Applying basic science for the sake of humanity.

Cheryl Cheau Yuaan Tan’s first research experience was during her undergraduate studies at the University of Malaya in her home country of Malaysia, where she studied the thermodynamics of protein denaturation. However, her inquiring mind was not satisfied with concentrating on a single field of basic research. She had long held an interest in how nature and science can improve people's lives. ‘I had always been interested in how the discoveries from basic science could be applied. I wanted to explore how science could contribute to humanity. So, I decided to go on to the University of Tokyo's Graduate School of Engineering doctoral program to make actual use of what I learned in basic research.’

In the doctoral program, Tan specialized in bioengineering, focusing on the applications of an enzyme called Cytochrome P450 in various industries. However, she was unable to sense any benefit in her research for actual consumers. ‘That is why I decided to become a research scientist at a pharmaceutical company. It is because I can be a member of a team that gives hope to patients. Giving hope by helping patients who are in difficult circumstances based on firm scientific evidence, seemed to me to be something very meaningful that is accompanied by compassion.’

Boldly proposing new ideas.

Tan was initially intimidated about applying for a job at a Japanese pharmaceutical company because her Japanese was not fluent, but she took the daring move of applying to Chugai Pharmaceutical with an English CV. ‘Chugai Pharmaceutical is not the kind of company that would reject applicants simply because they cannot speak Japanese. Neither do you need to worry too much about your major or field of specialization. Chugai Pharmaceutical welcomes people from various specializations and will make use of people’s diverse abilities.’ The reason I chose Chugai Pharmaceutical from a number of pharmaceutical companies is that it is a pioneer in the field of antibody drug creation, and I thought I could make use of my knowledge of bioengineering. When she visited Chugai Pharmaceutical during her job search process, she felt that the workers there were kind and friendly. She joined the company and started working in April 2015, and she says that that impression had not been mistaken. ‘The people I work with are all friendly and helpful. As well as that, they always share their knowledge with me. This is extremely important for making new discoveries.’ At her job interview, she was encouraged by the executives, who told her that they wanted their researchers to be creative and boldly propose new ideas. This was another major reason why she chose Chugai Pharmaceutical. ‘I felt that it would be the best environment for me to grow as a professional.’

Currently, as a protein scientist, Tan is responsible for analyzing whether a discovered antibody has molecular properties that would make it suitable enough to be cultured for drug discovery. ‘In addition, as a scientist working in drug discovery, it is also my job to propose ideas for new drugs for diseases whose medical needs are currently not being met. The excitement lies not only in applying things we already know, but also in creating new knowledge.’ However, she does sometimes have trouble with the language aspect. ‘While the presentations are given in English, the discussions are in Japanese, so I am unable to contribute as much as I would like.’ Tan says that she wants to improve her Japanese enough to join in these discussions, so she is studying Japanese hard on her lunch breaks. On the other hand, thanks to Chugai Pharmaceutical's global environment, Tan has had valuable experiences interacting with colleagues around the world. ‘We often have technical exchanges with Roche and Genentech and receive feedback from them. These kinds of exchanges allow us to confirm that we are on the right track. In fact, Roche’s team sometimes visits the Fuji Gotemba Research Laboratories. This is also a valuable opportunity for me to promote Mt. Fuji to foreign visitors!’

Study all the processes of drug discovery.

Apparently, Tan has a view of Mt. Fuji, the symbol of Japan, from the veranda of her house. ‘Since I came all this way to Japan, I really wanted to reach the peak of the highest mountain in Japan, so I climbed it in my first year at the company. But It was so hard! Once was enough for me.’ Tan likes to cook in her spare time and regularly hosts "international parties" along with her Thai and German colleagues who also work at the Gotemba Research Laboratories, where they serve dishes from their respective regions to their Japanese colleagues. ‘I am serious about my work, but I also have many opportunities like that to enjoy myself. What is most important to me is these wonderful colleagues I work with.’

Naturally, Tan has big dreams. I want to see basic science put to good use for humanity, so I want to experience the entire process of drug discovery in the future. Once I have the whole picture, I will also be able to look at it afresh from different viewpoints. My priorities and ways of thinking will also change, so I will be able to make accurate judgements based on ample consideration from various perspectives. For the time being, however, I want to stay focused on the primary stages of research that I am currently engaged in. Those primary stages are a major pillar of pharmaceutical company. I hope I will be transferred to other divisions after I fully mastered that pillar.’ Tan’s momentum knows no bounds. As Mt. Fuji watches over her workplace every day, she has her sights set higher than the mountain.

*The contents of this article, and the divisions that the people featured in this article belonged to and the names of those divisions are current as of the time of the interview.