurodegenerative risk and differentiate diseases before onset. In this study, we established a new quantification technique for disease identification using plasma biomarkers for mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies. This achievement has made it possible to differentiate each disease with a high degree of accuracy.
(Acknowledgements)This research is the result of collaboration with Dr. Atsushi Takeda, Director of National Hospital Organization Sendai Nishitaga Hospital, and Dr. Hideki Oizumi. This work was supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) Strategic Promotion Program for Bridging Research, AMED Strategic Promotion Program for Brain Science Research, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI), and Takeda Foundation for the Promotion of Science Continuing Grant for Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

September 20, 2023【Dean's Award, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences】
Kawahata was awarded the Dean's Award by the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University.

September 9, 2023【Parkinson's Disease Public Lecture】
Kawahata participated in a public lecture on Parkinson's disease given by the National Hospital Organization Sagamihara Hospital (Dr. Kazuko Hasegawa) and played the piano. Detail is Here。

August 1, 2023【The 46th Annual Meeting of the Japan Neuroscience Society, Sendai, Japan】
We organized a symposium “Frontiers of Neural Homeostasis Regulation in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases” at the 46th Annual Meeting of the Japan Neuroscience Society in Sendai.
[1S10a] Frontiers in neuronal homeostasis in aging and neurodegenerative diseases (Ichiro Kawahata, David I Finkelstein)
・[1S10a-01] Pathogenic impact of fatty acid-binding protein 3 in neuronal homeostasis and the therapeutic potential for Lewy body diseases (Ichiro Kawahata*, Kohji Fukunaga)
・[1S10a-05] Pathology of synapse-proteasome signaling in Alzheimer disease and aging (Kohji Fukunaga*)
・[2Pm-109] FABP2 is involved in the α-synuclein pathologies in intestinal cells (Tomoki Sekimori*, Ichiro Kawahata, Takuya Sasaki, Kohji Fukunaga)

July 11, 2023【JST New Technology Briefing】
We introduced our new technology, “Predicting Dementia! A New Blood Diagnostic Technique to Differentiate Lewy Body Disease”.
→https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuyMMtNdJKg

July 6, 2023【Joint Meeting of the 64th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Neuropathological Society and the 66th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Neurochemistry in Kobe】
We organized Symposium 2SY-1: Frontiers in drug developments and early prediction techniques for Lewy body diseases at the 66th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society for Neurochemistry in Kobe.
・Physiological function elucidation of fatty acid binding protein in Lewy body disease and novel drug discovery strategy (Kawahata*, Takeda, Fukunaga)
・Development of early prediction technology and discriminating technique for dementia with Lewy bodies (Fukunaga*, Sekimori, Oizumi, Takeda, Kawahata)

May 31, 2023【The 64th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Neurology in Makuhari, Chiba】
We presented the results of the AMED Strategic Promotion Program for Bridging Research at the 64th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Neurological Society. Ichiro Kawahata, Tomoki Sekimori, Hideki Oizumi, Atsushi Takeda, Kohji Fukunaga*, "Development of novel therapeutics and early discrimination techniques for Lewy body diseases"

May 28 - April 1, 2023【AD/PD2023】
We presented in a symposium of 17th International Conference on Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD2023).
The novel therapeutic ligand targeting fatty acid-binding protein 3 prevents α-synuclein accumulation and cognitive-motor impairments in Lewy body disease-model mice. (Kawahata and Fukunaga)

November 30 - December 3, 2022【Japan Basic and Clinical Pharmacology Week 2022】
At the 96th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Pharmacological Society and the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Clinical Pharmacology (JPW2022, Pacifico Yokohama), we organized:
・Next-generation symposium "The Frontiers of Pharmacology in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Challenges in Social Implementation"
・Open Call Symposium "New Developments in Biomarker Discovery and Early Prediction Techniques for Lewy Body Disease"
The organizers and chairs were Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata, Dr. Masahiro Nagai, and commentator Emeritus Professor Koji Fukunaga.
→https://www.congre.co.jp/jpw2022/program/index.html

August 3, 2022【AMED Bridging Research Program】
The AMED Bridging Research Program (Seed B) "Development of Fundamental Therapeutics for Neurodegeneration Due to Parkinson's Disease Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia" has been adopted.
https://www.amed.go.jp/koubo/16/01/1601C_00025.html

July 20, 2022【Professor Ichiro Kawabata, Research Director Award】
At Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Specially Appointed Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata was awarded the Research Director Award.

June 18-21, 2022【63rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Neurology】
At the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Neurology (Tokyo), presentations were made on "Development of peptide drug for α-synucleinopathies" (Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata) and "FABP inhibitor, BRI-601 ameliorates oligodendrocyte injury in a multiple sclerosis mouse model" (Emeritus Professor Koji Fukunaga).

