'Global Biological Resource Center' for Storing Pathogens and Human-Derived Resources Opens

KDCA Anticipates Enhanced Collaboration
for Vaccine Research and Infectious Disease Response
in Preparation for Future Pandemics

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced on the 21st that the Global Biorepository Center (Biorepository) has opened within the International Vaccine Institute (IVI, International Vaccine Institute) in Gwanak-gu, Seoul.

Mechanical ultra-low temperature freezer inside the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Global Biological Resource Center. Provided by Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

Recently, securing and systematically preserving and utilizing pathogens and human-derived resources to prepare for the emergence of new and variant infectious diseases worldwide has become an essential factor. As more countries restrict the overseas export of biological resources, the importance of establishing domestic infrastructure has also been highlighted.

Pathogen resources refer to pathogens such as bacteria and viruses or antigens and antibodies derived from pathogens that have actual or potential value for healthcare research or industry. Human-derived materials include tissues, cells, blood, bodily fluids collected or extracted from the human body, as well as serum, plasma, chromosomes, DNA, RNA, proteins isolated from these components.

Last year, the KDCA invested approximately 8.1 billion KRW of national funds to build a Global Biorepository Center with a total area of 1,255㎡ capable of preserving over 4 million biological resource samples. Currently, about 210,000 clinical samples and pathogens are stored here, and in the future, the center will play a role in supporting the safe storage and utilization of various pathogens and human-derived resources collected domestically and internationally.

Ji Young-mi, Commissioner of the KDCA, said, "We expect the Global Biorepository Center to play a key role in securing and utilizing biological resources and to become a reliable partner for the KDCA in vaccine research preparing for future pandemics."