Pharmacy Education in Hospital Pharmacy Supporting the Future of Drug Discovery

Recently, Japan's drug discovery capabilities have declined, prompting a national policy priority to address this issue. Thus, clinical research infrastructure and the development of practical human resources are important in promoting innovation. Hospital pharmacies, particularly within academic medical centers, may serve as core hubs supporting drug development through advanced clinical trial management and participation in decentralized clinical trials (DCTs). The Department of Pharmacy at Okayama University Hospital has established a comprehensive system for managing investigational drugs and actively engaged in DCTs, including remote monitoring and home delivery of investigational products. Furthermore, integrated educational initiatives involving pharmacy students, graduate students, and researchers from diverse academic backgrounds provide hands-on clinical trial experience and foster ethical decision-making and practical skills. Through collaboration with local governments and industry, field-based education that bridges society and pharmaceutical research has been implemented. These educational practices align with the core Japanese curriculum for pharmaceutical education, emphasizing research practices, healthcare decision-making, and societal relevance. This paper outlines a series of practical initiatives led by the Department of Pharmacy at Okayama University Hospital, which represent a sustainable educational model that reinforces Japan's drug discovery foundation. Accordingly, we proposed a vision for the future integration of hospital pharmacy practices with pharmaceutical education, highlighting the expanding professional role of pharmacists in drug discovery ecosystems.