In oncology and other areas, chemical substances used to make new drug candidates are extremely potent, therefore hazardous to the health of employees working with them in the course of research and development and manufacturing. Accordingly, absolute care is necessary in managing and handling raw materials and intermediates. A proper work environment must be prepared to protect employees from health hazards. The Chugai Group has established a rule to conduct risk assessments of the chemical substances to be handled and the type of work to be performed. Based on the results of such assessments, appropriate work environments are prepared and protective equipment selected. After that, operations and procedures are determined.

In 2010, Chugai established a hazard assessment program for substances used in research. Other measures to reinforce safety included initiating audits of prospective toll manufacturers. We also provide material safety data sheets (MSDS) and Yellow Cards (cards with emergency measures and contact information) to help ensure the safety of toll manufacturers and other related outside parties.

In the one-year period from April 2009 to March 2010 (fiscal 2009), the Chugai Group handled more than one ton each of five chemical substances covered by the PRTR Law.1 These substances were Acetonitrile, 2-Aminoethanol, Dichloromethane, Toluene, and N, N-Dimethylformamide. The total volume of PRTR substances handled was 42 percent less than in fiscal 2008.

1. Pollutant Release and Transfer Register Law. Requires companies to monitor and report the release of designated chemical substances into the environment and promotes improvement of management.

Handled Amounts of Chemical Substances Covered by PRTR Law