Dear Members and Attendees,
Greetings from the Chairperson,

I am Yukio Nagasaki from the University of Tsukuba, and it is my great honor to serve as the chairperson for the 40th Annual Meeting of the Japan Society of Drug Delivery System. This significant event is scheduled on July 9th (Tuesday) and 11th (Thursday) at the Tsukuba International Conference Center in Tsukuba, Ibaraki. Building on the success of our 39th meeting, which took place entirely on-site following the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the 40th meeting will feature an English presentation session and employ a hybrid format that combines both on-site and online sessions.

For over a century, research and development in the field of organic synthesis-based medicines, starting with the market launch of acetylated salicylic acid (Aspirin), have saved countless lives. However, in recent times, it has become apparent that we face a shortage of new drug candidates. While proteins and cell-based therapies are emerging to replace traditional organic synthesis, the escalating costs of prescription drugs, ranging from tens to hundreds of millions of JPY, pose a new challenge.

This is the moment to usher in new drug development paradigms. By significantly altering the pharmacokinetics of existing drugs, we can minimize side effects and enable innovative, dream-like treatments. It is the era of Drug Delivery Systems (DDS). Hence, the theme of our 40th conference is 'Toward a New Challenge!' We aspire to host a productive meeting that propels us towards new frontiers, building on the wealth of DDS research we have accumulated thus far.

At this academic meeting, the Society Headquarters will host a 40th-anniversary symposium, entitled 'Learning about the Past and Shaping the Future of the Japan Society of Drug Delivery System,' along with a celebratory banquet. The conference will also feature multiple symposiums addressing new challenges and workshops for in-depth discussions with participants.

In line with our internationalization efforts, we are planning an English session. Given the hybrid format, with both on-site and online components, we aim to create a platform where both foreign and Japanese researchers can present their work in English, further promoting Japan's DDS research to a global audience.

Moreover, on the afternoon of July 9th, the day before the conference, we will host educational lectures. Given that DDS in specialized fields may be common knowledge in one area but not in another, we've invited leading experts to present key DDS research topics. Additionally, we have scheduled presentations by exhibiting companies, offering you the opportunity to explore their new technologies and measurement methods during the half-day session. For a more in-depth discussion on the instruments of interest, you can engage with the companies at their exhibition booths during the convention.

With these initiatives, we aim to foster lively discussions and meaningful exchanges at the 40th conference. Your participation and cooperation are greatly valued.