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 in 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, a sulfonamide antibiotic, 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 introduced 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 collaboration with ViiV Healthcare, we introduced the long-acting injectable HIV prophylactic Apretude (cabotegravir) in 2021. In 2022, we established a new European Headquarters in Herengracht, Amsterdam. In 2023, we acquired Qpex Biopharma, Inc., a clinical stage pharmaceutical company with expertise in antimicrobial research and development.

A Legacy in Infectious Disease

Since 1953, Shionogi has been a leader in infectious disease discovery and commercialization.

1953

ERYTHROMYCIN – was licensed in Japan

1959

SULFAMETHOXAZOLE – a sulfa antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections

1970

CEPHALEXIN – a first-generation cephalosporin

1976

SULFAMETHOXAZOLE/TRIMETHOPRIM

1981

VANCOMYCIN – a Gram-positive anti-MRSA

1982

LATAMOXEF/MOXALACTAM – the first of two globally approved oxacephems

CEFACLOR – a second-generation cephalosporin

1984

CEFAMANDOLE – a second-generation cephalosporin

1988

FLOMOXEF – the second of two globally approved oxacephems

1992

CEFTIBUTEN – a third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic

1993

CEFPIROME – a fourth-generation cephalosporin

1997

CEFCAPENE – a third-generation oral cephalosporin antibiotic

2005

DORIPENEM – a carbapenem antibiotic

2010

PERAMIVIR – an antiviral for influenza

2013

DOLUTEGRAVIR – an HIV integrase inhibitor

2018

BALOXAVIR MARBOXIL – antiviral drug

2019

CEFIDEROCOL – cephalosporin for certain Gram-negative infections

2022

ENSITRELVIR – an investigational oral antiviral for COVID-19

2023

XERUBORBACTAM – an investigational β-lactamase inhibitor

Key

Commercialized by Shionogi

Discovered and commercialized by Shionogi

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

Reliable Weight
"Trust" and "Accuracy."

Dynamic One Ring
Dynamic expression and unity.

Group Brand Logotype
Designed to give a sense of trust and security.