Kazumasa Hirata, PhD

Corporate Officer for Research
Maruho Co., Ltd.

Biography

Kazumasa Hirata, PhD, is Corporate Officer for Research at Maruho Co., Ltd., a Japanese pharmaceutical company exclusively focused on dermatology.

Dr. Hirata has built his career at the intersection of research, clinical development, and strategic partnering, with a focus on translating scientific ideas into dermatology medicines. His scientific background centers on the mechanisms of transdermal drug absorption, a key foundation for topical and dermatological therapeutics.

He earned his PhD from The School of Pharmacy, University of London (now UCL) and subsequently remained in London, where he led clinical trial project management for international dermatology programs, gaining experience in global clinical development and execution. He later joined Cutanea Life Sciences, a former Maruho subsidiary in the United States, serving as Vice President across corporate development and clinical operations, and working closely with cross‑functional teams in the U.S. biotech ecosystem.

Since returning to Japan, Dr. Hirata has led Maruho’s research organization, overseeing research strategy across early discovery, non‑clinical development, and CMC research. He works with startups and academic partners to advance promising science through collaboration toward real‑world dermatology treatments.