History and Global Brand

Since 1878, we have been harnessing the full potential of science to treat challenging human diseases. Our discoveries have led to new treatment options that have improved the lives of patients worldwide. Throughout our history, we have remained true to our founding principle — to supply the best possible medicines to protect the health and well-being of the patients we serve.

Our Journey

1878 – The Founding

After learning about the drug wholesaling business from his father, Gisaburo Shiono, Sr. established Shiono Gisaburo Shoten at the present site of the head office in Doshomachi, Osaka on his 24th birthday.

1886 – Acquiring Western Medicines

Gisaburo established relationships with traders fluent in English, enabling him to import Western medicines directly and offer them at a reasonable price.

1910 – Construction of First Manufacturing Plant

We launched our pharmaceutical division and drug manufacturing business by opening our first manufacturing plant in Osaka.

Early 1910s – First Steps in Product Development & Fighting Infectious Disease

We launched our first in-house drug, an anti-indigestion medication called Antacidin, developed our first cardiac drug named Digitamin and began importing Salvarsan shortly after its development overseas to help fight syphilis in Japan.

1950s – Global Contributions and First Partnerships

Beginning with our own research and development in infectious disease, we introduced Sinomin, the first sulfonamide antibiotic drug discovered and developed by Shionogi, in 1959 and soon out-licensed it to Roche. The antibiotic circulated worldwide, becoming an instrumental tool in the fight against infectious diseases. This period also marked the beginning of our collaboration with other global pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly and Company.

1980s – Growth and Specialization

In 1982, we successfully discovered and launched Shiomarin, the world’s first oxacephem antibiotic. This product, alongside others in the space, established our reputation as specialists in antibiotics. Our expansion continued in 1983 with the construction of our Kanegasaki Plant, one of our key production factories. In 1988, our Institute for Medical Science was founded, and we began researching emerging diseases such as HIV and antiviral medicines.

2001 – United States Expansion

We established Shionogi USA, Inc. (now Shionogi Inc.) and formed a joint venture with the UK-based GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to collaborate on research and development, focusing on HIV integrase inhibitors.

2008 – Acquisitions and Further Success

After the successful introduction of drugs such as the hyperlipidemia treatment Crestor^® (rosuvastatin) in Japan throughout the early 2000s, we acquired the U.S.-based Sciele Pharma, Inc.

2010s – Drug Discovery and Continued Growth

Along with additional acquisitions, we discovered several notable medications, including the HIV treatment TIVICAY^® (dolutegravir) in 2014 and the influenza drug XOFLUZA^® (baloxavir marboxil) in 2018.

2020s – Advancing Science and Expanding Global Presence

In 2020, we successfully launched Fetroja^® (cefiderocol).

In 2021, in collaboration with ViiV Healthcare, we introduced the long-acting injectable HIV prophylactic APRETUDE^® (cabotegravir).

In 2022, we established a new European Headquarters in Herengracht, Amsterdam.

In November 2022, XOCOVA^® (ensitrelvir) received emergency regulatory approval in Japan.

In 2023, we acquired Qpex Biopharma, Inc., a clinical stage pharmaceutical company with expertise in antimicrobial research and development.

In 2024, XOCOVA was fully approved in Japan for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults and adolescents 12 years of age or older.

In April 2026, we acquired all rights to RADICAVA^® (edaravone) and RADICAVA ORS^® (edaravone) for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in major countries and regions.

In May 2026, the FDA approved XOCOVA for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of COVID‑19 in people 12 years and older.

Our Global Brand

Our corporate logo is derived from the “fundoh,” a stylized image of a balance weight traditionally used to weigh medicine on a scale. The fundoh also symbolizes “accuracy,” “honesty,” and “trust” and represents precision and our commitment to quality.

Capability and Vision, Unified