About AMED Message from the President

We are fully committed to promoting research and development in the medical field, from basic research to practical application, through eight integrated projects

The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) was established in 2015 as a funding agency that plays a central role in supporting research and development (R&D) in the medical field and fostering the necessary environment for research in Japan under the Government’s “Healthcare Policy”. Since AMED’s establishment, we have consolidated national budgets related to research and development in the medical field, providing seamless support for R&D from basic research to practical applications.

Under the Third Medium- to Long-Term Plan (FY2025 - FY2029), AMED will further develop and promote R&D through eight integrated projects, designed around modalities (drug discovery, therapeutic approaches, etc.) established during the Second Medium- to Long-Term Plan. We will also continue to flexibly manage research and development related to specific disease areas across the integrated projects.

We will provide continuous and stable support for basic research to ensure the consistent creation of innovative drug seeds, and also accelerate the practical application of research outcomes by strengthening our exit-oriented approach. Across all integrated projects, we will strengthen support, promote medical digital transformation and AI drug discovery, and expand R&D internationally. In addition, we will develop support initiatives that connect projects across Government Ministries, at each stage from basic to applied and clinical research, including the transfer of technology seeds to companies, with a view to social return on investment. We will also further promote “social co-creation” in medical research and development, such as Patient/Public involvement in research.

In preparation for future public health emergencies, we have launched a new Infectious Disease Project and have begun collaboration with relevant government agencies. We are working to improve systems for the development of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics, including initiatives based on the “Strategy for Strengthening the Vaccine Development and Production System” associated with the Strategic Center of Biomedical Advanced Vaccine Research and Development for Preparedness and Response (SCARDA) established within AMED in 2022.

With the rapid diversification of modalities for treatment or diagnosis, there is a need to enhance integrated drug discovery through cross-disciplinary approaches, and to accelerate the development of new modalities that are internationally competitive. We strive to promote AMED's overall projects and maximize outcomes from a global perspective by deepening collaboration with various domestic and overseas institutions, enhancing information gathering and dissemination, and promoting international joint research and personnel exchanges.

Taking the needs of patients, the medical community, researchers, industry and other stakeholders into full account, we are committed to the advancement of medical care using world-class technologies, and ultimately contributing to the formation of a society of healthy longevity.

Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
President
NAKAGAMA Hitoshi, M.D., D.M.Sc.