The SBI Group regards biotechnology as a next-generation core industry. In addition to investing in venture companies in this field, the Group is directly engaged in the operations of biotechnology-related businesses, through the operations of SBI Pharmaceuticals, SBI ALApromo, and SBI Biotech. In FY2012, the Group made the Biotechnology-related Business one of its three core business segments. In particular, the Group positioned the 5-ALA related businesses as its most promising growth area, pursuing global business development of 5-ALA in the fields of cosmetics, health foods and drug research and development.