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Research paper : Development of novel chemical reagents for reliable genetic analyses (Y. Komatsu et al.)−6−Synthesiology - English edition Vol.4 No.1 (2011) “non-trendy topic” that had been considered to have nothing to be developed, we could perform the original researches (Factor 1). To quickly conduct the wide-ranging research, we held intense discussions with our collaborators. Such collaborations inside and outside of AIST were extremely important (Factor 2). In the improvement of the existing technology, particularly, the “speed” of the development seemed to be very important, and we carried out the research with practical use in mind from the development stage. While this may not be the best way, we believe it is very important to develop our technology speedily in life sciences which progress at an extremely fast pace (Factor 3). As the progress of our research was accelerated day by day, frictions were generated with the research environment systems. Therefore, there should be an environment that would minimize deceleration. Also, the development of the second-generation linker was important for the product realization, but this could not be accomplished without the continuous basic research on the chemical property of the first-generation linker. We realized that it was essential to pursue the basic research in practical realization (Factor 4). While four factors described above were derived as a result of the research, perhaps it was most important that we engaged in research with passion for contributing to society by producing valuable products, and joint research with private companies always reminded us that we were linked to society.After licensing one product, we started the second research on the basis of our findings obtained from the first research (Fig. 7). However, to further broaden the potential of the licensed product, it was still necessary to continue working on the first research. Our tactics allowed quick extension of the first findings to wide-ranging fields, but two projects (the newly started research and the application of the licensed technology) had to be handled by two full-time employees, and this was extremely severe in terms of budget and physical capacity. Licensing is not the goal and researches are carried on. We should construct a research environment where researchers can carry out both basic and application researches smoothly.5.2 On patentFor the developed reagent to be used in society, a patent is necessary in reality. In engaging in joint research with a private company, we placed extreme importance on patent from the beginning. Therefore, we were extremely careful about conducting preliminary patent survey for our project. As a result, novelty was recognized in Japan and overseas for the amino linker, the patent was accepted extremely quickly, and this led to the licensing. The patent for the labeling reagent will soon undergo patent examination, and we have received report that the developed reagent is novel.On the other hand, much cost is required for a patent. We filed several related patents other than the main patent, but we withdrew the applications without moving on to examination requests or overseas applications for the patents that we thought would not be licensed, and narrowed down the items on our own. While patents cannot be obtained without budget, large amount of budget does not necessarily guarantee a product or a patent. Although the R&D and the handling of the patent reflect the organizational policy, we believe that if the practical use of technology is the goal, it is important to establish an environment that allows filing for Fig. 7 Development of the R&DPrivate sector: reagent sales businessPrivatebusinessPatentBasic research(know-how)Publicationat academicsocietyDevelopment 3:New reagentpaperpaperDevelopment 2: Development of labeling reagentPatentUse in new fields■Licensing agreement for worldwide sales of the reagent・ custom DNA synthesis・ DNA chip sales■Licensing agreement for DNA synthesis in JapanInterruptionDiscovery of problems in stability testDevelopment of second-generation linkers (patent)Development 1: Development of amino linkerDevelopment of first-generation linkers (patent)2003200520042006200720082009PapersBasic research(know-how)Publicationat academicsocietypaperUnderevaluation

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