HISTORY

Innovative IVDs Rooted in Tradition

Building on the biotechnology expertise originally cultivated through soy sauce production, Yamasa has developed a range of unique and innovative IVDs.
In particular, we have created and marketed proprietary IVDs in the field of endocrine disorders, including diseases of the thyroid gland and the hypothalamic–pituitary system—areas where our technologies are unmatched.
More recently, leveraging advanced cell engineering techniques, we launched pioneering IVDs that utilize recombinant cells expressing specific proteins. The development of these cell-based IVDs is made possible by our original technologies and is unique within Japan.
With a foundation of innovative and distinctive technologies, our Diagnostics Division is committed to developing, manufacturing, and delivering IVDs that meet diverse medical needs and contribute to building a healthier society.

Connecting “Food” and “Medical Care”: Yamasa’s Journey

Yamasa invented a method for producing nucleic acid–based umami seasonings through the enzymatic degradation of ribonucleic acid (RNA) in the 1950s. Since then, we have established technologies for generating nucleic acid–related substances that play beneficial roles in biological activities. These technologies are now widely applied in pharmaceutical active ingredients and intermediates, as well as in seasonings, cosmetics, and other products.As part of this development, we began research into the roles of nucleic acid–related substances within the human body, which marked the beginning of our work in IVDs.

History of YAMASA Diagnostics

  1. 1645

    Founded as a soy sauce company

  2. 1957
    • SEASONING

    Established 5'-nucleotides production technology using an enzymatic RNA degradation method

  3. 1970
    • BIOCHEMICAL

    Start manufacturing active pharmaceutical ingredients of nucleic acid related compounds

    Initiation of research on the roles of nucleic acid related compounds in vivo, and development of measurement techniques for trace nucleic acid related compounds in vivo.

  4. 1976
    • RESEARCH

    Cyclic AMP KIT "YAMASA" was launched as research use.

  5. 1977
    • RESEARCH

    Cyclic AMP KIT "YAMASA" was launched as research use.

  6. 1981
    • RESEARCH

    Applied the patent of Monoclonal antibody as a first pioneer in Japan.

  7. 1986
    • ENDOCRINE/METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    PTH KIT "YAMASA" was launched.

    • ENDOCRINE/METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    Cyclic AMP KIT "YAMASA" was launched.

  8. 1988

    Diagnostics Department was established.

  9. 1989
    • CARDIOVASCULAR
    • IVDs

    MYOSIN LI KIT "YAMASA"was launched.

  10. 1990
    • BONE METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    OSTEOCALCIN KIT "YAMASA"was launched.

    • CANCER
    • IVDs

    VMA EIA KIT "YAMASA"was launched.

    • CANCER
    • IVDs

    HVA EIA KIT "YAMASA"was launched.

  11. 1993
    • AUTOIMMUNITY
    • IVDs

    Anti-CL-β2GPI KIT "YAMASA"EIA

  12. 1994
    • CANCER
    • IVDs

    Tandem PSA was launched.

    • BONE METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    1,25(OH)2D KIT "SRL" was launched.

  13. 1995
    • ENDOCRINE/METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    TSAb KIT "YAMASA" was launched.

  14. 1998
    • RESPIRATORY
    • IVDs

    SP-D EIA KIT "YAMASA" was launched.

  15. 1999
    • CANCER

    Started to distribute CALTAG Monoclonal and Polyclonal antibodies for flow cytometry in Japan.

  16. 2001
    • ENDOCRINE/METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    DYNOtest TRAb Human KIT "YAMASA" was launched.

  17. 2004
    • CARDIOVASCULAR
    • IVDs

    MYOSIN LI KIT "YAMASA" EIA Ⅱ was launched.

  18. 2007
    • RESPIRATORY
    • IVDs

    SP-D KIT "YAMASA" EIA Ⅱ was launched.

    • ENDOCRINE/METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    INSULIN ANTIBODY KIT "YAMASA" was launched.

  19. 2009
    • CANCER

    Started to distribute DAKO reagents for flow cytometry in Japan.

  20. 2011
    • CARDIOVASCULAR
    • IVDs

    Latex H-FABP KIT "YAMASA" was launched.

  21. 2013
    • ENDOCRINE/METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    TSAb KIT EIA"YAMASA" was launched.

  22. 2014
    • CARDIOVASCULAR
    • IVDs

    CL SP-D KIT "YAMASA" was launched.

  23. 2015
    • ENDOCRINE/METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    AVP KIT "YAMASA" was launched.

    • ENDOCRINE/METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    Renin Activity KIT "YAMASA" was launched.

  24. 2020
    • RESPIRATORY
    • IVDs

    CL SP-D KIT "YAMASA" NX was launched.

  25. 2021
    • ENDOCRINE/METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    Biosensor TSAb "YAMASA"was launched.

  26. 2023
    • CANCER
    • IVDs

    Span-1・RIA beads® was launched.

    • CANCER
    • IVDs

    Succeed to PyridnolineⅠCTP.

    • BONE METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    Succeed to Procollagen Intact PⅠNP.

    • BONE METABOLISM
    • IVDs

    Succeed to 1,25(OH)₂D KIT "YAMASA".

  27. 2025
    • CRANIAL NERVE
    • IVDs

    Anti-NF155 Antibody "YAMASA"EIA was launched.

    • CRANIAL NERVE
    • IVDs

    Anti-CNTN1Antibody "YAMASA"EIA was launched.

The Future of YAMASA Diagnostics

VISION

We integrate innovative science with precise and flexible manufacturing to address customer needs, create new health value for people worldwide, and help shape a prosperous future society.

MISSION

  • Co-creation with Customers

    We accurately capture the true needs of our customers, co-create solutions that bring health and prosperity, and contribute to society.

  • Creating Value

    Building on our advanced technologies cultivated through nucleic acid science, we further deepen and integrate them to generate innovative value and new breakthroughs.

  • Passion and Trust

    With unwavering passion, we foster mutual trust with our colleagues and customers, working as one team to meet every challenge and see it through to success.

CONTACT

We welcome any questions or inquiries regarding the products of the Diagnostics Division introduced on this website. Please feel free to contact us.