Novel coronavirus infections have spread as a pandemic around the world since the first case was reported at the end of 2019. While several new coronavirus vaccines that are effective in controlling pandemics have been developed overseas and vaccination is progressing, domestic vaccines have yet to be commercialized. Having the ability to develop and produce vaccines and therapeutic drugs domestically is extremely important not only for contributing to the health of the people, but also from the perspective of diplomacy and security.
Shionogi has been trying to provide solutions to a broad range of viruses, including HIV, influenza viruses, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The infectious disease treatments that Shionogi has given to society so far, such as Tivicay and Xofluza, are the growth drivers that are currently supporting us. We are currently putting top priority on employing our knowhow to come up with solutions for COVID-19.
Shionogi has participated in the vaccine business since 2017 and succeeded in developing a  rhabdovirus-free BEVS under a capital and business alliance with UMN Pharma Inc. Immediately after that, a pandemic of COVID-19 occurred, we are currently making every effort to research and develop the COVID-19 vaccine.
Even if a superior vaccine becomes available, it will not completely control the infection, more effective antivirus therapeutic drugs will be needed. As a result of research using various drug discovery approaches targeting specific proteins of COVID-19, over the course of a few months we generated several interesting possibilities in the areas of medium-sized molecules, as well as some promising small-molecule compounds. Among these, in July 2021, we began clinical trials on a small-molecule compound that could become an orally administered antiviral drug.
In this session, I will report on the development of these vaccines and therapeutic agents, including some stories of hardship.