Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes. This complication is peripheral neuropathy with predominant sensory impairment, and its symptoms begin with hyperesthesia and pain and gradually become hypoesthesia with the loss of nerve fibers. In some cases, lower limb amputation occurs when hypoalgesia makes it impossible to be aware of trauma or mechanical stimuli. On the other hand, up to 50% of these complications are asymptomatic and tend to delay early detection. Therefore, sensitive and reliable biomarkers for diabetic neuropathy are needed for an early diagnosis of this condition. This review focuses on systemic biomarkers that may be useful at this time. It also describes research on the relationship between target gene polymorphisms and pathological conditions. Finally, we also introduce current information on regenerative therapy, which is expected to be a therapeutic approach when the pathological condition has progressed and nerve degeneration has been completed.

Minitablets have garnered interest as a new paediatric formulation that is easier to swallow than liquid formulations. In Japan, besides the latter, fine granules are frequently used for children. We examined the swallowability of multiple drug-free minitablets and compared it with that of fine granules and liquid formulations in 40 children of two age groups (n = 20 each, aged 6–11 and 12–23 months). We compared the percentage of children who could swallow minitablets without chewing with that of children who could swallow fine granules or liquid formulations without leftover. The children who visited the paediatric department of Showa University Hospital were enrolled. Their caregivers were allowed to choose the administration method. In total, 37 out of 40 caregivers dispersed the fine granules in water. Significantly more children (80%, 95% CI: 56–94%) aged 6–11 months could swallow the minitablets than those who could swallow all the dispersed fine granules and liquid formulations (22%, 95% CI: 6–47% and 35%, 95% CI: 15–59%, respectively). No significant differences were observed in children aged 12–23 months. Hence, minitablets may be easier to swallow than dispersed fine granules and liquid formulations in children aged 6–11 months.

Prednisolone is a frequently prescribed steroid with a bitter, unpalatable taste that can result in treatment refusal. Oral suspensions or powder dosage forms are often prescribed, particularly to pediatric patients, as they improve swallowability and ease of dose adjustment. Consequently, the bitterness of prednisolone is more apparent in these dosage forms. Few studies have investigated prednisolone’s bitterness. Thus, in this study, 50 adults evaluated the bitterness of prednisolone using the generalized Labeled Magnitude Scale (gLMS), in comparison with quinine, a standard bitter substance. Overall, prednisolone-saturated solution demonstrated the same extent (mean gLMS score: 46.8) of bitterness as 1 mM quinine solution (mean gLMS score: 40.1). Additionally, large individual differences were observed in the perception of the bitterness of prednisolone and quinine. Perceived flavors of some drugs are reportedly associated with bitter-taste receptor (TAS2Rs) polymorphisms. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between subjects’ genetic polymorphisms of TAS2R19, 38, and 46, and their sensitivity to bitterness. Although a relationship between TAS2R19 polymorphisms and the perception of quinine bitterness was observed, no significant relationship was found between the perceived bitterness of prednisolone and the investigated genes. Ultimately, the results show that despite individual differences among subjects, the cause of prednisolone’s strong bitterness is yet to be elucidated.

Children with Kawasaki disease are prescribed acetylsalicylic acid powder as an antipyretic analgesic and antiplatelet agent; however, some of it remains in the mouth, leading to a bitter or sour taste. To address this issue, an in-hospital mini-tablet formulation of acetylsalicylic acid was developed. In order to use the mini-tablets safely and effectively, dissolution tests alone are not sufficient. Therefore, an open-label crossover study on six healthy participants was conducted to evaluate comparative pharmacokinetic parameters. The pharmacokinetic parameters of salicylic acid were C_max: 4.80 ± 0.79 mg/L (powder; P), 5.03 ± 0.97 mg/L (mini-tablet; MT), AUC_0–12: 18.0 ± 3.03 mg-h/L (P), 18.9 ± 4.59 mg-h/L (MT), those of acetylsalicylic acid C_max: 0.50 ± 0.20 mg/L (P), 0.41 ± 0.24 mg/L (MT), AUC_0–12: 0.71 ± 0.27 mg-h/L (P), 0.61 ± 0.36 mg-h/L (MT), with no significant differences between the mini-tablet and powder formulations. Although pharmacokinetic results obtained from adults cannot be directly applied to children, the results of this study are important for predicting pharmacokinetics. Furthermore, a formulation that can improve medication adherence in children who have difficulty taking acetylsalicylic acid powder, thus contributing to pediatric drug therapy.

The Conference for Studying the Pharmacopedical Curriculum was inaugurated in 2001, sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan. In April 2002, the draft of a new model curriculum was presented to all pharmaceutical schools and key organizations. Finally, the conference drafted the Model Core Curriculum for Pharmaceutical Education and the Practical On-site Training and Graduation Training Curriculum. The Model Core Curriculum for Practical On-site Training was drafted in 2003. The Committee for the Educational Guidance System in Practical On-site Training, established in 2004 by the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan, is a committee for the development of the guidance system for practical on-site training. This committee held two workshops to create an evaluation program for specific behavioral objectives in the Model Core Curriculum for Practical On-site Training. The evaluation program has not yet been proposed. Evaluation programs for eight units presented in the Model Core Curriculum for Practical On-site Training have been proposed. A verification trial has already been performed in several schools/colleges/universities. The evaluation program of the remaining units is scheduled. This symposium introduces the development of the evaluation program and proposes the performance of verification trials.

Background/Objectives: Mini-tablets are a novel pediatric dosage form designed to mask drug taste and facilitate easier administration. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of uncoated acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) mini-tablets in Japanese children with Kawasaki disease (KD) aged 1 to 4 years. Methods: A retrospective case series study of three pediatric patients with KD treated with ASA mini-tablets (3 mm diameter, 10 mg) was conducted at Showa University Hospital. ASA mini-tablets were administered for up to 68 days. Caregivers recorded daily medication intake and any issues in medication logbooks. Results: All three patients successfully took 100% of the prescribed doses. No adverse events related to mini-tablet ingestion were reported. Patients could take the mini-tablets for extended periods (63–68 days) as part of their KD treatment. Conclusions: ASA mini-tablets showed potential acceptability in this small cohort of pediatric patients with KD. This study represents the first investigation into the acceptability of mini-tablets containing active ingredients in Japanese pediatric patients. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy.