Shionogi’s first investment under its Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) activities

Shionogi & Co. has made an equity investment in Restore Vision Inc, a Tokyo-based startup company developing innovative technologies in the field of ophthalmology. This investment represents Shionogi’s first investment under its Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) activities.

In April 2025, Shionogi established its Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) to explore next-generation growth opportunities in new markets and technology areas. The CVC targets a broad range of investment areas beyond pharmaceuticals, including technology, infrastructure, and resources. Through these activities, Shionogi seeks to create new value that contributes to addressing social challenges and advancing healthcare.

Through its CVC activities, Shionogi aims to build early-stage partnerships with startup companies that possess innovative technologies and business ideas, supporting them by leveraging Shionogi’s research and development capabilities, business experience, and network—thereby fostering relationships that contribute to mutual growth.

Restore Vision Inc. is a startup aiming to realise a visual restoration gene therapy using its unique functional gene coding “Chimeric Rhodopsin,” which is a protein-based optical sensor. The company’s technology is expected to contribute to addressing social challenges associated with blindness caused by retinal disorders, for which effective preventive or curative treatments have not yet been established, including the hardships experienced by patients and the burden on those around them.