【Group photo (from left)】 Prof.Yamamoto, Prof.Suzuki, Dr. Toshiyuki Asaki from Shionogi & Co., Ltd.; Prof. Sawa,  Prof. Sato, Dr.Nobori from Shionogi & Co., Ltd.; Dr.Kasai from Shionogi & Co., Ltd.

On May 22, 2026, IVReD welcomed three distinguished representatives from the Shionogi Pharmaceutical Research Center, Drug Discovery Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd.: Dr. Toshiyuki Asaki, Corporate Officer and Senior Vice President; Dr. Erika Kasai, Vice President; and Dr. Haruki Nobori, Associate Director and Head of Infectious Diseases 2.

Professor Hirofumi Sawa, Director of IVReD, provided an overview of the role and importance of infectious disease preparedness and response in the international community. He also introduced IVReD’s major research achievements to date and outlined its future research directions.

Professor Sawa further highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Hokkaido University and Shionogi & Co., Ltd. in the field of infectious disease research. The two organizations have worked closely together for many years, advancing a broad range of collaborative projects spanning from basic research in virology and infectious diseases to translational and applied research.

Following an active exchange of views and discussions, the visitors toured the facilities of the IVReD.

【Director Sawa introducing the facilities of IVReD】

This visit provided a valuable opportunity to deepen mutual understanding of ongoing research activities and to further strengthen the collaborative relationship between the two organizations. It is anticipated that this exchange will contribute to enhancing preparedness for infectious disease emergencies, fostering research collaborations aimed at the development of innovative therapeutics and vaccines, and further promoting international joint research initiatives.