Sustainability
A commitment to the communities we serve runs through everything we do.
We aspire to support people to lead longer, healthier lives, and sustain the environments around them.
Contributing to society
We are committed to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of our global Shionogi family.
We have identified five UN SDGs that we can specifically help to achieve, outlined in the icons below. These include ensuring good health and wellbeing; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; responsible consumption and production; and partnership for the goals.
We do this through striving to address material issues such as:
- protect people from infectious diseases,
- extend healthy lifespans, and
- deliver healthcare solutions at prices that match their value.
You can read about all the material issues SHIONOGI is looking to address on the global website:
https://www.shionogi.com/global/en/company/strategy/important-issues.html
For example, we are proud to play a leading role in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Below you can find more details about how we are taking this work forward.
Our role in the fight against AMR
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent global health issue that requires action now.
AMR threatens the effective prevention and treatment of a range of infections. It occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines. Microorganisms that develop resistance to treatment are sometimes referred to as “superbugs” and their existence can have catastrophic consequences. It is estimated that drug-resistant infection could result in 1.91 million deaths each year by 2050 if effective action isn’t taken to address this issue.1
As rates of AMR have been rising, nearly 100 people die of resistant infections each day in Europe, and we are determined to be part of the solution.2 Through our ongoing efforts in this crucial area, we are:
- investing in relevant anti-infectives research and development to discover new treatments.
- expanding our capabilities. For example, by acquiring Qpex Biopharma, Inc. we will accelerate our efforts to develop new antibiotic treatments to address antimicrobial resistance. We are also working in close partnership with organisations like Sobi to improve access for patients across Europe.
- a signatory company of the Davos Declaration on combating AMR, which calls for collective action to create a sustainable and predictable market for antibiotics, vaccines and diagnostics.
- taking action to help reduce overuse of antibiotics, such as securing landmark deals in European countries (including the UK and Sweden) that break the links between the payments received and the number of antibiotics prescribed.
- a sponsor and contributor to the Vivli AMR Register project which sees pharmaceutical companies facilitate access to resistance surveillance data on their antibiotics.
- proud to work globally with the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), to improve and accelerate access to newer antibiotics for countries around the world.
Contributing to our environment
We have committed to reducing CO2 emissions year on year and increasing our plastic reuse and recycling by 2030. We are proud that in 2023, for the second year in a row, Shionogi & Co., Ltd. was recognised on the prestigious CDP "A List", recognising our leadership in corporate transparency and performance on Climate Change and Water Security.
Please find a link to our UK Carbon Reduction Plan
You can read more about our progress in this area on our global website at the link below:
Communication Barrier Free: Enhancing access for hearing-impaired people
Medical appointments can be daunting for anyone. Clear communication from healthcare providers can ease worries and ensure quality care. But imagine facing barriers to this communication due to hearing impairment. With millions worldwide affected by hearing issues, removing these obstacles is crucial.
Our Communication Barrier Free corporate and social responsibility initiative empowers healthcare professionals to communicate effectively with the deaf and hard of hearing. By working closely with stakeholders including charities and universities, we're bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility through education and support. Please check out more information about our activities from Communication Barrier Free website - and our manga-style booklet “Are you familiar with hearing impairment?”.
Our efforts continue beyond there. We're extending support beyond healthcare settings to communities worldwide.
Watch this short film to see our efforts around the globe:
Our governance
At the links below you can find more information on our governance:
References
- 1Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990–2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050. Naghavi, Mohsen et al. The Lancet, September 2024.
- 2European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control: Antimicrobial resistance surveillance in Europe 2023. Available at https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/Antimicrobial%20resistance%20surveillance%20in%20Europe%202023%20-%202021%20data.pdf Accessed September 2024