Notice of Execution of a Joint Research Agreement with Nagasaki University and MMV for the Discovery of a Novel Malaria Prevention Drug, and Selection for Funding by the GHIT Fund

OSAKA, Japan, July 13, 2026 - Shionogi & Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka, Japan; Chief Executive Officer: Isao Teshirogi, Ph.D.; hereinafter, "Shionogi") announced that it has entered into a joint research agreement with Nagasaki University (Administrative Office: Nagasaki; President: Takeshi Nagayasu, M.D., Ph.D.) and the not-for-profit research and development organization, Medicines for Malaria Venture (hereinafter, “MMV”) for the discovery of a novel malaria prevention drug, and that this joint research project has been selected for funding by the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (hereinafter, “GHIT Fund”).

Shionogi, Nagasaki University, and MMV have been conducting joint research since March 2023, with the aim of discovering new antimalarial treatments and preventive drugs.¹ Because malaria symptoms can deteriorate rapidly, early treatment is essential; however, in endemic regions such as tropical and subtropical areas, challenges relating to healthcare access and pharmaceutical distribution often prevent patients from continuing appropriate treatment, resulting in many cases of severe disease and death.² To address these challenges, the partners believe that a preventive approach to avoid infection before it occurs is vital, as post-infection response is insufficient. In particular, since a preventive drug that could provide long-term protection with a single administration would be highly beneficial, the three parties have been working together to discover a long-acting injectable.

As a result of these efforts, a development candidate (development code: S-048133) has been identified. Accordingly, the three parties have entered into a new agreement to expand the existing framework of joint research and jointly advance preclinical development. This preclinical development has been selected for support by the GHIT Fund and will receive approximately JPY 910 million in funding.

Shionogi has identified “Protect people worldwide from the threat of infectious diseases” as one of its guiding principles, and is advancing initiatives toward realizing total care for infections diseases. As a leader in the field of infectious diseases, we will continue to actively address major global health challenges, including the world’s three major infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and COVID-19.

【About Malaria】

Malaria is one of the world’s three major infectious diseases, alongside HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. It is caused by malaria parasites, which are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, and is transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes. Approximately 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths are reported each year across more than 80 countries worldwide.² Progress has been made with the introduction of two vaccines in the malaria field after decades; however, due to their partial efficacy and the increasing resistance of the parasite to existing treatments, malaria remains a significant unmet medical need and is globally recognized as a threat to humanity.

【About the GHIT Fund】

The GHIT Fund was established in 2013 to support the development of medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics based on Japanese technologies, expertise, and innovations aimed at controlling infectious diseases that pose a threat to people, particularly in developing countries, including tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases. Since the establishment of the GHIT Fund, we have contributed to the first,³ second,⁴ and third phases⁵ of its activities.

For more information, please visit GHIT Fund | Global Health Innovative Technology Fund

【About MMV】

MMV is a leading product development partnership in the field of antimalarial drug research, development, and delivery. Its mission is to reduce the burden of malaria in disease-endemic countries by discovering, developing, and delivering new, effective, and affordable antimalarial drugs. MMV’s vision is a world in which these innovative medicines will cure and protect vulnerable and under-served populations at risk of malaria, and help to ultimately eradicate this terrible disease.

For more information, please visit Medicines for Malaria Venture | Developing antimalarials to save lives

【About Nagasaki University】

The Institute of Tropical Medicine at Nagasaki University aims to combat tropical diseases, particularly infectious diseases, and the various health problems associated with them. Shionogi intends to establish Shionogi Infectious Disease Division as a collaborative research division at the Institute of Tropical Medicine at Nagasaki University, and accelerate and facilitate drug discovery research on malaria.

For more information, please visit the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University (nagasaki-u.ac.jp).

Reference：

1. Notice of Collaboration Agreement for the Discovery and Development of Novel Malaria Drugs with Nagasaki University and MMV, supported by the GHIT Fund

2. WHO fact sheets (4 December 2025)

3. Shionogi participates in the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund

4. Shionogi contributes to the second phase of the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund

5. Contribution to the Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT Fund) for the Third Phase

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are based on expectations in light of information currently available, and 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 in interest rates and currency exchange rates. These risks and uncertainties particularly apply with respect to product-related, forward-looking statements. Product risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the completion and discontinuation of clinical trials; the obtainment of regulatory approvals; claims and concerns regarding product safety and efficacy; technological advances; adverse outcomes in significant litigation; domestic and foreign healthcare reforms; and changes in laws and regulations. Furthermore, 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 the 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.

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