Established as an organization that fosters biohuman resources (human resources involved in the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals) that are indispensable to the biotechnology industry.
First of all, please tell us about the background of the establishment of BCRET and its business.
Mr. Uchida, BCRET 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 (Pharmaco Association). At that time, overseas, which preceded the biotechnology industry, such as the United States, invested a large budget to promote human resource development, while the Japanese industry was completely behind. Therefore, as part of a research activity conducted by the Biopharmaceutical Committee within the Pharmaceutical Co-op, we analyzed the overseas situation and compiled policy recommendations for the development of biohuman resources. With this as a starting point, BCRET was established in 2017 with the cooperation of several companies operating in Japan as members to further materialize policy recommendations.
To put it simply, our business is to "cultivate domestic biohuman resources while cooperating with industry, government and academia."
Business description of BCRET
（1） Conduct education related to development, manufacturing and analysis of biologics field
Develop human resources who promote industry in the field by cooperating with industry, academia, and government.
（2） Advanced research and research in the field of biologics
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, we will support the development of seeds and provide a bridge to the industry in this field.
Excerpts from https://www.bcret.jp/business.html
Mr. Uchida, BCRET It was born from the recommendations of the Pharmaceutical Association, and the majority of people from pharmaceutical companies are basically from pharmaceutical companies to meet their needs. However, each person has its own expertise. For example, Iijima is an expert in biopharmaceutical culture, Shimizu is an expert in formulation technology, and Hashiba is a researcher at academia. Because everyone's background is different, we can demonstrate our collective strength while complementing each other.
With operational rules in place, you can start your work quickly and smoothly.
What types of jobs are eligible for the education programs offered by BCRET?
Mr. Uchida, BCRET We provide a wide range of educational programs (classroom and practical training) with people involved in CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control) development work at pharmaceutical companies and CDMOs, as well as those involved in the production of biopharmaceuticals at factories and other actual manufacturing sites, those involved in quality control, and those involved in pharmaceutical applications. When creating a program, we will catch up on the latest research trends and incorporate them into the program. As a BCRET, how will the latest research be incorporated into future regulations and how will companies use it? I'm creating a program while thinking about it.
Please tell us why you opened a new base in Tokyo and why you chose Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba 1.
Mr. Uchida, BCRET The BCRET headquarters is located at Kobe University Integrated Research Center in Port Island, but thanks to the increase in the number of users, Kobe University 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 also needed. In order to meet both demand, we have established a new activity base in Tokyo. For example, education on regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and mRNA vaccines will be mainly handled by Shinkiba Lab in the future.
The biggest reason for choosing Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba1 is the access environment. In our case, it was most important to have many people participate in educational programs, and a good access environment was a prerequisite.
Please tell us your impressions of Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba1.
BCRET Mr. Iijima: I have experience using general rental labs, etc., but it is not comparable to them, but rather has the impression that it is easier to use than other facilities.
Mr. Shimizu BCRET: The rules for the operation of the lab, such as waste, are strict, but it can be said that the operation rules are clear. For example, waste handling and cleaning white coats used in the laboratory have already been prepared, so we only need to contact them. Mitsui Link Lab has operational rules, so we were able to start operations smoothly from the beginning without any particular trouble.
Taking advantage of the location of the Tokyo metropolitan area, where many universities and academia institutions are located, we also take on challenges that can only be done in Tokyo.
Please tell us what you expect from Mitsui Link Lab in the future.
Mr. Uchida, BCRET We expect Mitsui Link Lab to play a 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: As long as you know each other, it is difficult to connect. If residents connect with each other, we will be able to learn more, and in the future we may also provide opportunities for other companies to use BCRET equipment as shared equipment.
Mr. Uchida, BCRET In the future, I would appreciate it if you could open a shared laboratory in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. Of course, if you open a lab in the middle of the city, there will be various obstacles such as laws, but since you can also create a lab in Hongo (University of Tokyo), I hope that Nihonbashi will be able to realize a super-city center lab like overseas such as London and Boston.
Thank you very much. Finally, please tell us about your outlook for the future.
Mr. Shimizu BCRET: In the future, I would like to further pursue what can only be done in Tokyo. For example, in the Tokyo area, there are many departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutical University, 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 Kobe, so we will continue to provide high-quality educational programs in Shinkiba as well as Kobe. The lab of Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba1 has been visited by various people so far, and "It's a very wonderful lab" "How will you use it in the future?" It is often said, "Please make good use of it." I think we have to think about how to use it.
If you are interested in the lab of Mitsui Link Lab Shinkiba1, please contact us and we would like to provide an opportunity to visit.
