Prof. Dr.
Susumu Uchiyama

Prof. Dr. Susumu Uchiyama is a researcher specializing in protein science, biophysical chemistry in solution, and the physicochemical characterization of biopharmaceuticals. As a Professor at the Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Osaka, he conducts research on the structure, properties, and interactions of proteins, protein complexes, and protein–nucleic acid complexes in solution.

He has extensive expertise in advanced biophysical characterization using analytical ultracentrifugation, native mass spectrometry, hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, thermal analysis, and spectroscopic techniques. He developed his expertise in mass spectrometry, including native mass spectrometry, through his research experience in the laboratory of Prof. Dame Carol Robinson, a pioneer in the field of biomolecular mass spectrometry. His work has contributed to a deeper understanding of higher-order structure, aggregation states, stability, and quality attributes of biopharmaceutical products. He has also been involved in the improvement of analytical instruments and the development of new analytical technologies, contributing to biopharmaceutical development from both fundamental and applied perspectives.

Prof. Uchiyama was involved in the founding of U-Medico Inc. in 2006 and has supported the company’s scientific foundation since its establishment. As Chief Scientific Officer, he serves as the company’s scientific leader, overseeing scientific and technical strategies for analytical technology development, quality assessment, formulation development, and manufacturing process development for biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy products.

In recent years, U-Medico has focused on the analysis, quality assessment, and manufacturing process development of gene therapy viral vectors, including AAV. Under Prof. Uchiyama’s leadership, U-Medico applies advanced analytical technologies centered on analytical ultracentrifugation and mass spectrometry to comprehensively evaluate full and empty particles, structure, physicochemical properties, stability, and quality attributes. By applying the scientific insights obtained through these analyses to manufacturing process development, U-Medico aims to establish a technology platform that enables the production of higher-quality viral vectors.

Through these activities, U-Medico is helping lead the advancement of analytical science and quality assessment in the field of gene therapy in Japan. By leveraging its advanced analytical technologies as a foundation for manufacturing process development, the company contributes to the research, development, and practical implementation of innovative gene therapy products.

Prof. Uchiyama has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed papers and review articles and has contributed to the advancement of analytical science for biopharmaceuticals and quality assessment technologies for gene therapy products in both academia and industry.