Message from Director General
- HOME
- Message from Director General

Protecting Precious Lives around the World through Excellent Vaccines
Since its establishment in 1934, the Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (known as the BIKEN Foundation) has contributed to the public health through developing, manufacturing and supplying many Japan’s first vaccine, and providing laboratory diagnostic services. Vaccination is considered as one of the most effective measures against various types of infectious diseases; however, human beings still face the threat of new infections today, when medical science has advanced.
With the aim of responding vigorously to the continuously increasing demand for vaccines, the BIKEN Foundation established “BIKEN Co., Ltd.” which started its operation as a joint venture with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (known as Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma) in September 2017. BIKEN Co., Ltd., which is based on the vaccine manufacturing technologies of the BIKEN Foundation, has integrated Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma’s pharmaceutical production systems, management methods, and other advantages. It will contribute to ensuring a more stable supply of vaccines by accelerating enhanced production foundations.
The “BIKEN Group,” consisting of the BIKEN Foundation and BIKEN Co., Ltd., is a bio-specialty pharmaceutical organization specialized in biological products, especially vaccines. It strives to develop the world’s first innovative made-in-Japan vaccines to protect the precious lives of humans globally through open innovations using proprietary biotechnologies developed through the 85 years of experience in developing and manufacturing vaccines, and cooperation with academia.
To usher in a healthy future where people are free from the fear of diseases, BIKEN will continue to pursue the development of advanced science and proprietary biotechnologies.
Director General, The Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University