Release
2021/12/20
Osaka, Japan, December 20, 2021 – Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka, Japan; President and CEO: Isao Teshirogi, Ph.D.; hereafter "Shionogi") has been progressing efforts to address the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), utilizing an Omicron variant obtained from the National Institute of Infectious Diseases on December 8, 2021. The progress of each of these efforts can be summarized as follows:
1. Commitment to the discovery of novel therapeutic drugs
According to the companies’ preliminary data, Shionogi confirmed that S-217622, an oral antiviral drug that selectively inhibits 3CL protease, exhibits high antiviral activity against the Omicron variant similar to other existing variants.
2. Commitment to vaccine development
Regarding S-268019, a preventive vaccine in Phase 2/3 clinical trials, Shionogi has been working toward the construction of an evaluation system for the Omicron variant. Furthermore, the antigen design of the preventive vaccine against the Omicron strain has been completed, and Shionogi will continue to study the manufacturing process.
3. Commitment to epidemiological detection
Shionogi has working on wastewater-based epidemiological surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2, and launched mutational analysis services for sewage treatment plants on December 7, 2021. This technology can detect not only existing variants but also the Omicron variant.
Shionogi is committed to “Protect people worldwide from the threat of infectious diseases” as our key focus. We are not only pursuing the research and development of therapeutics, but are also working towards total care for infectious diseases, through awareness building, epidemiologic monitoring, prevention, diagnosis, and addressing exacerbations, as well as the treating the infection itself. As SARS-CoV-2 continues to have a major impact on people’s lives and to represent a global threat, we will seek to contribute to re-establishing the safety and security of society by developing new products and services to address this pandemic, and will keep all stakeholders informed regarding the progress of our efforts.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on expectations in light of the information currently available, assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. Risks and uncertainties include general domestic and international economic conditions such as general industry and market conditions, and changes of interest rate and currency exchange rate. These risks and uncertainties particularly apply with respect to product-related forward-looking statements. Product risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, completion and discontinuation of clinical trials; obtaining regulatory approvals; claims and concerns about product safety and efficacy; technological advances; adverse outcome of important litigation; domestic and foreign healthcare reforms and changes of laws and regulations. Also for existing products, there are manufacturing and marketing risks, which include, but are not limited to, inability to build production capacity to meet demand, lack of availability of raw materials and entry of competitive products. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Our efforts against COVID-19 are updated on our website as needed. A considerable amount of valuable information on COVID-19 from other websites is also summarized on this page, so please use it for reference: SHIONOGI website
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