Team-en

I have been engaged in research in academia, where I have cultivated experience and knowledge in basic research. Going forward, I intend to leverage these strengths and actively pursue the practical application of DRP.

I am a researcher with over 10 years of experience in molecular microbiology and genetic engineering. My life philosophy is “To connect with people, you don’t need to be interesting, just interested.” Through my role at Veneno, I aim to collaborate with partners around the world to leverage disulfide-rich peptides and address health challenges affecting humans, animals, and the environment.

After earning my Ph.D., I served as a JSPS postdoctoral researcher at Shizuoka Prefectural University before taking on my current position. In my previous roles, I worked on expanding the potential of plants from the perspectives of plant genetics and secondary metabolism. Believing in the hidden potential of plants, I am committed to advancing the agricultural sector in Japan and around the world!!

I studied biology at Okayama University and earned a Ph.D. in Science. Since then, I have gained diverse experience at various research institutes and universities, including abroad. Before joining Veneno, I worked as a Specially Appointed Associate Professor at the National Institute for Physiological Sciences. While I was a university student, I was frequently stung by sea nettles, which caused me a great deal of pain and itching; however, it has been my secret dream to one day analyze their venom.

I graduated from Nanjing Medical University and conducted research on the electrophysiology of arrhythmias at Nagoya University and the University of Rochester. I am confident in my ability to apply my knowledge of medicine, research, and healthcare, as well as my experience in business—including import/export, exhibitions, presentations, and training—to take on new challenges in different fields.

I obtained my Master’s Degree at the Graduate School of Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagasaki University. Before joining our company, I worked as a Researcher at the Research Department, Research and Development Division of Miyarisan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
I aim to learn across disciplines and work toward the societal implementation of DRP!

I am fascinated by the mechanisms by which membrane proteins move and function. At Veneno, I was particularly drawn to the functional beauty of DRP, which maintains its activity despite its ultra-compact structure. I want to vividly imagine how DRP interacts with its targets and create new DRP variants that will be useful in society.

After completing my master’s degree, I worked in academic research and diagnostic drug development in life sciences before assuming my current position. During my graduate studies, I conducted research on pain in the field of pharmacology, and I am currently engaged in research focused on the creation of target-specific peptides.

My areas of expertise include biochemistry, enzymology, metabolomics, and structural analysis.
The properties of DRP—which differ from both proteins and conventional peptides—are truly fascinating. It makes perfect sense that organisms have utilized them as toxins. DRP can accomplish things that proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and small molecules cannot.

I graduated from Tokyo Institute of Technology (now Tokyo University of Science). After working at Kyoto University, the University of Tokyo, and other institutions, I assumed my current position. My strengths lie in protein engineering, which integrates diverse technical expertises, medical insights, and chemical approaches. Working to connect and align academic passion with industrial needs, I am committed to advancing the societal implementation of DRP and creating new value.

After completing my graduate studies, I worked at the Institute of Biomolecular Engineering, ETH Zurich, the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, and Osaka University Ventures before assuming my current position. My primary research fields are structural biology and biochemistry. While marveling at the young talents who wield AI with such ease, I am also honing my own skills in this field. Let’s work hard together!

I have gained experience working as a research assistant at various universities and companies. Our company brings together researchers with diverse areas of expertise, and I believe that the strength of our team comes from the convergence of our individual insights. I aim to be a source of flexible support so that all our researchers can focus on their work with peace of mind.

I am truly impressed by the rapid pace of AI development these days.
While I can’t help but feel envious when I think about how different my learning and experiences would have been if this technology had existed when I was younger, I also believe that it is precisely those of us who lived through the pre-AI era who can truly appreciate and learn from these advancements.
I hope that those who have come to know Veneno’s technology through our collaborative research will share this same sense of wonder.

・Professional Experience
Drug Discovery Research: Banyu Pharmaceutical (now MSD Pharmaceutical) Tsukuba Research Institute, The University of Tokyo Institute for Drug Discovery, Mochida Pharmaceutical Drug Discovery Research Institute
Pharmaceutical Development: Mochida Pharmaceutical Pharmaceutical Development Department, Development Planning and Promotion Department, Medical Affairs Department

I spent 20 years in drug discovery research and the subsequent 10 years in pharmaceutical development (clinical and post-marketing). Although both fall within the “drug discovery” field, I learned through my experiences in each setting that perspectives and ways of thinking change significantly depending on one’s role, and that there are many different entry points into drug discovery. I look forward to speaking with people from diverse backgrounds who are exploring various approaches to drug discovery while working together.