Singapore: Japan-based pharmaceutical company Shionogi has launched its new European Headquarters in London, UK, to be called Shionogi Limited. The new headquarters will form a new era for the Company as it expands its global business into Europe.

As part of the 3^rd Medium-Term Business Plan, a five-year plan to expand its business worldwide, Shionogi will bring a long-standing reputation to Europe. Dating back from 1878, the company has been involved in research, development, manufacturing and marketing activities for over 130 years and is very proud to be a part of the European pharmaceutical community.

Shionogi decided to base their European headquarters in London following an extensive review of potential locations on the continent as well as within the UK. London was chosen by Shionogi because of the good business infrastructure and support, the pool of exceptional talent, a favourable living environment for their employees and easy access to the rest of Europe. "We are delighted to be launching our new European Headquarters in London." said Takashi Takenoshita, CEO of Shionogi Europe. "We aim to achieve our mission as a company with a strong presence in Europe, which conducts business operations recognised by patients, their families, healthcare providers and broader communities."

The Mayor of London, Mr Boris Johnson, said, "Boosting jobs and growth is my number one priority, and this means attracting ever more companies to the capital. Shionogi will make a fantastic addition to London's growing life sciences sector, which benefits from our top class universities and research centres, direct access to huge markets, a skilled cosmopolitan workforce, and fantastic connectivity. London really is the best place in the world to do business, something I will be taking every opportunity to showcase throughout this summer like no other."

Shionogi has a strong heritage in the discovery and development of globally important therapies. In 1998 Shionogi licenced one of its new molecules that later became Crestor (generic name: rosuvastatin calcium) to AstraZeneca, and still markets this drug in Japan today. Currently the Company has a strong strategic focus on infectious diseases, pain and metabolic syndrome.