SK bioscience, South Korea's leading vaccine manufacturer, has been selected to participate in the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's (KDCA) Priority Infectious Disease Pandemic Preparedness Rapid R&D Support Program, marking a significant step in the nation's efforts to prepare for potential avian influenza pandemics.
The government-led initiative specifically targets avian influenza, which has been identified as a high-risk candidate for the next pandemic. SK bioscience was chosen based on its proven technological capabilities as the only domestic company to have successfully commercialized cell-culture-based vaccines for both influenza and COVID-19.
Strategic Investment and Development Timeline
Under the program, SK bioscience and KDCA will co-invest approximately KRW 5.25 billion (USD 3.7 million) in early-stage development. The company plans to initiate development of a cell-culture-based avian influenza vaccine with the goal of entering Phase 1/2 clinical trials in the second half of 2026.
"Our partnership with the Korean government and global organizations in pandemic response underscores our world-class technological and production capabilities," said Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience. "We are committed to strengthen our readiness for the next pandemic and fulfilling our mission to promote global health, laying the foundation to become a global vaccine and biotech leader."
Technological Advantages of Cell-Culture Platform
The company's cell-culture-based approach offers significant advantages over traditional egg-based vaccine production methods. During avian influenza outbreaks, egg-based vaccines face substantial challenges as mass culling of poultry can limit access to uninfected fertilized eggs, making timely and large-scale vaccine production difficult and less responsive to emerging viral mutations.
Cell-culture-based vaccines are produced using animal cells in advanced aseptic facilities, minimizing contamination risks and enabling rapid, large-scale manufacturing. This technology allows for quicker adaptation to evolving virus strains, a critical capability for pandemic response.
SK bioscience has already demonstrated the effectiveness of its cell-culture platform across multiple viral diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company manufactured vaccines for global partners and successfully launched SKYCovione, South Korea's first homegrown COVID-19 vaccine. The company's portfolio also includes WHO-prequalified SkyCellflu Quadrivalent and Skycellflu, both domestically developed cell-cultured influenza vaccines.
Growing Pandemic Threat
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by mounting global concerns about avian influenza. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 950 human cases of avian influenza infection have been reported worldwide between 1997 and January 2025, with approximately half resulting in death. Highly pathogenic strains such as H5N1 and H7N9 continue to pose serious global threats.
While human-to-human transmission of avian influenza remains low, experts warn that if H5N1 mutates to enable efficient human-to-human transmission, it could trigger a deadly pandemic with potentially catastrophic consequences.
Expanding mRNA Capabilities
Beyond cell-culture technology, SK bioscience is also developing mRNA vaccines as part of its comprehensive pandemic preparedness strategy. The company is currently conducting global Phase 1/2 clinical trials of its mRNA Japanese encephalitis vaccine candidate, GBP560, in collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), with interim results expected next year.
National Preparedness Strategy
This initiative represents South Korea's broader strategy to achieve greater autonomy in vaccine production and reduce dependence on international supply chains for essential medical resources. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the risks associated with relying on foreign pharmaceutical companies during health emergencies.
Chilamula Srija, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, noted: "The experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the risk of dependence on international supply chains for essential medical resources. By investing in domestic R&D, South Korea aims for greater autonomy and to ensure timely access to life-saving vaccines for its citizens in future emergencies."
SK bioscience has previously demonstrated its commitment to national health security, winning the most bids in the government's 2023-24 national flu vaccination program alongside other domestic companies including GC Pharma, Ilyang Pharmaceutical, Boryung Corp., and Korea Vaccine.
The company also plans to foster international collaboration alongside its vaccine development efforts to enhance global public health, recognizing that avian influenza threats are not confined to any single region or country. This approach aligns with KDCA's existing partnership with CEPI, established in May 2024 to accelerate vaccine development against various public health threats including Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Ebola, and mpox.
