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Welcome Message
As far as basic research in medical sciences is concerned, Japan is one of the most advanced countries and has produced many significant results. However, as can be seen from drug lag or device lag, the path to developing novel drugs, vaccines and medial devices, and delivering them in the standard international clinical practice has not yet been paved in Japan. We have too often missed these opportunities to utilize or industrialize them. It has been pointed out that such struggles are caused by the weakness of translational research and clinical research, delay in constructing the infrastructure to drive and support clinical trials, as well as the lack of solid strategy or ingenious planning to use the governmental grant and public fund effectively to achieve the goal. In order to expand the life science as one of the highly intellectual industries which will sustain the future of Japan, I believe it is critical to build up AROiAcademic Research Organizationjin academia, strengthen cooperative networks among industry, academia and the government, collaborate with different research fields, promote international exchanges and to educate young scientists to become globally competitive.
The relationship between Yokohama City University (YCU) and the FDA has been long lasting over 15 years, and we have educated and produced many brilliant physicians through fellowship programs. The Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, FDA and YCU exchanged the "Memorandum of Understanding for Participation in Collaborative Scientific Training Program" on December 21, 2006 in Maryland, USA to move up to the next step. Now, we are opening the second international workshop co-sponsored by FDA and YCU. The main subject of this workshop is "Biomarkers," which have potential to accelerate the process from the basic discovery to practical use of new drugs and devices, and to advance in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. We are inviting well-known experts and current active reviewers from FDA, a doctor from Duke Medical Center supported by the world distinguished ARO "Duke Clinical Research Institute," and also world leading scientists on the integration between medicine and engineering. I look forward to an active exchange of opinions after each lecture. There will also be a poster session with 26 topics concerning research on biomarkers presented by young scientists of YCU. I would like to ask the guests, speakers and participants to actively discuss with them and stimulate them.
Our aim is to strengthen the ARO functions and extend our collaborative network for translational and clinical research beyond the walls of industry, government and academia, and beyond gaps in languages, clinical practices, research interests or cultural differences. This workshop is the starting point of progress to the future. I look forward to many scientists joining the workshop and producing spirited discussions.
I would like to express my gratitude towards the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and Yokohama City for their backup as well as many companies for their support to this workshop.
Yutaka Natsumeda, MD., PhD.
Workshop Chairperson, the 2nd International Workshop co-sponsored by YCU and FDA
Director of Clinical Trial Support Center, Yokohama City University
Director of Office of Clinical Trials, Yokohama City University Hospital
Professor of Clinical Research, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine
