Hideyo Imanishi : Chairman

(Ph.D. from Japan Veterinary Science University)

 

　Worked for BMS Tokyo Research Institute as a leader of the pharmacology research division for 23 years. After that, worked for Toray Industries, Inc., as a pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, and clinical research leader and devoted 13 years of his career to the development of interferon and new anticancer drugs. After retirement, worked for a pharmacology research CRO as a leader of the Japanese office for 18 years.  Has worked as an adviser supporting various Japanese companies to conduct basic research and clinical research.  Also, supported the resumption of certain suspended activities of the Japan Pharmaceutical Licensing Association (JPLA).

 

 

 

Yoshiki Sasaki : Board Director

(Kyoto University, M.S. in systems engineering)

 

　BE mechanical engineering (1973) and ME systems engineering (1976) at Kyoto University. Sales manager and engineer at Hitachi, Ltd. (steel rolling plants, FA systems) Industry Consultant at SRI International (1988).

　Executive board member at Japan Asia Investment Co., Ltd (JAIC) (1996), 150 exits from Southeast Asian investment after Asian Crisis. Started first Japanese funds to invest in China (2001) and Vietnam (2006), distressed debt fund in Southeast Asia (2003), and first Japanese fund to invest in biotechnology (2003). Invested in Alibaba (2002) and was board member. After retiring from JAIC as senior managing director in 2008, supervised US$90M growth fund to invest in Southeast Asia funded by Development Bank of Japan and an NEC subsidiary.  Moreover, he created several startups which were integrated under Social Impact Solutions Co., Ltd (2019). The group companies are active in healthcare service for seniors, agribusiness and startup investing, accelerator management, technology investment banking as well as new material development.

 

 

 

Hisataka Shoji : Director, Business Development Division

(Kyushu University, M.S. in Chemistry, Ph.D. from Shiga University of Medical Science)

 

　Worked for Toray Industries, Inc., for 19 years in Fibers &Textiles Research Laboratories and Basic Research Laboratories where he researched and developed a new fiber and an extracorporeal blood purification device for the treatment of sepsis and septic shock by removing endotoxin named "Toraymyxin".

　After that, he worked for Toray Medical Co., Ltd. for 27 years, where he was engaged in planning and science job both in domestic and overseas business for "Toraymyxin".  He has much experience and had many achievements in the field of therapeutic medical devices.

　He has extensive experience in attending domestic & overseas conferences and making presentations. Moreover, he has published many treatises.

　Currently, he is a contributing member of the Japan Society of Critical Care for Endotoxemia.

 

Affiliated academic societies:

The Japan Society of Intensive Care Medicine, The Chemical Society of Japan, Japan Society for Therapeutics and

Japanese Society for Apheresis, Japan Society for Blood Purification in Critical Care, Japanese Society for Artificial Organs, Japan Endotoxin and Innate Immunity Society      

Full member of ISFA (International Society for Apheresis), SCCM (Society of Critical Care Medicine, USA), and ESICM (European Society of Intensive Care Medicine, EU).

 

Professional Awards:

Technology Award from the Japanese Society of Artificial Organs   ---        1998

Chemical Technology Award from the Chemical Society of Japan   ---         2001

 

 

 

Kazuya Katagiri : Head, Biologics Sales & Planning　

(Nagoya University, Ph.D. in Engineering)

 

　With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, embarked on his journey at MSD (Merck) in 1978. The work began in the Basic Research Laboratories, followed by impactful research stints at the National Institute of Health in Japan and the Cancer Institute, where served as seconded staff.

　Transitioning to the R&D division, played a pivotal role in research and development planning, as well as clinical research. His versatile expertise expanded across key departments such as Marketing, Sales Training, Sales & Marketing Excellence, and HR within the pharmaceutical company.

　Post-retirement from MSD in 2012, continued to leave a mark in the industry by joining Alexion Pharma (now AstraZeneca) in Medical Affairs. From 2019, assumed the role of Director in the "Promotional Information Provision Activity" supervision department, contributing significantly for five years.

 

 

 

 Makoto Kawaguchi: Head, Pharmaceutical Business Development Division
(Osaka University, Ph.D. in Pharmacy, Pharmacist)

　Worked for Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. for over 40 years. After holding positions in pharmacological research, formulation research, clinical development, and development planning, etc., has been engaged as the head of the Intellectual Property Department and the Business Development Department, engaging in licensing and alliance operations. Activities as the head of business development have spanned over 13 years. During this time, he has successfully introduced numerous switch OTC products and managed the in-licensing and out-licensing of ethical drugs. He also has extensive experience and networks in licensing activities with many overseas companies.