Kondo is an employee at the pharmaceutical research department. Within his group, in addition to overseeing process development and manufacturing technology transfers for mid-size molecule drug candidates, he is also involved in proposals for the development of new technologies. Based on his experience working in process development at a different company, in this article he tells us about Chugai Pharmaceutical’s strengths and potential, and the unique satisfaction his job provides.

(Interviewee: Kondo)

*Reproduced from Chugai Pharmaceutical’s official Talentbook page (https://www.talent-book.jp/chugai-pharm) Article details and employee positions are current as of September 2023

An Individual in Charge of Process and Technological Development for Mid-size Molecule Compounds. Working to Establish a Next-generation Synthesis Process

Currently, Kondo’s main role within the pharmaceutical research department is to oversee process development for mid-size molecule drug candidates.

 

Kondo says, “To date, Chugai Pharmaceutical’s two main strengths have been in small-molecule drugs and antibody drugs. In recent years, however, the company has also begun focusing on mid-size molecule drugs as a new modality. I am in charge of process development for mid-size molecule compounds. By exploring and optimizing methods to synthesize compounds that have the potential to become new drugs, our role is to establish processes that balance excellent productivity and stable quality.

For us to deliver new drugs to as many patients as possible, it is essential that even when we repeatedly manufacture these drugs using our huge production facilities with several-thousand-liter capacities that we maintain good reproducibility and high levels of quality. To do so, we must establish highly durable manufacturing processes while considering their environmental impact. Compared to small-molecule compounds, mid-size molecule compounds have a higher molecular weight and a more complex structure. Our main role is to develop chemical synthesis methods for mid-size molecule compounds that meet these requirements.”

 

Alongside his work in process development, Kondo has also been involved in proposals for new technological developments.

 

He says, “It is paramount that we always look at developing new technologies so that we can quickly deliver innovative new drugs to patients. I am particularly focused on proposing technologies that can facilitate continuous production. Continuous production is a manufacturing method that sees a continuous flow from the raw materials to the final drug without interruption.

While gathering information from academic conferences and scientific papers and looking at patent applications in competing areas, we are currently preparing for technological innovations and new value creation through open innovation with other companies, universities, and research institutes.”

 

In his process and technological development work to date, Kondo has placed particular emphasis on working as a team for new drug discovery. He has also paid close attention to communication while putting himself in others’ shoes.

 

“We do not produce medicine at the pharmaceutical research department alone. To provide patients with innovative drugs as quickly as possible, I think it is important that everyone involved in the process considers themselves as all part of the same team so that we can maximize our capabilities as an organization.

This, however, requires the thorough sharing of information so that every department involved can understand the necessary information from the same standpoint. When transferring a technology to a different factory, for example, in some cases you might have to deal with someone who is not an expert in chemistry. In these cases, I strive to provide logical and easy-to-understand explanations of the key points and precautions in the manufacturing technology. At the same time, I make sure to incorporate the opinions and proposals of production technology and equipment experts in these factories into our process development,” says Kondo.

A Career in Pharmaceutical Science Inspired by the Wonder of Molecules. Driven to Chugai Pharmaceutical by a Passion for Chemistry-based Manufacturing

Kondo first became interested in medicine at high school. His interest was sparked when he learned how small molecules can have a large effect on the human body, and he decided to go on to study pharmaceutical science. He tells us that he was particularly interested in chemistry.

 

“I found the discovery of new reactions and the elucidation of their mechanisms very interesting. At university, my research was in an area called reaction development, which involved developing new organic reactions.”

 

After moving onto post-graduate study and acquiring his PhD in pharmaceutical science, Kondo chose to pursue research and development. He joined a pharmaceutical company and set out on his career as a researcher.

 

“In my previous job, I worked on early process development for small-molecule compounds and for pharmaceutical candidates using new modalities. My greatest memory was seeing the manufacturing methods that I had developed being used to create drugs in the factory for the first time.
Seeing a compound solution in a huge 1,000-liter tank going round and round and understanding first-hand how my own work was taking shape only helped to increase my desire to work in process development,” recalls Kondo.

 

However, after going in search of an environment in which he could further dedicate himself to chemistry-based drug discovery and technological development, Kondo came across Chugai Pharmaceutical.

