With the emergence of new infectious diseases and advances in medical treatments, the need for our drug and vaccine manufacturing industry continues to grow, and we accordingly strive to acquire the latest technology on a daily basis.
KAKETSUKEN has its origins in the “Institute of Experimental Medicine” which was established at Kumamoto Medical College in 1926 with the president of the college, Dr. Masatada Yamasaki, as the first Director. The activities of this institute were under the direction of the Department of Microbiology and such activities included research in microbiology, immunology and serology which was undergoing rapid development during that time. The fruits of the research included the manufacture and supply of vaccines, anti-serums and diagnostic antigens. Such activities have contributed to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of various infectious diseases in Japan. However, during the Second World War, the Institute was destroyed and ceased functioning during the mass air raids on Kumamoto in 1945. At the end of the war in August of that year, physical and mental fatigue, and the deterioration of hygiene reached extreme proportions in Japan with the spread of epidemics becoming a serious concern. Due to the initiative of Professor Toyoichi Otawara of the Kumamoto Medical College during that difficult time, the Institute which had suffered the ravages of war was revived and reestablished as "KAKETSUKEN" (the Chemo-Sero-Therapeutic Research Institute).
Since then, through the untiring efforts of our predecessors and current members as well as the support of our business partners, KAKETSUKEN welcomed its 60th anniversary in 2005. In addition, in response to changes in the public service corporation system in 2010, KAKETSUKEN became a General Incorporated Foundation and took another step in its continuing growth and evolution. However, we are now immersed in an era of technological innovation and even a moment of inaction could mean the end a business enterprise. Furthermore, there is an ever increasing expectation for companies to firmly shoulder their social responsibilities in the areas of information disclosure, environmental conservation, and law.
As we move forward, we are determined to cherish the trust placed in us by society, to continue our ceaseless efforts to maintain our high standards as a technology-oriented organization, and to strive in our mission to “Contribute to human health and the prevention and treatment of illness and infectious diseases through the development and supply of biological medical products”.
