Haruhiro Okuda, PhD National Institute of Health Sciences

Dr. Haruhiro Okuda is a former Director-General of National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS).  After obtaining PhD degree in medicinal chemistry from University of Tokyo, he joined the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Evaluation Center, the predecessor of PMDA, and was engaged in review of new drug approval application. From 2002 to 2020, he worked for NIHS, and served as Head of Division of Organic Chemistry, Head of Division of Drugs, Deputy Director-General and Director-General. He worked to harmonize regulation on quality of chemical drugs for over 10 years as a member of ICH. After retirement form NIHS he continues to be engaged in preparation of Japanese pharmacopoeia and PDG activity as a visiting researcher of NIHS.