Kyowa Kirin

Basic Information

Stock Code
4151
Industry
Pharmaceuticals
Category Detail
Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Prefecture
Tokyo
Establishment Year
July 1949
Listing Year
August 1949
Official Website
https://www.kyowakirin.co.jp/
TSE Information
TSE Information
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Other Companies
Takeda Pharmaceutical, Astellas Pharma, Shionogi, Chugai Pharmaceutical, Eisai, Ono Pharmaceutical, Kissei Pharmaceutical, Santen Pharmaceutical, Daiichi Sankyo, Otsuka HD

Overview

Kyowa Kirin is a pharmaceutical manufacturer established in 1949 and a leading industry player under the Kirin Group, with strengths in biopharmaceutical development.

Current Situation

Kyowa Kirin achieved consolidated sales of approximately 305.8 billion yen, operating income of approximately 44.8 billion yen, and net income of approximately 67.1 billion yen in its latest financial results (2019). It focuses on the development and manufacturing of prescription pharmaceuticals, deploying numerous products domestically and internationally, and has established market share in specialized areas such as Parkinson's disease treatments and anti-allergy drugs. In technological innovation, it advances research and development in recombinant DNA technology and antibody drugs, and strengthens biosimilar manufacturing through a joint venture with Fujifilm. While pursuing management that considers sustainability, it enhances synergy through collaboration with the Kirin Group and aims to bolster global expansion. In recent years, it has advanced overseas investments such as the construction of a new U.S. factory, focusing on increased R&D investment and new drug launches to achieve mid- to long-term growth. It strives to strengthen its business foundation and improve competitiveness in specialized fields to ensure stable earnings.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Established the world's first monosodium glutamate fermentation technology.
  • Formerly engaged in sake and shochu production as a liquor manufacturer.
  • Gained attention due to FBI allegations in the international lysine cartel.
  • Improved research ethics management following recombinant mouse loss incident.
  • Men's table tennis team has won the Japan Table Tennis League overall championship 4 times.
  • Group company with 50.1% ownership by Kirin Holdings.
  • Changed name from Kyowa Hakko Kirin to Kyowa Kirin in 2019.
  • Established joint venture with Fujifilm for biopharmaceutical R&D.
  • Well-known domestically for Parkinson's disease treatments and anti-allergy drugs.
  • Also manufactures pharmaceutical APIs and intermediates, pursuing diversified business.
  • Former food business spun off as Kirin Food-Tech.
  • Has participated in the Urban Baseball Tournament multiple times in the past.
  • Ube factory in Kyushu has a history of a major explosion accident.
  • Has used its unique CI mark for many years.
  • Current president is Masashi Miyamoto.

Hidden Connections

  • Deep ties to Hokkaido's Merchan beverage business through capital ties with Kirin Group.
  • Competes with Ajinomoto in domestic amino acid fermentation manufacturing technology.
  • Historic company that laid the foundation for Japan's first large-scale acetone-butanol production.
  • Pharmaceutical development capabilities dramatically improved through merger with Kirin Pharma.
  • Past liquor business was joint ventured with Asahi Beer and later transferred to Nikka Whisky.
  • Post-FBI allegation cartel response influenced corporate culture reform.
  • Tokyo Research Park gained attention for improper management of recombinant mice.
  • Coexistence of long history and cutting-edge technology with diverse R&D structure.

