【Group photo of IVReD and the BIKEN Foundation at the 5th IVReD Special Lecture, December 3, 2025.】

The Institute for Vaccine Research and Development (IVReD), Hokkaido University, and the Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University (BIKEN Foundation) signed a comprehensive collaboration agreement on February 1, 2026.

This agreement establishes a cooperative framework for vaccine research and development, including a coordinated response to future pandemics, and promotes collaborative research and personnel exchange between the two institutions.

Guided by the mission to “Protect the precious lives of people around the world through excellent vaccines.”, the BIKEN Foundation is engaged in the research, manufacturing vaccines and providing laboratory test services. As a pioneer of university ventures model has enabled the development and supply of Japan’s first vaccines, while also delivering clinical testing services that support prevention of infectious diseases and early cancer detection.

From the perspective that early response is critical in the event of the next pandemic, IVReD and the BIKEN Foundation will work to promote the rapid and effective mutual utilization of their respective research and development resources during non-emergency periods.