Established as an organization that fosters “bio-human resources (human resources involved in the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals)” that are indispensable to the bio industry.
First of all, please tell us about the background of the establishment of "BCRET" and the business details.
Mr. BCRET Uchida: BCRET is a general incorporated association established with the aim of developing human resources involved in the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals. Its origin goes back to the activities of the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (Pharmaceutical Association). At that time, overseas groups in the bio-industry, such as the United States, invested a large amount of money to promote human resource development, while the Japanese industry was completely behind. As part of the research activities of the Biopharmaceutical Committee, we analyzed the overseas situation and compiled policy recommendations calling for the development of biohuman resources. With this as a starting point, BCRET was established in 2017, with several companies operating in Japan working together as members to further materialize policy recommendations.
To put it simply, the business is to foster domestic biohuman resources while cooperating with industry, government and academia.
Business description of BCRET
（1） Education related to the development, manufacturing and analysis of the biologics field
Cooperate with industry, academia, and government to develop human resources who promote industries in the field.
（2） Advanced research and research in the biologics field
We will further promote industries in the field in cooperation with the government on the results.
（3） Research on biologics conducted at universities, etc.
In particular, support the development of seeds and provide a bridge to the industry in the field.
Excerpt from https://www.bcret.jp/business.html
Mr. BCRET Uchida: In order to meet the needs of the Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a large number of people are from pharmaceutical companies. However, the area of expertise is individual. For example, Mr. Iijima is an expert in biopharmaceutical culture, Mr. Shimizu is an expert in formulation technology, and Mr. Hashiba is a researcher in academia. Because everyone's background is different, we can demonstrate our comprehensive strength while complementing each other.
Operational rules are in place, so you can start work smoothly immediately
What kind of job categories are eligible for the education program provided by BCRET?
Mr. BCRET Uchida: We provide a wide range of educational programs (teaching and practical training) with people involved in CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control) development work at pharmaceutical companies and CDMOs, people involved in the production of biopharmaceuticals at factories and other actual manufacturing sites, or people involved in quality control, as well as those involved in pharmaceutical applications. When creating a program, we will catch up with the latest research trends and incorporate them into the program. How will BCRET incorporate the latest research into future regulations and how will it be used by companies? While thinking about it, I'm creating a program.
Please tell us why you opened a new base in Tokyo and why you chose Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1.
Mr. BCRET Uchida: BCRET's headquarters are located at Kobe University Integrated Research Center in Port Island, but thanks to the increase in users, Kobe University's facilities alone are no longer able to respond, so a new base is needed. In the recent biopharmaceutical industry, new modalities were emerging one after another, and information updates were needed. Therefore, in order to meet both demands, we established a new activity base in Tokyo. For example, the education on regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and mRNA vaccines will be mainly handled by Shinkiba Lab in the future.
The main reason for choosing Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1 is the access environment. In our case, it was most important for many people to participate in educational programs, and a good access environment was a prerequisite.
Please tell us your impressions of Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1.
BCRET Mr. Iijima: I have also used general rental labs, but compared to them, I have an impression that it is easy to use compared to other facilities.
Mr. BCRET Shimizu: The rules for the operation of labs, such as waste, are strict, but it can be said that the operation rules are clear. For example, waste handling and cleaning of white coats used in the laboratory have already been prepared, so we just need to contact them. Mitsui Link Lab has operational rules, so we were able to start operations smoothly from the beginning without any particular problems.
Taking advantage of the location of many universities and academic institutions in the Tokyo area, we also take on challenges that can only be done in Tokyo.
Please tell us your expectations for Mitsui Link Lab in the future.
Mr. BCRET Uchida: Mitsui Link Lab expects its role as a hub for connecting residents through tenant exchange meetings and other events. I would like you to intervene persistently until you can connect with each other.
BCRET Mr. Iijima: To the extent that you have acquaintances, it is difficult to connect. If residents connect with each other, we will be able to learn a lot, and in the future, we may be able to provide opportunities for other companies to use BCRET equipment as shared equipment.
Mr. BCRET Uchida: In the future, I would be grateful if you could open a shared lab in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. Of course, when opening a lab in the middle of the city, there will be various obstacles such as laws, but since we can create a lab in Hongo (University of Tokyo), we hope that a super-city lab will be realized in Nihonbashi as well as overseas such as London and Boston.
Thank you very much. Lastly, please tell us about your future prospects.
Mr. BCRET Shimizu: In the future, I would like to pursue what can only be done in Tokyo. For example, in the Tokyo area, there are many Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences, so I would like to focus on student education through collaboration projects with universities. Of course, the quality of education should not be reduced compared to the Kobe base, so we will continue to provide high-quality education programs in Shinkiba as well as Kobe base. The Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1 lab has been visited by various people so far, and "It's a very wonderful lab" and "How do you use it in the future?" It is often said, “Please make good use of it.” I think we have to think about various ways of using it.
If you are interested in the lab at Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1, please contact us and we would like to provide an opportunity to visit.