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Expanding global demand for biopharmaceuticals
  • Technological innovations in antibody and gene drugs
  • Increasing medical needs due to aging society
  • New drug creation in collaboration with digital health
  • Introduction of sustainable pharmaceutical production technologies
  • Sales expansion in emerging markets
  • Revenue stabilization through diversified product portfolio
  • Utilization of group synergies with Kirin
  • High value-added enhancement of medical reagents and diagnostic drugs
  • Efficiency gains from regulatory easing and streamlined new drug approvals
  • Accelerated R&D investment and corporate collaborations
  • Deepening of ESG management fulfilling social responsibilities

Strategic Goals

  • Achieve over 70% biopharmaceuticals in sales composition
  • Enter major global market player ranks
  • Achieve carbon neutrality
  • Launch 5 or more new drugs in new therapeutic areas
  • Optimize manufacturing and sales efficiency through DX promotion
  • Build sustainable supply chains
  • Promote diverse talent utilization and diversity
  • Strengthen coexistence with local communities
  • Top 10% in international ESG benchmarks
  • Thorough transparency and accountability to investors and shareholders

Business Segments

Contract Manufacturing of Prescription Pharmaceuticals

Overview
Contract production of pharmaceutical APIs using advanced fermentation technology.
Competitiveness
High-quality manufacturing through integration of fermentation technology and biopharmaceutical development
Customers
  • Major Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Biotech Ventures
  • University Spin-offs
  • Overseas Pharmaceutical Companies
Products
  • Antibody Drug Substances
  • Recombinant Products
  • Biosimilar Formulations

Pharmaceutical Raw Materials & Intermediates Supply

Overview
Stable supply of essential raw materials and intermediates for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Competitiveness
Proven production technology and quality control systems
Customers
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
  • Chemical Manufacturers
  • Research Institutions
Products
  • Pharmaceutical APIs
  • Chemical Intermediates

Biochemical Products Supply

Overview
Supply of high-quality amino acids etc. using fermentation technology.
Competitiveness
Stable supply capability from world's first fermentation technology establishment
Customers
  • Food Manufacturers
  • Cosmetics Manufacturers
  • Feed Manufacturers
Products
  • Amino Acids
  • Seasoning Ingredients

R&D Support Services

Overview
Provides various services for biopharmaceutical research.
Competitiveness
Additional development resources through collaboration with Kirin
Customers
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Universities
  • Research Institutes
Products
  • Translational Research
  • Drug Discovery Support Services

Medical Reagent Provision

Overview
Provides high-precision reagents supporting testing and diagnosis.
Competitiveness
High reliability and rapid supply system
Customers
  • Hospital Laboratories
  • Clinical Testing Institutions
  • Pharmaceutical Company R&D Departments
Products
  • Diagnostic Drugs
  • Diagnostic Reagents

Pharmaceutical Logistics Services

Overview
Deploys logistics services with pharmaceutical-specific management systems.
Competitiveness
Thorough safety management and traceability
Customers
  • Medical Institutions
  • Pharmacies
  • Wholesalers
Products
  • Pharmaceutical Storage
  • Transportation and Delivery

Raw Alcohol Supply

Overview
Manufactures and supplies high-quality raw alcohol.
Competitiveness
High-purity product quality from fermentation technology
Customers
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
  • Chemical Industry
  • Food Processing Industry
Products
  • Raw Alcohol
  • Ethanol

Chemical Manufacturing

Overview
Manufactures and sells chemical raw materials.
Competitiveness
Specialized technology and track record from Kyowa Fermentation origins
Customers
  • Chemical Manufacturers
  • Industrial Manufacturers
Products
  • Higher Alcohols
  • Pharmaceutical Intermediates

Brewing Raw Materials Supply

Overview
Provides raw materials for brewing based on fermentation technology.
Competitiveness
Accumulated brewing and fermentation technology over many years
Customers
  • Sake Brewers
  • Fermented Food Manufacturers
Products
  • Brewing Yeast
  • Fermentation Raw Materials

Drug Discovery Research & New Technology Development

Overview
Conducts support for research and development of next-generation pharmaceuticals.
Competitiveness
Integration of biotech and manufacturing technologies
Customers
  • Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Research Institutions
Products
  • Recombinant DNA Technology
  • Antibody Drug Technology

Clinical Trial Support

Overview
Manufactures investigational drugs and supports clinical trials.
Competitiveness
Combination of R&D expertise and manufacturing capabilities
Customers
  • Domestic and Overseas Pharmaceutical Companies
  • Medical Institutions
Products
  • Investigational Drug Manufacturing
  • Clinical Trial Support Services

