KDCA Unveils Comprehensive Pandemic Preparedness Plan with mRNA Vaccine Localization Target by 2028
核心洞察
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (搜索) announced a sweeping "Plan for Advancing the Infectious Disease Crisis Management System" on June 10 to overhaul national pandemic preparedness.
A new Infectious Disease Clinical Research and Analysis Center will be established to oversee public clinical trials and intensively support mRNA technology from preclinical through phase 3 stages.
The agency aims to localize COVID-19 (搜索) mRNA vaccine production by 2028 and build a vaccine prototype library enabling rapid development within 100 to 200 days during a crisis.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (搜索) (KDCA) announced on June 10 a sweeping overhaul of the nation's infectious disease response infrastructure, unveiling the "Plan for Advancing the Infectious Disease Crisis Management System." The comprehensive strategy aims to preemptively establish infrastructure spanning hospital beds, vaccines, treatments, and clinical trials in preparation for the next pandemic.
Reclassifying Crisis Types and Strengthening Surveillance
Under the new framework, the KDCA will classify infectious disease crisis types into two categories: "limited transmission," which can be eradicated domestically, and "pandemic," which requires long-term coexistence. For overseas infectious diseases not yet legally designated in Korea but carrying potential for domestic entry, the agency will conduct risk assessments to identify diseases requiring advance preparation, establishing proactive management systems accordingly.
The agency will also develop an infectious disease crisis social response manual and create new subcommittees for disease control and social response, drawing on expertise from across all sectors of society. To ensure financial readiness, the KDCA is reviewing measures to secure continuous and stable funding dedicated to preparedness and rapid response during a crisis.
Integrating Hospital Infrastructure
On the healthcare delivery front, the KDCA will integrate and reorganize nationally designated hospital beds and emergency treatment beds into a unified category of "national infectious disease beds." Medical institutions operating these beds will be designated as regional infectious disease hospitals, creating a more coherent and responsive care network.
Strengthening Vaccine Supply and Governance
The plan calls for building collaborative networks with domestic and international pharmaceutical companies and global vaccine organizations to bolster vaccine supply capacity during crises. A joint public-private Vaccine Rapid Introduction Subcommittee will be formed to review the safety and efficacy of vaccines prior to introduction. Additionally, a "Government-wide Vaccine Introduction Council," with participation from relevant ministries, will be established to coordinate decision-making across the government.
Advancing mRNA Technology and Clinical Research
A centerpiece of the plan is the establishment of a new entity, tentatively named the Infectious Disease Clinical Research and Analysis Center, which will oversee public clinical trials. The KDCA will intensively support organizations possessing core mRNA technology, spanning from preclinical stages through phase 3 clinical trials, with the explicit goal of localizing COVID-19 (搜索) mRNA vaccine production by 2028.
To accelerate future responses, a vaccine prototype library for priority pathogens will be built and stockpiled during normal times. This library is designed to enable rapid vaccine development within 100 to 200 days during a crisis.
AI-Driven R&D Platform
The agency will also pursue the development of the Korean Pandemic Preparedness Engine (K-AI PPX), an artificial intelligence-based R&D platform that provides integrated support for ultra-rapid antigen design and the entire vaccine development cycle. To secure key technology sovereignty and ensure an integrated national response, the government will formulate the "Fourth National Infectious Disease Crisis Response Technology Development Strategy" in collaboration with all relevant ministries.