SK bioscience has commenced the development of a next-generation avian influenza vaccine.
The company noted that it was selected for the 'Priority Infectious Disease Pandemic Preparedness Rapid Development Technology Support Project' led by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on the 6th. This is a national project aimed at developing a vaccine in preparation for the spread of avian influenza virus, which is identified as a candidate for the next infectious disease pandemic.
SK bioscience was recognized for its technical capabilities, being the only company in South Korea to commercialize vaccines for influenza, COVID-19, and others using cell culture technology, which led to its selection as the target corporation. For this project, SK bioscience will co-invest approximately 5.25 billion won with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
The goal is to initiate the development of a cell culture-based avian influenza vaccine and enter clinical phases 1 and 2 in the second half of next year. Vaccines produced through cell culture methods are more effective for pandemic response in terms of production speed and supply compared to those developed using fertilized eggs.
The fertilized egg vaccine poses challenges for mass production, as securing uninfected fertilized eggs can be difficult during avian influenza outbreaks, leading to production setbacks and making it harder to effectively respond to mutant viruses.
In contrast, the cell culture vaccine cultivates the virus using animal cells in state-of-the-art sterile production facilities. This approach minimizes the risk of infection and contamination, enables rapid mass production, and allows for quick responses to mutations.
Avian influenza has thus far shown a low human-to-human transmission rate; however, concerns have been raised as highly pathogenic H5N1 and H7N9 viruses can cause human infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 950 cases of human infection have been reported from 1997 to January 2025, with about half of those resulting in death. Experts warn that if the H5N1 virus gains the ability to spread between humans through mutation, it could lead to a pandemic.
SK bioscience plans to collaborate with international organizations alongside its vaccine development efforts. An Jae-yong, CEO of SK bioscience, said, 'We will secure the technological capabilities to respond to the next pandemic, fulfill our mission of safeguarding global health, and lay the foundation for our growth as a top-tier global vaccine and bio corporation.'