KC Biological

KC Biological was a pioneering life sciences company based in Lenexa, Kansas, that specialized in the development and manufacture of cell culture media, sera, and biological reagents. Founded in 1971 by James Kurtz, Robert Kamitsuka, and Harold Wolfe, the company became a critical supplier to the burgeoning biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, providing essential materials for cell-based research and production. Over several decades, the company underwent a series of strategic acquisitions, being owned by Corning Glass Works and Hazleton Laboratories before being rebranded as JRH Biosciences in 1989. JRH Biosciences was subsequently acquired by CSL Limited in 1994 and then by Sigma-Aldrich in 2005 for $370 million, where it was integrated into the SAFC Biosciences division. Today, the legacy of KC Biological continues through MilliporeSigma, the life science business of Merck KGaA, which maintains significant operations in the original Lenexa location.