KM Biologics begins development of vaccine for novel coronavirus

KM Biologics (Kita Ward, Kumamoto City) has started to develop a vaccine for a new coronavirus infection. At a press conference held on April 25, President Nagasato said, "Our strength lies in the fact that we have skilled technicians and facilities from our days at the Research Institute for Chemotherapy and Serotherapy (KAKETSUKEN). As a member of the Meiji Group, we will do our utmost to expand this business. The new drug will be developed jointly with the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, the Institute of Medical Science of the University of Tokyo, and the National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition. The company will consider using its Kikuchi Research Center in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and its Koshi Plant in Koshi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, which are capable of producing vaccines for 57 million new influenza cases. (Photo taken on May 25, 2020, location unknown, credit: Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun / Kyodo News Images)