AZ, Moderna, Janssen, Novavax, Sputnik... 5 Vaccines Domestic Contract Manufacturing 'Global Vaccine Hub' Leap

Kim Gang-rip, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, visited the SK Bioscience Andong plant in Gyeongbuk on the 29th to inspect the vaccine production site. (Photo by Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] AstraZeneca (AZ), Moderna, Janssen, Novavax, Sputnik. These are the COVID-19 vaccines currently being contract manufactured (CMO) or in the process of being so in South Korea. Except for Pfizer, all vaccines distributed domestically are included. This is seen as evidence that Korea is emerging as a global-level vaccine hub.

According to the pharmaceutical and bio industry on the 30th, the Moderna vaccine, for which Samsung Biologics plans to import the bulk substance and perform drug product (DP) manufacturing, is expected to be supplied domestically as early as next month. It is known that about 2 million doses have been produced through pilot production. The government is pushing to prioritize supplying 1 million doses domestically.

Currently, the Moderna vaccine has received 'import item approval,' but a separate approval is required for the distribution of domestically produced vaccines. If the domestic distributor GC Green Cross reapplies for approval, it usually takes about 40 days, so supply within next month may be difficult. However, if the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency requests emergency use authorization, the time could be shortened to about 10 days, which is a variable factor.

Green Cross is also pursuing a contract for contract manufacturing of the Janssen (a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary) vaccine. Although a disclosure was made yesterday stating that related details are undecided, this was only due to the re-disclosure deadline, and analysis suggests the likelihood of a contract is increasing. An industry insider explained, "We are directly pursuing a CMO contract with Janssen," adding, "Due diligence has already been conducted, and the contract process is currently proceeding without major issues."

SK Bioscience, which supplies AstraZeneca vaccines domestically and internationally through CMO, is also preparing to produce the Novavax vaccine. The Russian sovereign wealth fund (RDIF)’s ‘Sputnik’ vaccine, which is not yet approved domestically, is also undergoing CMO in South Korea. The Korea Chorus Consortium (GELAPHA, Korea Chorus, Vinex, Boryung Biopharma, Isu Abxis) and the Huons Global Consortium (Huons Global, Prestige Biopharma, Humedix, Boran Pharma) are preparing for production and subsequent overseas export.

An industry official said, "Except for the United States and the European Union (EU), this level of vaccine CMO attraction is rare," and evaluated, "Since there is high potential not only for domestic introduction but also for export, Korea is emerging as a vaccine production hub not only in Asia but also at the global level."