Release
2022/02/08
OSAKA, Japan, June, 2, 2021 - Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Osaka; President & CEO: Isao Teshirogi; hereafter “Shionogi”) and Shimadzu Corporation (Head office: Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto; President & CEO: Teruhisa Ueda; hereafter “Shimadzu”) announced the establishment of AdvanSentinel Inc. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Osaka; President & CEO: Masatoshi Koga; hereafter “AdvanSentinel”), a joint venture focused on public health risk assessment, including wastewater surveillance.
In Europe and the United States, regular monitoring for the presence of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in urban sewage has allowed early detection of epidemic conditions and determination of convergence. Monitoring of the wastewater from facilities has also resulted in detection of cluster infections at an early stage. To support this work, Shionogi and Shimadzu have pursued the establishment of a joint venture, following the formation of a business partnership for the early implementation of wastewater monitoring, triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic1.
The recently established AdvanSentinel aims to build an All-Japan system to detect the next pandemic and other public health risks, not only COVID-19. This will be accomplished by combining the wastewater monitoring networks2 built by each company, and by developing new analytical methods and technologies, leveraging the analytical science strengths of Shionogi and the environmental molecular measurement technology expertise of Shimadzu.
Shinogi and Shimadzu, through the establishment of AdvanSentinel, aim to contribute to the more accurate assessment of COVID-19 infection trends, an urgent issue, via the surveillance of wastewater. Going forward, Shionogi and Shimadzu plan to build an infrastructure to identify and monitor infectious disease risk, including diseases other then COVID-19, as well as to evaluate broader public health risks which could impact public health and the ecosystem. Through such risk measurements and monitoring, and through integrated information provision allowing society and government to develop and implement appropriate response measures, the companies believe this new venture can bring considerable benefit to society.
JV Overview:
Name: AdvanSentinel Inc.
CEO: Masatoshi Koga
Established: January 2022
Capital: 200 million yen
Capital Structure: Shionogi & Co., Ltd. 50%, Shimadzu Corporation 50%
Address: 3-1-8 Doshoumachi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Employees: 2 (as of February 2022)
Website : https://advansentinel.com/
For Further Information, Contact:
SHIONOGI Website Inquiry Form : https://www.shionogi.com/jp/ja/quest.html#3.
SHIMADZU Contact information : pr@group.shimadzu.co.jp
AdvanSentinel Contact information : Info@advansentinel.co.jp
About Shionogi & Co., Ltd.
Shionogi is committed to “protect people worldwide from the threat of infectious diseases” as our key focus. We are not limiting ourselves to the research and development of therapeutics, but are also pursuing total care for infectious diseases, through pre-symptomatic, awareness building, prevention, diagnosis, and addressing exacerbations, as well as the treating the infection itself. As a leading company to fight infectious diseases, in order to contribute to the recovery of social security and safety through the early termination of COVID 19, we are working on the development of new therapeutic drugs and vaccines and maximizing the value of existing compounds. In addition, we will strengthen our efforts, including collaboration with external partners, to provide healthcare solutions to a larger number of patients.
About Shimadzu Corporation
Based on the corporate philosophy, "Contributing to society through science and technology," Shimadzu is engaged in the business of analytical and measuring instruments, medical systems, aircraft equipment, industrial machinery, and other products. Our medium-term management plan, launched in fiscal 2020, aims to become a company that solves challenges in society in collaboration with partners all around the world. In the Infectious Diseases Control Project, on which we are particularly focused, we have been engaged in the development and sales of COVID 19 detection reagent kits and full-automatic PCR testing equipment for clinics, as well as support for the establishment of PCR testing centers at educational institutions. We will continue to strive to prevent the spread of COVID 19 and to realize a safe and secure society by offering a variety of products, technologies and services.
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.
References:
1. Shionogi Press Release on June, 2
Notice Regarding the Signing of Basic Agreement of Business Partnership between SHIMADZU and SHIONOGI for Wastewater Surveillance for Viruses in the Field of Infectious Diseases, Including Novel Coronavirus
2. Shionogi Press Release on June, 14
SHIONOGI Announces the Start of the Wastewater Epidemiological Surveillance Service for the Novel Coronavirus in Japan