After an academic career, Horibe joined Chugai Pharmaceutical as a researcher in the Drug Discovery Chemistry Department. He has been involved in synthesizing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for non-clinical testing of low- and medium-molecular-weight drug candidates and developing initial synthesis processes. Horibe continuously refines his synthesis techniques to develop methods that excel in both speed and quality. He discusses the excitement of participating in drug discovery research at the company.

*Reprinted from Chugai's official talentbook (https://www.talent-book.jp/chugai-pharm). The descriptions and affiliations are current as of August 2023.

Responsible for Synthesizing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) for Non-Clinical Testing: Aiming for Speedy and High-Quality API Supply

Horibe is a member of the Drug Discovery Chemistry Department in the Research Division. Since joining Chugai, he has focused on the organic synthesis of drug candidate compounds.

 

"Organic synthesis involves creating substances by combining reactive materials. For example, when targeting cancer cells, we create compounds that inhibit mutant proteins associated with cancer.

We specifically work with low- and medium-molecular-weight drug candidates. During the non-clinical stage, we test the efficacy and safety of one or two selected candidate compounds in multiple animal species. I supply the APIs needed for these non-clinical tests in quantities ranging from tens to hundreds of grams, sometimes up to 1 kilogram.

Drug candidate development can be broadly divided into three stages: chemically converting a seed compound to create variants, evaluating these variants to select a few, and advancing a single compound to clinical trials. I am involved at the stage when we narrow down to a few candidates. Our work includes not only supplying candidate compounds but also transferring technology to the Pharmaceutical Technology Research Department, which is responsible for commercial-scale manufacturing. This transfer includes synthesis methods, failure cases, and insights gained during the scale-up process."

 

Horibe's mission is to develop synthesis methods that can be scaled up for the most promising candidates selected by medicinal chemists in the Drug Discovery Chemistry Department. Therefore, what is required is a rapid and high-quality API supply.

 

"To deliver drugs to patients as quickly as possible, it is not enough to simply provide high-quality APIs. It is meaningless unless we can produce products with highly complete manufacturing methods at an accelerated pace.

Developing synthesis methods that balance speed and quality is not an overnight task. Therefore, I continuously refine my techniques, always benchmarking the latest research papers and information from other companies to incorporate new approaches into my work."

Interest in Healthcare That Sprouted in Childhood: Seeking an Environment to Immerse Himself in Research at Chugai Pharmaceutical

Horibe has been frequently visiting medical institutions since childhood, which naturally piqued his interest in drug discovery.

 

"Since I regularly went to hospitals, I've always wanted to give back to doctors and medical institutions. I wanted to help those in need, just as the doctors who cared for me helped me.

I decided to pursue drug discovery research while I was a university student. Although I was in the Faculty of Engineering, I majored in organic chemistry because I wanted to contribute to research aimed at creating medicines."

 

After completing his doctoral program, Horibe went to a prestigious university on the American West Coast, seeking an environment conducive to world-class research.

 

"During a three-month stay in the U.S. while attending a Japanese university, I realized my immaturity as a researcher. I chose to go to the U.S. out of a sense of urgency, knowing that I would not thrive as a researcher unless I could compete globally. I also recognized that I could not expect significant growth if I stayed in Japan.

Joining a world-class laboratory with excellent researchers from around the world was invaluable, as I was able to observe their thinking, research styles, and outputs. Gaining proficiency in English to engage in specialized discussions was another benefit."

 

Upon returning to Japan, Horibe was hired by the Graduate School of Engineering at his alma mater, Nagoya University. However, as his five-year term as a specially appointed assistant professor was nearing its end, he began considering a career change.

 

"I wondered whether I could conduct cutting-edge research outside academia while utilizing organic chemistry. I decided to devote myself to research that directly benefits people, and I chose to become a corporate researcher."

 

Among various pharmaceutical companies, Horibe chose Chugai Pharmaceutical. He recalls that what ultimately convinced him was his alignment with the research director's vision.

