Top Message

SHIONOGI continues to create medicines with excellent efficacy and safety as a research-driven pharmaceutical company, while improving development success rates. In recent years, we have continued to advance global pharmaceutical development while maintaining an exceptionally high in-house drug discovery rate of over 60%. Based on our strong drug discovery capabilities, SHIONOGI has continuously delivered medicines developed in Japan to patients around the world, and this remains a key strength of SHIONOGI.

In infectious diseases, we recognize strong societal expectations on SHIONOGI. Building on the knowledge and experience we have gained through the development of medicines for antimicrobial resistance (AMR: Antimicrobial Resistance) and COVID-19, we will continue to address the threat of infectious diseases. We also aim to remain a partner for external collaborators who seek allies in addressing these threats.

As the next target area following infectious diseases, we are expanding into QOL (Quality of Life) diseases. In December 2025, we integrated with the pharmaceutical business of Japan Tobacco Inc., incorporating strengths in translational research, immuno-inflammatory diseases, and dermatology, thereby accelerating the provision of new healthcare solutions in the QOL diseases. In addition, we are actively pursuing new approaches that leverage digital technologies and AI.

At SHIONOGI, we actively promote external collaboration to create innovative healthcare solutions. In the HIV field, we collaborate with ViiV Healthcare Ltd. to develop medicines that are indispensable for HIV treatment and prevention. Furthermore, through the development of ultra-long-acting formulations, we are working to expand treatment options for patients. For the anti-influenza drug XOFLUZA®, we are advancing development in partnership with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Going forward, through collaboration with companies that possess complementary strengths, we will continue to challenge ourselves to develop new healthcare solutions both in Japan and globally.

SHIONOGI’s development strategy is driven by unmet medical needs. We carefully listen to the voices of patients, their families, healthcare professionals, and society, always considering to whom and in what way we can deliver value, and we are committed to the development of therapies for rare diseases. Currently, we are advancing the development of medicines for several rare diseases, including Pompe disease, Fragile X syndrome, Jordan syndrome, and epidermolysis bullosa. In addition, through the acquisition in April 2026 of the edaravone business for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) from Tanabe Pharma, we have established a foundation for delivering rare disease products globally. We will continue to further accelerate our efforts in rare disease development.

We will continue to embody SHIONOGI’s basic policy and work together as one team to realize social contribution as an entity that creates the future of healthcare through the development of “the best possible products needed to protect people’s health.

Head of Drug Development and Regulatory Science Division

Takeki Uehara

Apr 1, 2026

In 2002, joined SHIONOGI & Co., Ltd.

Engaged in toxicology research of candidate medicines under development at the Drug Development Research Division / Drug Safety Department.

In 2009, after completing a term as a visiting researcher for Public Health research at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the United States, was mainly involved in global development projects as a non-clinical toxicity expert in Shionogi HQ.

In 2013, transferred to the Drug Development and Regulatory Science Division. Successively held the posts of non-clinical leader of anti-influenza virus drug XOFLUZA, global project leader after obtaining Proof of Concept.

In 2020, transferred to Shionogi Inc (USA). Head of Clinical Development Department

In 2021, concurrently served as Vice President of Clinical Research Department, Global Head of Clinical Operations, and Global Project Leader for S-217622, an oral treatment for COVID-19.

In July 2022, appointed as Senior Vice President of Drug Development and Regulatory Science Division.

In March 2024, concurrently served as Head of Drug Development and Regulatory Science Division, and Global Head of Development.（current position）