Go to main text

BIKEN Foundation

  1. TOP
  2. About Us
  3. BIKEN Foundation
BIKEN Foundation exterior photo

Developing into a Bio-Specialty Pharmaceutical Organization based on our Mission to Supply Vaccines

The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN Foundation) was first built at the campus of the University in 1934, supported by the strong passion of a bacteriologist to “protect Japanese people from infectious diseases” and donations by a philanthropist.
While another institution established at the same time (currently known as the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University) has conducted basic research on microbial diseases, the BIKEN Foundation has been engaged in applied research, manufacturing vaccines and providing laboratory services. This pioneering venture business model has led to developing and supplying a number of first vaccines in Japan.

Using its proprietary biotechnologies, the BIKEN Foundation not only conducts research and development and manufacture and supply of vaccines and other biological products, but also provides laboratory diagnostic services that contribute to the prevention of infectious diseases and early detection of cancer. We strive to develop the world’s first innovative made-in-Japan biological products through open innovations using the network with academia that was created since its establishment.

General Information

Name The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University
Date of Establishment June 6, 1934
Basic fund JPY500.05 million
Number of Employees 1,014 (including secondees to BIKEN Co., Ltd.; As of April 1, 2026)
Total asset amount JPY213.7 billion; As of March 31,2025
Representative YONEDA Yoshihiro ; Chairperson of the Board
Offices Suita City, Osaka
Activities
  • Research on microbial diseases
  • Manufacture and supply of vaccines and other biological products
  • Aid to academic research
  • Clinical test services

Officers List

Chairperson of the Board YONEDA Yoshihiro
Exective Director SATO Naobumi
Exective Director MURAKAMI Seiichi
Exective Director TANAKA Takashi
Exective Director MANABE Sadao
Exective Director MOCHIZUKI Naoki
Exective Director KUSAO Koichi
Exective Director INOSE Kumie
Corporate Auditor(Full-time) MITSUNARI Kenji
Corporate Auditor DOI Nobuyuki

Executive Officer

SUGIYAMA Kanji
OHASHI Koji
SHIMOKAWA Yasushi
IZAKI Hitoshi
TAKAGI Hiroyuki
AOI Yumiko
KAWASAKI Jun
EBINA Hirotaka