The Institute for Vaccine Research and Development (IVReD), Hokkaido University, and Shionogi & Co., Ltd. signed a comprehensive collaboration agreement on February 12, 2026.

The purpose of this agreement is to advance collaboration in the field of vaccine research and development through joint research initiatives and personnel exchanges. This partnership builds on the strong cooperative relationship established through the joint development of the oral COVID-19 therapeutic ensitrelvir fumaric acid (brand name: Xocova® tablets).

Shionogi & Co., Ltd. is a leading pharmaceutical company in Japan with more than 60 years of experience in infectious disease research and development. In addition to developing innovative therapeutics, the company is advancing integrated solutions for prevention and diagnosis to create a sustainable business model that is resilient to epidemic fluctuations against acute infectious diseases.

We are very confident that this collaboration agreement between IVReD and Shionogi & Co., Ltd. will generate strong synergies by leveraging each other’s strengths, leading to the development of better vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.