Nambu works in antibody characterization and molecular development at Chugai Pharmaceutical's Pharmaceutical Technology Division. What prompted his transition from university assistant professor to a career in the pharmaceutical industry? In this section, Nambu, who continues to face challenges through daily trial and error, reflects on his career and current work.

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

Working in Analysis to Prove Drug Efficacy and Safety

At Chugai Pharmaceutical's Pharmaceutical Technology Division, Nambu is involved in antibody characterization and molecular development. This division works to transform candidate molecules created by the Research Division into viable products for patients. Nambu's Analysis Research Department plays a key role in the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients and formulations, conducting molecular structure analysis, developing test methods to assess efficacy and stability, and collecting physical property data essential for new drug approval applications.

 

"My group conducts analysis to understand specific molecular characteristics and produce them with higher purity. Specifically, we study the function of target molecules, analyze impurity content and characteristics, and research long-term storage conditions. Our goal is to validate and ensure the viability of the products."

 

Nambu's group operates using a matrix system, where individuals contribute to multiple projects in various roles, rather than focusing on a single product.

 

"I primarily focus on molecular characterization analysis. I analyze and gather data across several molecules to understand their characteristics.

Within our group, we assign theme leads to each molecule, and I am responsible for one molecule. As we collect various types of data, my role involves compiling and summarizing information related to my assigned molecule, coordinating external communication, and addressing external requests and inquiries."

 

By handling multiple roles, Nambu's team can acquire broader knowledge and apply it to molecular development.

 

"Since we analyze proteins and antibodies, we require a comprehensive understanding of molecular biology and structural characteristics. However, it is difficult to possess deep expertise in all areas. We apply our specialized academic knowledge while contributing to molecular development. Our organizational goal is to share and expand our collective knowledge to further enhance molecular development."

 

Nambu frequently collaborates with international partners, particularly Roche, headquartered in Switzerland.

 

"I’m currently involved in molecular analysis that requires frequent meetings with Roche. Between preparing analysis reports and reading papers to stay updated on new technologies, I use English daily.

Due to time zone differences, I occasionally participate in early morning meetings, but I leverage our flextime system to complete work in the afternoon or enjoy dinner with my family before returning to work, allowing me to maintain flexibility in my schedule."

Utilizing Knowledge and Skills Cultivated in Academia to Find a Place for Growth

After earning his doctorate and working as an assistant professor, Nambu decided to join Chugai Pharmaceutical to contribute to society.

 

"I transitioned to industry because I wanted to see my work take shape and make a tangible impact. Before becoming an assistant professor, I believed academia was about deeply exploring a single topic and accumulating knowledge.

However, I soon realized that research must often navigate social circumstances and funding constraints. This realization drove me to seek a role that could contribute more broadly to society."

 

When selecting a new employer, Nambu sought a company where he could apply his expertise, take on challenging projects with high novelty, and grow alongside a dynamic organization. He chose Chugai Pharmaceutical because he believed it would provide an environment conducive to personal and professional growth.

 

"Upon joining, I was assigned to analytical work where I could apply my knowledge. Later, I participated in Quality by Design [QbD] activities, which focus on verifying critical elements in pharmaceutical manufacturing and supporting development. This expanded my interactions with Roche.

In my second year, I spent two months at Roche to deepen my analytical skills. Afterward, I assumed the role of theme lead, which allowed me to broaden my responsibilities beyond analysis. Even in this expanded role, I continue to contribute by leveraging my expertise in protein science and analysis."

 

Chugai Pharmaceutical conducts annual career discussions with employees. Following his experience at Roche, Nambu expressed a desire to expand his knowledge, which has influenced his career trajectory.

 

“Being assigned to Roche actually gave me confidence that my scientific skills and knowledge were competitive on an international level. However, I also realized the need to enhance our presence.

Currently, I’m focused on broadly communicating our technology and elevating our profile using the insights I gained at Roche. My decision to take on the role of theme lead was driven by the desire to raise the visibility of our analytical technology. Focusing solely on one area of technology limits opportunities for collaboration with other departments.

The advantage of being a theme lead is the opportunity to connect with individuals from other departments, divisions, clinical development, and even the research division in Singapore. Through these collaborations, I aim to share the analytical technologies we have developed.”

From "Researcher" to "Product Developer": What Changed with the Shift in Perspective

Over his ten years at Chugai, Nambu has accumulated diverse experiences, including his assignment at Roche and his role as theme lead. He reflects on the analytical research at Chugai:

 

"The greatest appeal is the variety of molecules we work with. Given the diversity of materials, we must constantly refine our analytical techniques and develop new testing methods. Although challenging, this aspect of the work is highly rewarding.

However, managing such a broad array of molecules presents difficulties. At times, we must rethink our entire approach, and there are occasions when we fail repeatedly, which can be discouraging. Timelines can be demanding. Nevertheless, one thing is certain: we are 'constantly challenging ourselves,' and that makes the work very fulfilling."

 

Through overcoming these analytical challenges and achieving results, Nambu now feels that his initial goal of contributing to society is being realized in his daily work.

 

"When I first joined, I had a vague desire to contribute to society but couldn't visualize how to make it a reality. Over time, I began to understand the processes required to bring products to market and the analytical technologies needed to support that. My perspective shifted from that of a 'researcher' to that of someone 'creating products in a company.'

When a molecule I worked on early in my career reached the market and was helping patients, I felt a deep sense of fulfillment. It was a tangible achievement of my goal to contribute broadly to society."

Creating Useful Medicines in an Environment Where Members Elevate Each Other

"What stands out to me in this environment is the strength of individual abilities. The knowledge and ideas each team member contributes are impressive and of a high caliber. However, we must improve our ability to communicate these insights externally. To gain greater recognition from society, we need to promote ourselves more actively.

Related to this, increasing our visibility within Roche is another goal. I aspire for our group to become the first Roche turns to when facing analytical challenges."

 

Within Nambu's group, where each member assumes multiple roles and collaborates extensively, there is an environment that fosters growth for individuals who value teamwork.

 

"Our group attracts those who want to cultivate an environment for collaborative research and those eager to compete while combining their data to produce superior outcomes. Individuals who value teamwork and seek to thrive in pharmaceutical development will find a supportive environment here."

 

The group aims for continuous improvement through cooperation, prioritizing the creation of an atmosphere in which newcomers can integrate easily.

 

"When I first joined, I learned data collection methods and recording procedures not from a single trainer but through interactions with various specialists. I appreciated the opportunity to engage with most of the department members in a short period. Today, we have dedicated trainers, but new members still have the chance to interact with the team, which helps them adapt smoothly to the workplace culture."

 

Having transitioned from academia to Chugai Pharmaceutical and grown while collaborating with colleagues, Nambu shares this message for those considering their next career move:

 

"If you want to work with new molecules and develop technologies related to them, I’d be delighted to welcome you to the Analysis Research Department. In analytical research, you can contribute to the refinement of products and acquire advanced technical skills. You can also play a role in bringing products to market, something that isn’t possible in academia. Those who enjoy research while interacting and cooperating with others will find this environment to be a good fit."