[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jung] SK Bioscience is collaborating with international organizations to develop a 'universal vaccine' that comprehensively prevents viruses in the coronavirus family, including COVID-19 and its variants.
SK Bioscience (President Ahn Jae-yong) announced on the 21st that it has begun developing a vaccine targeting 'sarbecovirus' using the platform of its COVID-19 vaccine 'GBP510,' which is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, and has received initial research and development funding of $50 million (approximately 60 billion KRW) from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
Sarbecovirus is a type of coronavirus that includes variants related to COVID-19 and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) viruses. SK Bioscience plans to develop a vaccine effective against the entire sarbecovirus family rather than individual vaccines, establishing a broad response system to prevent related viruses and variants in the future, thereby securing marketability.
CEPI's R&D funding is part of a project investing a total of $200 million in developers aiming to create vaccines that comprehensively respond to variant COVID-19 strains and sarbecoviruses. SK Bioscience will utilize CEPI's support funds for preclinical and Phase 1/2 clinical trials, as well as process and analytical method development for the sarbecovirus vaccine.
Previously securing $210.1 million for the development of GBP510, SK Bioscience will now receive an additional $50 million in support, bringing the total COVID-19 vaccine-related development funding from CEPI to $260 million (approximately 308.4 billion KRW).
The 'receptor-binding domain' (RBD) of the sarbecovirus vaccine candidate, which will apply the GBP510 synthetic antigen platform, incorporates SK Bioscience's recombinant gene technology and the 'self-assembling nanoparticle' design technology from the Institute for Protein Design (IPD) at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy in the United States.
The synthetic antigen platform is characterized by its development based on a method proven safe and effective through long-term use in existing vaccines such as influenza, hepatitis B, and cervical cancer vaccines. Additionally, it can be stored under refrigerated conditions of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, allowing distribution through existing vaccine logistics networks without the need for thawing during administration.
CEPI CEO Richard Hatchett stated, "The rapid spread of Omicron reminds us that new variant viruses can continuously hinder human progress. CEPI will make every effort to collaborate with SK to control the COVID-19 situation and develop vaccines that can proactively address future infectious disease threats."
SK Bioscience President Ahn Jae-yong emphasized, "The proven technology and production system demonstrated during the development of GBP510, currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, and CEPI's strong trust in these capabilities have led to this additional collaboration." CEPI and SK Bioscience plan to supply hundreds of millions of doses worldwide once the safety and efficacy of the sarbecovirus vaccine candidate are confirmed and development is completed.
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