Eijun Itakura
About Eijun Itakura
Eijun Itakura is the Japan Development Team Lead/Medical Monitor at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Tokyo, Japan, with a background in dermatology and cancer research.
Current Role at Bristol-Myers Squibb
Eijun Itakura currently holds the position of Japan Development Team Lead/Medical Monitor at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Tokyo, Japan. His responsibilities in this role include overseeing the development of medical strategies and monitoring clinical trials, specifically focusing on cancer research and treatment protocols. This position leverages his extensive background in medical science and his specialization in dermatology, dermatopathology, and pathology.
Previous Experience at Bristol-Myers Squibb
Before his current role, Eijun Itakura served as a Medical Lead at Bristol-Myers Squibb from 2015 to 2018. During this three-year tenure, he was responsible for leading medical projects and developing clinical trial protocols to advance the company's oncology portfolio. His role required a deep understanding of medical science, oncology, and clinical research, which he applied to enhance patient care and outcomes.
Experience at UCLA
Eijun Itakura has significant research experience from his time at UCLA, where he held multiple positions. He worked as a Staff Research Associate from 2004 to 2014, contributing to various research projects in pathology and laboratory medicine. Prior to that, he served as a Laboratory Assistant for six months in 2004 and a Postgraduate Researcher from 2002 to 2004. His work at Dr. Alistair Cochran's laboratory focused on metastasis, tumor-induced immunosuppression, and the pathology of malignant melanoma, skin cancer, and sarcomas.
Educational Background and Expertise
Eijun Itakura completed his MD degree at Kyushu University in 1996 and went on to achieve a Ph.D. in Medical Science from the same institution in 2002. His doctoral research focused on metastasis and tumor-induced immunosuppression. He is also a board-certified dermatologist in Japan. His specialties include cancer research, dermatology, dermatopathology, and pathology, particularly in the context of malignant melanoma, skin cancer, and soft tissue tumors.
Early Medical Career
Eijun Itakura began his medical career in Japan, serving as a Resident Physician at Kyushu University from 1996 to 1997, and subsequently at the National Kyushu Medical Center from 1997 to 1998. These early roles provided him with foundational clinical experience and exposure to various medical conditions, setting the stage for his future specialization in oncology and dermatology.