Tomoko Hongo-Hirasaki, PhD Asahi Kasei

Tomoko Hongo-Hirasaki has worked with Planova virus removal filters for over 25 years. She obtained her Ph.D. of Pharmaceutical Science from Kyushu University for a study of the separation mechanisms of biopolymers on cellulose porous membranes. She specializes in virus evaluation, colloid science, membrane science and biophysics of proteins. She is the lead expert of Evaluation and Analysis in Virus Filtration in the Bioprocess Division as advanced professional system in Asahi Kasei. Her research has focused on virus filtration mechanisms, viral clearance study design, design space studies for virus filtration and the characterization of virus removal membranes. Now she is in charge of global scientific activity and leading scientific publication. She is a member of the Bio-virus Committee of the PDA Japan, and is also active in the field of virus safety.