 

He says, “In line with the paradigm shift in drug discovery, the company I was working for had decided to change its technological development policy, such as by introducing technologies from startup companies. Amid this change, while continuing to focus on antibody and small-molecule drugs but with a new focus on uncovering the potential of mid-size molecules, Chugai Pharmaceutical had clearly stated its intention to pursue drug discovery using in-house technologies. It looked to me like the perfect place where I could engage in research I was interested in. And so I applied.

I remember explaining to the general manager who was interviewing me that I was very interested in chemistry-based manufacturing technologies and how he nodded in agreement saying ‘I completely understand.’ The interviewer was to become my manager, and so I think this agreement was the deciding factor.”

Researching Capabilities Developed Through Vast Experience. A Career Path Unique to Chugai Pharmaceutical

Kondo’s first tasks after joining Chugai Pharmaceutical were the development of new technologies for mid-size molecule compounds and operations related to patent applications. Looking back, he says this was a valuable time for him to learn about the company’s R&D policies and strategies.

 

“Immediately after I joined the company I worked on patents. Chugai Pharmaceutical stays ahead of the curve by developing the technologies required for future drug substance manufacturing. I was lucky enough to have many opportunities to work with people from the intellectual property department and those with unique expertise from the research department, and I learned a great deal in the process.”

 

Even after he began working in process development, there was no shortage of new experiences and challenges. He steadily grew his capabilities while making use of his previous experience.

 

“To develop commercial manufacturing methods, it is essential to comprehensively obtain data and understand the process of how multiple variables such as temperature and mixture ratios can impact results. We therefore use the design of experiments method to efficiently obtain and analyze the data. One of our strengths is the ability to look at how our alliance partner Roche does things. I have a real sense that the scope of my work is increasing.

Despite both being pharmaceutical companies, there is a definite yet subtle difference between the language and approach at Chugai Pharmaceutical and my previous company. While I occasionally have to change the way I produce explanations and materials to accurately communicate my intentions to others, the basis of the information is of course the same. In this sense, the expertise and perspective I gained through my previous role in process development has been hugely useful.”

 

Since joining Chugai Pharmaceutical, Kondo has benefited first-hand from its culture of promoting study and self-improvement. He tells us about the unique charms of the company from his standpoint as a mid-career hire.

 

“Led by the pharmaceutical technology division, Chugai Pharmaceutical is promoting numerous technological development projects for five to ten years down the line, some of which I’m involved in.

The company also offers training programs to develop digital personnel. One example is the Chugai Digital Academy. These programs comprise both desk-based and practical study to help employees learn systematic knowledge and technologies. I’m currently taking a beginners’ program to learn about statistical analysis using Python.

One of the company’s greatest qualities is that it offers career paths for individuals pursuing pure science, those who want to master practical technological development, and those who want generate business reform using digital technologies, for example. There is an abundance of opportunities for employees to try new things.”

 

Kondo also tells us that he has benefited from the company’s flexible working environment.

 

“At Chugai Pharmaceutical, we are lucky to be able to make use of a flex time system. Just a few days ago, for example, I received a call saying that my child had a temperature at nursery school. I asked my manager, and he happily let me go and pick my child up. Almost all eligible male employees take childcare leave, and workloads are adjusted as necessary. We are able to work with a high degree of freedom.”

Teamwork as the Key to Pharmaceutical Research. Maximizing Value in Technological Development

Kondo has the following message for prospective employees.

 

“Organizational capabilities are essential to quickly delivering new medicines to patients in need. Those hoping to succeed as part of a team can without doubt find a role within Chugai Pharmaceutical. This is the type of individual the company requires.

Moreover, rather than simply ensuring that employees get on with the work they have been assigned, the company proactively encourages its employees to step forward and take on new challenges. I have voluntarily taken part in projects led by the pharmaceutical technology division. The company’s culture is very accommodating to those with a strong desire to try new things.”

 

To date, Kondo has engaged in pharmaceutical research backed up by the company’s spirit of endeavor. He says his mindset will not change.

 

“My desire to contribute to medicine and patients through drugs that have been manufactured using methods that I have helped to develop remains unchanged. In particular, I am most interested in the development of new technologies.

Through the projects I am currently involved in, including the examination of manufacturing methods using data science and of methodologies and technologies for continuous production, the aim is to reduce development times and improve productivity. Doing so will allow us to quickly deliver drugs to patients everywhere. I hope to be able to demonstrate my value in both process development and technological development.”

 

Through his wide-ranging experience in process development and technological development, Kondo has broadened his horizons as a researcher. He will no doubt continue striving to address unmet medical needs through his passion for chemistry-based manufacturing.