Kyowa Hakko (Kirin Holdings)
APAC
Tokyo
,
Japan
Established
FOUNDED
2008
HEADCOUNT
FUNDING
Subsidiary
Keywords:
fermentation, nutraceuticals, probiotics, bacteria, specialty_chemicals, cosmetics
BUSINESS
Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kirin Holdings (TSE: 2503) operating within Kirin's Health Science domain. Developed the world's first fermentation method for L-glutamic acid. In 2025, Kyowa Hakko Bio completed the transfer of its amino acid and HMO businesses to Plumino Precision Fermentation Holdings, a Singapore subsidiary of China's Meihua Holdings, for approximately ¥10.5 billion (~$68M); post-divestment, the company is refocused on branded specialty health ingredients including Cognizin (citicoline), Setria (glutathione), Pantesin (pantethine), and Eyemuse (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei KW3110), with the Yamaguchi (Hofu) production center retained for these products.
BIOTECH INVOLVEMENT
Operates fermentation-based production of specialty bioactive ingredients using proprietary microbial strains, with over 75 years of fermentation heritage. The Yamaguchi production site continues to manufacture the retained specialty health ingredient portfolio.
TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM
fermentation
PRIMARY PRODUCTS
Amino acids; Setria Glutathione; Cognizin Citicoline; Pantesin