Interview with Ryuji Kato (English)

What does it mean to you professionally and personally for Japan to host the 15th IATDMCT Congress?

The first International Congress of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (now, International Congress of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology (ICTDMCT)) was held in Osaka in 1988, and the chairperson was Professor Kazuhiko Tanaka. This year, the 15th ICTDMCT will be held in Kyoto for the second time in Japan, and I think it will introduce a new era for International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology (IATDMCT). This congress is a good opportunity to discuss the purpose of establishing IATDMCT and its future directions in research.

What are your current research interests and what do you hope to learn from the Congress?

My current research interests include investigating the proper use of pharmaceutical products. I am currently developing a prediction and prevention system for serious side effects of drugs based on pharmacokinetics and biomarkers. In the IATDMCT, there are many researchers who study not only therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) but also clinical toxicology; hence, there are many interesting topics to explore in ICTDMCT. In particular, clinical toxicology is well advanced overseas, and thus I am well placed to get information on current focus and progress of research. I also hope to make professional connections with other researchers overseas.

JSTDM is a very active and respected association in the field of TDM. As a JSTDM member, what attracted you and/or who inspired you to become an IATDMCT member?

New drugs are sometimes approved faster overseas than in Japan. Therefore, it is convenient to get current clinical TDM information about new drugs from the IATDMCT. It is also useful to develop professional connections with many overseas researchers. As many young scientists belong to the IATDMCT, I am looking forward to developing professional ties with them. I joined the IATDMCT on the advice of Professor Kazuyuki Ueno, the former president of the Japanese Society of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (JSTDM) and my supervisor when I was a graduate student at Osaka University. He always said, “Awake to research and development around the globe.”

Many of your JSTDM colleagues will be in attendance at the Congress. What do you think are the main benefits of IATDMCT membership for JSTDM members?

I think that the main benefit of the IATDMCT membership for JSTDM members is to make professional connections with many overseas researchers. With professional ties all over the world, we can conduct effective research by widening our point of view and having meaningful discussions. Young scientists of JSTDM can be motivated by other young scientists through communication. As relationships are transcending borders, I think it will be both fun and encouragement to have friends/researchers from all over the world.