 

"Before joining, I had the opportunity to read interviews with the company's research director and the head of the Drug Discovery Chemistry Department. What impressed me most was their clear statement: 'Chugai's strength lies in its research. We will enhance our competitive advantage through the research foundation and technologies developed within the company.' While some companies were trending toward downsizing organic synthesis efforts, Chugai's commitment to continue emphasizing the research I specialized in led me to decide to join the company."

 

Since joining, Horibe has built his career in organic synthesis, gradually advancing from relatively small-scale to larger-scale projects, leveraging his academic experience along the way.

Experiencing Growth in a Culture that Encourages Initiative Like a Tech Venture

Horibe identifies two significant shifts since transitioning from academia to Chugai Pharmaceutical: a heightened awareness of time and the development of a habit of independently evaluating candidate compounds.

 

“While both academia and industry involve research, speed is emphasized far more in companies than in laboratories. Universities prioritize high-quality research, but Chugai requires both quality and speed. I have become increasingly conscious of how to advance work more efficiently, including meetings and administrative tasks.
Also, it was only after joining the company that I learned to evaluate candidate compounds myself, rather than merely creating APIs. I am acquiring substantial knowledge as I work to identify promising compounds by analyzing raw data.”

 

While adjusting to new tasks in an unfamiliar environment, Horibe found reassurance in the support of his team.

 

“I feel they do more than just answer questions; they provide the support necessary for my growth. This is evident in initiatives such as 'I-Learning,' a platform that promotes active learning and career development. Valuing self-improvement is embedded in Chugai's culture. I feel I am growing every day.”

 

Initially drawn to an environment where he could immerse himself in research, Horibe has come to recognize additional strengths in Chugai’s culture as he enters his fourth year.

 

“Proactive proposals are encouraged regardless of seniority, and the environment is open to new ideas. There is no rigid, seniority-based hierarchy, and we are not simply following instructions from supervisors. In a positive sense, it doesn't feel like a large corporation. Personally, it reminds me of a tech venture.
For example, during the development of an API manufacturing process, we initially used the medicinal chemistry route. However, it proved unsuitable for scale-up. Together with my supervisor, we developed an alternative route, conducted synthesis route exploration, and supplied the API. Currently, the Pharmaceutical Technology Research Department is advancing toward commercial-scale manufacturing using most of the routes explored.”

Becoming a Bridge to Clinical Trials: Pursuing a Career Enabled by a Research-Focused Environment

What most surprised Horibe after joining Chugai was the difference in research approaches between academia and industry. He describes the appeal of working in corporate drug discovery as follows:

 

“I feel that the Drug Discovery Chemistry Department, in particular, includes many individuals who value experimental data. In university laboratories, errors were often accepted as inevitable, and research progressed through comparisons of student-generated data, each using their own methods. In contrast, the Drug Discovery Chemistry Department consistently seeks to prevent errors by carefully considering experimental equipment and data collection methods.
Another defining feature is the department’s commitment to deepening discussions based on data and striving for better results. It is a stimulating environment for researchers.”

 

Horibe aspires to become an expert who bridges the non-clinical and clinical phases of drug development, remaining at the forefront of discovery.

 

“Since joining, I’ve been involved in research closely connected to clinical trials. I hope to build a career that leverages the knowledge I have gained in this unique position, which encompasses both non-clinical and clinical perspectives.
To achieve this, my current objective is to master project management while maintaining integrity in data engagement. I aim to learn not only through experience but also by studying past projects and external benchmarks.”

 

Reflecting on a message from the research director he saw before joining, Horibe emphasizes Chugai’s research-oriented culture. He offers words of encouragement to future colleagues who will help shape the future of drug discovery:

 

“I used to believe that pursuing novel ideas was only possible in academia, not in corporate research departments. I was mistaken. The Drug Discovery Chemistry Department is working on the cutting edge of drug discovery. It is an ideal place for those who wish to be at the forefront.
This company is well suited for individuals who are passionate about research and committed to learning. I look forward to working with people who can grow by inspiring and challenging one another in a positive way.”