Environmental & Safety Management Services

Overview
Supports safety and environmental compliance in pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
Competitiveness
Support for regulatory compliance and internal standards
Customers
  • Pharmaceutical Plants
  • Research Institutes
Products
  • Safety Audits
  • Environmental Assessments

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Advanced fermentation technology and biopharmaceutical development capabilities
  • Stable business foundation from Kirin Group
  • Diverse product portfolio and expertise
  • Domestic and international R&D collaborations and broad networks
  • Robust quality control systems and production facilities
  • Active development and investment in antibody drugs
  • Product lineup spanning diverse therapeutic areas
  • Focus on next-generation pharmaceuticals like biosimilars
  • Business diversification through consolidated subsidiaries
  • Technology accumulation backed by long history
  • Product improvement capabilities responsive to market needs
  • Strong partnerships with medical institutions and hospitals
  • High R&D investment ratio
  • Global sales channel network
  • Technology innovation driven by excellent talent

Competitive Advantages

  • Established world's first monosodium glutamate fermentation production technology
  • Stable funding from Kirin Holdings subsidiary
  • Specialized pharmaceutical development for rapid market entry
  • Technological superiority through strategic industry partnerships and R&D enhancement
  • Business diversification in biopharmaceuticals and chemicals as competitive barriers
  • High share in key domestic disease areas
  • Practical application of advanced recombinant pharmaceuticals technology
  • Full-scale U.S. market entry via new U.S. factory
  • Brand strengthening through sustainability-focused management
  • Risk diversification enabled by diverse product lineup
  • Rapid market response and formulation technology
  • Competitive exclusion through strong patent portfolio
  • High trust from customer medical institutions
  • Risk management via diverse research and manufacturing sites
  • Market expansion through domestic and international licensing agreements

Threats

  • Intensifying domestic and international pharmaceutical competition
  • High costs and regulatory risks in new drug development
  • Rise of generic drugs due to patent expirations
  • Revenue pressure from exchange rate fluctuations
  • Impact of healthcare cost containment policies
  • Costs of complying with stricter quality and safety regulations
  • Potential delays in adapting to emerging markets
  • Accelerated technological innovation by competitors
  • Intensifying price competition in biosimilars market
  • Social responsibility issues and product recall risks
  • Technology leakage and information management risks
  • External shocks such as global pandemics

Innovations

2024: New U.S. factory commences operations

Overview
New high-quality biopharmaceutical manufacturing base established and operational in the U.S.
Impact
Significant increase in supply and sales capabilities in the U.S. market

2023: Expansion of biosimilar product market launches

Overview
Enhanced biosimilar production capacity through joint venture with Fujifilm.
Impact
Contributes to entry into emerging markets and sales growth

2022: Advancement of anti-FGF23 antibody drug development

Overview
Accelerated results in clinical development of antibody drugs for rare diseases.
Impact
Progress in revenue diversification through new area development

2021: Introduction of strengthened management measures for recombinant mice

Overview
Comprehensive review of safety management and reporting systems following mouse loss incident.
Impact
Restored trust in research ethics and safety assurance

2020: Introduction of next-generation antibody drug technology

Overview
Adopted new advanced antibody technology utilizing AI in molecular design.
Impact
Achieved shorter development periods and higher success rates

Sustainability

  • Ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Participation in biodiversity conservation activities
  • Waste reduction and recycling promotion
  • Strengthened collaboration with local communities
  • Development of low-environmental-impact manufacturing processes
  • Stricter safety and ethics management systems
  • Improvement of employee health and work environment
  • Expansion of renewable energy use
  • Ensuring sustainability in supply chains
  • Thorough reinforcement of legal compliance training
  • Regular issuance of CSR reports for transparency
  • Promotion of sustainable raw material procurement