~About Seikagaku Corporation~

Glycoscience for Human Well-being

For over 70 years, we are a pharmaceutical company oriented R&D.
As a pioneer of glycoscience, which has extensive hidden potential in terms of drug discovery, we have created a wide range of original pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
At Seikagaku Corporation, we contribute to the health and well-being of patients around the world in order to achieve a prosperous future.

Core values of Seikagaku Corporation

Creativity, Fairness, Dreams and Passion

We manage a business on the basis of “Fairness”, which is indispensable for a company that wishes to earn the trust of society.
We continue to hold the spirit of “Creativity”, which is developing unprecedented technology, applications and new innovative drugs.
In addition, we hold the spirit of “Dreams and Passion” with high volition and ideals.
Our core values of “Creativity, Fairness, Dreams and Passion” motivate Seikagaku Corporation.

70years’ single-minded research on Glycoscience

Focus global attention on Pioneer of glycoscience

Seikagaku specializes in glycoscience, which is a scientific field of research into the complex carbohydrates, or glycoconjugates and sugar chains.
Having started to focus on glycoscience more than 70 years ago, when the importance of the complex carbohydrates had not yet been clarified, we have cultivated drug discovery technology and marketed pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
In recent years, it has gradually been elucidated that sugar chains, one of the components of the complex carbohydrates, may be involved in various life phenomena, from the creation of life to aging. There is even greater potential for glycoscience in drug discovery today.
We will continue to challenge in unique drug discovery as a pioneer of glycoscience.

Business model focused on R&D

New drug development utilizing technologies and expertise related to glycosciense

For pharmaceutical companies, the source of growth is new drug development. Seikagaku engages in efficient R&D activities by focusing on target compounds and prioritizing target diseases. We have rolled out a business model based on sales collaboration with pharmaceutical companies that have strengths in their respective product fields without having its own sales force. Our R&D expenses account for more than 25% of net sales, and that 40% of our employees are involved in R&D. These aspects reflect our approach: we place importance on R&D.

Technology for manufacturing high-quality pharmaceuticals

Pioneering spirit supports high quality

The business of Seikagaku Corporation can be traced back to the industrialized production of chondroitin sulfate in 1950. We became the first company in the world to successfully produce chondroitin sulfate, which is a sort of GAG, on a commercial scale, at a time when the world was almost unaware of the importance of glycoscience. The key to our success was our original extraction and purification technology. With technological abilities developed through extensive experience, we provide a stable supply of high-quality pharmaceuticals and medical devices for patients around the world.
Since our foundation, we have taken pride in exploring unknown fields through research on glycoscience. The quality of our products is attributable to our pioneering spirit.

Production structure with two domestic production sites and an overseas production site

Seikagaku has two pharmaceutical production sites in Japan and a production site for manufacturing endotoxin-detecting reagents in the U.S.. Kurihama Plant (Kanagawa Prefecture) manufactures high-purity hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, which are used as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Takahagi Plant (Ibaraki Prefecture) manufactures pharmaceuticals and medical devices such as joint function improving agents, our main product. Both sites have developed a quality management system that complies with the global standard.

Product line that enhances patients’ QOL

Pharmaceuticals and medical devices for improving quality of life

Our core business is the pharmaceuticals business; that is, manufacturing and marketing ethical drugs prescribed by physicians. Our main product is pharmaceuticals mainly based on hyaluronic acid that are used for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and cataract surgery, both of which affect a comparatively large number of elderly people. We have also recently launched a drug for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation based on an enzyme that degrades the components of the complex carbohydrates. By supplying various products, we continue to contribute to higher quality of life (QOL) for the health and well-being of patients who suffer from Orthopedic disorders or Ophthalmic disease.

Reagent for quality control of pharmaceuticals

Another business segment is the LAL business, which involves the manufacture and distribution of reagents including endotoxin-detecting reagents that are used for quality control in the manufacturing process of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Associates of Cape Cod, Inc. (ACC), our overseas subsidiary, is the first company in the world to successfully develop an endotoxin-detecting agent. Its product contributes to quality control at pharmaceutical manufacturers.

For the Health and Well-being of people around the world

Satisfaction of global medical needs

Seikagaku supplies joint function improving agents in the U.S., Europe and Asia, and we promote the introduction of existing products in new markets and new drug development outside Japan with medium- and long-term perspectives.
Additionally, ACC is expanding its business globally with the endotoxin-detecting reagent and other products, utilizing its distribution network that is primarily based in the U.S. and Europe.
We are accelerating international business deployment to meet encounter global medical needs.

Glycoscience for Human Well-being

Related Information