March 9, 2022【95th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Pharmacological Society】
At the 95th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Pharmacological Society (Fukuoka), a symposium titled "Development Strategies for Fundamental Therapeutics Targeting Pathogenic Proteins in Neurodegenerative Diseases" (Organizers: Ichiro Kawabata, Dr. Kiyotaka Kamagata) was held, featuring presentations by Dr. Yuko Saito (Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology), Dr. Kiyotaka Kamagata (Tohoku University), Emeritus Professor Koji Fukunaga, and Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata.

December 9, 2021【JSNP Excellent Presentation Award for AsCNP】
Specially Appointed Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata received the JSNP Excellent Presentation Award for AsCNP at the 7th Congress of the Asian College of Neuropsychopharmacology (AsCNP).
Ichiro Kawahata and Koji Fukunaga. Impact of fatty acid-binding protein 3 and dopamine D2 receptors in Lewy body diseases. 7th Congress of AsCNP, Singapore, October 22-23, 2021 (online).

August 27, 2021【Specially Appointed Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata, Tohoku University Business Incubation Program】
Specially Appointed Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata and Emeritus Professor Koji Fukunaga successfully developed a new mid-molecule therapeutic agent that fundamentally prevents the intracellular uptake and propagation of the pathogenic protein α-synuclein, associated with Lewy body diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. They were selected for the Tohoku University Business Incubation Program (BIP). This program aims to accelerate research and development to widely deliver new therapeutics to patients.
Tohoku University Press Release and Research Results (https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/japanese/2021/08/press20210827-03-BIP.html)

June 29, 2021【Press Release】
In various neurodegenerative diseases, the accumulation of aggregated pathogenic proteins leads to neuronal cell death. Emeritus Professor Koji Fukunaga and Specially Appointed Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata from Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences developed the low molecular compound SAK3, which was reported in 2017 to improve cognitive function by enhancing the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), involved in memory formation. Recently, it was discovered that SAK3 activates the proteasome, a cellular mechanism for degrading pathogenic proteins, thereby removing these proteins from neuronal cells. Furthermore, the mechanism by which SAK3 activates the proteasome to promote the degradation of pathogenic proteins was elucidated. These findings may contribute to preventing neuronal cell death by promoting the degradation of amyloid beta protein, synuclein, huntingtin, tau protein, and other pathogenic proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases. For more details, please refer to the following sites.
Tohoku University Press Release - http://www.pharm.tohoku.ac.jp/file/information/20210629.pdf
Nikkei - https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLRSP613506_Z20C21A6000000/
QLifePro - Medical Comprehensive Site for Healthcare Professionals - http://www.qlifepro.com/news/20210630/alz-sak3.html

March 24, 2021【Press Release】
The involvement of "phase-separating proteins" in neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease has been clarified. Liquid-liquid phase separation is a phenomenon where a dense phase of proteins forms within a liquid phase where proteins are dispersed at low concentrations. This temporary concentration of proteins can enable highly efficient chemical reactions, but it also poses the risk of forming insoluble aggregates that can cause disease. A research group led by Associate Professor Kiyotaka Kamagata from Tohoku University’s Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata and Professor Koji Fukunaga from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Tohoku University, Associate Professor Keisuke Ikeda from Toyama University, and Senior Researcher Tomofumi Kameda from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, has devised an efficient method for exploring peptides that control phase-separating proteins. They conducted a search for amino acids that can regulate liquid-liquid phase separation and developed peptides containing effective amino acids. This method successfully controlled the liquid-liquid phase separation and solid aggregate formation of the protein FUS, which is involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Future applications targeting phase-separating proteins associated with diseases are anticipated.
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLRSP607240_U1A320C2000000/

March 19, 2021【Professor Koji Fukunaga's Final Lecture】
In recognition of his long-standing contributions to pharmacological research at Tohoku University, Professor Koji Fukunaga gave his final lecture. He will become an Emeritus Professor in April. The video can be viewed on YouTube. YouTube video URL: https://youtu.be/k_D4iAThB1I

March 9, 2021【Professor Koji Fukunaga, Honorary Member】
At the 94th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Pharmacological Society, Professor Koji Fukunaga was appointed as an Honorary Member of the Society.
For more details: https://pharmacol.or.jp/outline/meiyo

March 8, 2021【Specially Appointed Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata, Academic Encouragement Award】
At the 94th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Pharmacological Society, Specially Appointed Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata received the 36th Academic Encouragement Award.
For more details: https://pharmacol.or.jp/award/bounty

November 11, 2020【Specially Appointed Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata, Young Investigator Award】
At the 14th International Conference on Protein Phosphatase, Specially Appointed Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata received the Young Investigator Award.

October 12, 2020【Specially Appointed Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata, Nishinomiya Functional Basic Medicine Research Grant】
At the 71st Northern Meeting of the Japanese Pharmacological Society, Specially Appointed Associate Professor Ichiro Kawabata was awarded the Nishinomiya Functional Basic Medicine Research Grant.

July 15, 2020【Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Ichiro Kawabata, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Director's Award】
At the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Tohoku University, Specially Appointed Assistant Professor Ichiro Kawabata was awarded the Director's Award.