Akie Honma is currently a group head of the API process development department at Chugai Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. With over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, she has developed a comprehensive skill set in medicinal chemistry, process chemistry of small and mid-sized molecule, pharmaceutical regulatory science and project management.

She has led the development of manufacturing technology for the 1^st mid-sized cyclic peptide drug candidate in Chugai.

She currently leads and manages the process development of various Chugai’s original highly N-alkylated cyclic peptide project, novel synthetic methodology development, external research and manufacturing collaboration and early to late stage process development.

She obtained her Ph.D. from Ochanomizu University under the direction of Professor Shinji Yamada, on the study of hyaluronic acid derivative synthesis and its efficacy as a drug candidate.