Better Health for All

Shire's core business is dedicated to developing and delivering breakthrough therapies for rare diseases and high-need conditions, with products available in over 100 countries, indicating a strong positive health impact.

However, the company has faced significant challenges regarding marketing practices and transparency. In August 2017, Shire settled for $350 million over allegations of illegal promotion of Dermagraft, which included improper marketing practices potentially impacting patient safety. In September 2014, Shire agreed to pay $56.5 million to resolve claims of improperly marketing drugs such as Adderall XR, Vyvanse, and Daytrana, by exaggerating product safety and promoting non-FDA approved uses, affecting informed treatment decisions and public health. These two incidents within a three-year period reflect significant safety concerns and a lack of transparency. As a biotechnology company, its operations do not involve nutrition or food safety.

Fair Money & Economic Opportunity

Shire plc is a biotechnology company focused on rare diseases and does not engage in financial services, lending, or economic empowerment.

Its corporate social responsibility efforts are directed towards broader societal impacts such as environmental protection and community support, rather than initiatives related to financial fairness or small business support. Consequently, the company does not offer products or services that fall under the scope of the Fair Money & Economic Opportunity value.

Fair Pay & Worker Respect

An employee survey at the combined Takeda entity showed 78% of employees believed the company would better serve patients' needs.

In 2023, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the acquiring company, incurred a $22 million fine for a benefit plan administrator violation. Historically, Shire plc was fined $19,070 in 2016 for a workplace safety or health violation. Baxalta US Inc., also owned by Takeda, settled a $4.8 million class claim for unpaid wages and overtime in 2019. Following the merger, Takeda planned a 6-7% workforce reduction, impacting approximately 3,600 employees, to achieve $2 billion in cost savings by 2021. Separately, 137 employees were laid off starting January. with nearly 1,000 cuts made the previous year as part of an efficiency plan. A Takeda Korea labor union alleged unfair changes in roles and differing incentive plans favoring Shire employees post-merger, though Takeda denied these claims.

Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing

Takeda conducted only 5 onsite supplier assessments in Fiscal Year 2020

and 6 in Fiscal Year 2021, despite having over 12,880 to 21,704 new and existing suppliers passing through due diligence processes in those years. No incidents of forced or child labor were reported through the Takeda Ethics Line during the financial years ending March 31, 2021 (Fiscal Year 2020) and March 31, 2022 (Fiscal Year 2021).

Honest & Fair Business

Shire faced significant ethical challenges, including the termination of Dr. Vincent Polito on August 24, 2016, immediately after he reported alleged DEA regulation violations to the U.S. Attorney’s office, leading to a wrongful termination suit alleging retaliation.

The company incurred substantial ethics-related regulatory fines, totaling $350 million in 2017 for illegal incentives and kickbacks related to Dermagraft, and $59.4 million in 2014 for marketing violations. While Shire had an Anti-Bribery Policy approved in June 2014 with a stated zero-tolerance approach, the 2017 fine suggests significant enforcement failures. As part of a 2014 settlement, Shire entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the Office of Inspector General, requiring it to establish and maintain a U.S. Compliance Program with a chief compliance officer for monitoring, which also served as a form of independent verification of compliance.

Kind to Animals

All R&D facilities that conduct animal research are accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC).

The company is committed to the "3Rs" of animal research (Refining, Reducing, and Replacing). Animal testing is conducted only when required by health laws for safety regulations, indicating necessary, not discretionary, animal testing. Every proposal for animal use is thoroughly evaluated and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), with oversight by a company committee of internal and external experts.

No War, No Weapons

Shire plc, and its acquirer Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, operate solely within the healthcare industry, focusing on treatments for rare diseases and specialized medical conditions

, with no involvement in arms manufacturing or military contracts . Takeda adheres to all international sanctions, having discontinued non-essential activities in sanctioned regions like Russia while ensuring the continued supply of medicines . Takeda requires its more than 40,000 suppliers to adhere to a Supplier Code of Conduct that includes provisions for basic human and labor rights . The company conducts regular independent audits and works closely with suppliers to correct problems if they arise , indicating that while standards exist, occasional non-compliance is addressed. Takeda is a signatory to the UN Global Compact and is committed to respecting internationally recognized human rights, embedding this commitment within its Global Code of Conduct and Supplier Code of Conduct . The company has no exposure to any weapons.

Planet-Friendly Business

Total Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions were approximately 3.1 million tCO2e in 2024, representing a 27.9% year-on-year decline from 4.3 million tCO2e in 2023.

The company's GHG emission goals were validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2024, confirming alignment with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Approximately 20% of operational GHG emissions are accounted for by renewable energy through a virtual power purchase agreement, and one manufacturing site in Lessines, Belgium, uses 100% renewable electricity. The company diverted 80% of waste from landfills, with a target to achieve 90% or greater total waste-to-landfill diversion by FY2025. Furthermore, 67% of suppliers by emissions are actively working to establish science-based targets by 2024. Net-zero GHG emissions targets are set for operations (Scopes 1 and 2) before 2035 and across the entire value chain (Scope 3) before 2040, with interim goals to eliminate 40% of Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by FY2025 and 65% by FY2030.

Respect for Cultures & Communities

The company has over 40 formal partnerships with community organizations in the U.S.

and at least 30 formal partnerships with community groups for its Global CSR Program. A global Ethics Line is available 24/7 online and by phone for external and third parties to report concerns, including human rights violations. No cultural appropriation incidents are reported. Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes are stated as not applicable to the company's operations. Additionally, no incidents of cultural or heritage site disruptions are reported, consistent with the company's pharmaceutical business model.

Safe & Smart Tech

Shire plc, in its 2019 SEC filing, acknowledged adherence to global privacy and data protection laws, such as GDPR.

Specific details regarding cybersecurity investments and AI ethics governance were unavailable. Shire plc was acquired by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company in January 2019 , and its operations are now governed by Takeda's global framework for data privacy and cybersecurity.

Zero Waste & Sustainable Products

As of 2022, the company achieved an 80% waste diversion rate from landfill.

It aims for 90% or greater total waste-to-landfill diversion by FY2025 and zero waste-to-landfill for all major locations by FY2030. Multiple waste reduction initiatives are in place, including a "Sustainability by Design" program that integrates circular economy principles and life cycle assessments into all products in development. The company invested $10 million in facilities to process single-use plastic waste. Its TAK-954 "second-generation" process achieved 78% less waste and received an American Chemical Society award. Shire also received SEAL Environmental Initiative Awards. For packaging, 53% of paper and fiberboard in secondary and tertiary product packaging was sustainably sourced (recycled content or forest stewardship certified) in 2023, exceeding a 2025 target. The company also uses bio-polyethylene for primary packaging, which has received multiple global awards. Hazardous waste management includes integrating chemical hazard evaluations and toxicity reduction efforts into product development, and a quality lab in Singapore achieved the highest "green lab" certification.