SK bioscience’s vaccine plant, L House, in Andong (Image courtesy of SK Bioscience)
SEOUL, Jan. 22 (Korea Bizwire) – SK bioscience Co., a biopharmaceutical arm of South Korea’s SK Group, said Thursday it will accelerate the development of a Zaire Ebola virus vaccine with funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
The announcement follows a funding agreement between CEPI and U.S. pharmaceutical company MSD to support continued development of the vaccine.
Under the agreement, CEPI will provide US$30 million to MSD, which will allocate the funds to its development partners, including SK bioscience and Hilleman Laboratories, the company said in a press release.
“Addressing deadly infectious diseases, such as Ebola, requires strong global collaboration,” SK bioscience Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ahn Jae-yong said. “Through this CEPI-supported partnership, SK bioscience will continue to play a critical role in improving Zaire Ebola virus vaccine manufacturing and supply, contributing to global health preparedness.”
SK bioscience Co.’s Global R&D Center in Songdo, just west of Seoul. (Image courtesy of SK bioscience )
Hilleman Laboratories is a joint venture between MSD and Wellcome, a global charitable foundation focused on health research.
Hilleman will lead clinical development of an updated vaccine, while SK bioscience and its Germany-based affiliate IDT Biologika will develop the manufacturing process and drug product, the release said.
Zaire Ebola virus causes frequent Ebola outbreaks and has a survival rate of about 50 percent.
“In a single decade, the world has transformed Ebola from a global emergency to a disease that can be stopped in its tracks and now CEPI’s support will help enable a sustainable and accessible supply of MSD’s Zaire Ebola virus vaccine for years to come at a more affordable price,” CEPI CEO Richard Hatchett said.
(Yonhap)
