SK Bioscience Receives Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award at the 52nd Commerce Day

Lim Cheol-ho, Head of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Infrastructure at SK Bioscience, who received the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Commendation at the Commemoration Ceremony for Commerce and Industry Day. Photo by SK Bioscience

SK Bioscience has been recognized for its contributions to national economic development and industrial growth as a leading vaccine company in the Republic of Korea.

On the 19th, SK Bioscience announced on the 20th that it received the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award at the '52nd Commerce Day' ceremony held at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Jung-gu, Seoul, in recognition of its achievements as a company leading the Korean vaccine industry.

Commerce Day is an event hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote domestic industrial development and boost the morale of the commerce and industry sectors. It is held annually on the third Wednesday of March. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy awards commendations to companies and individuals who have contributed to the growth and development of the national economy, and this year, companies and contributors leading domestic industrial development were honored with awards.

Im Cheol-ho, Head of the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Infrastructure Office at SK Bioscience, who was selected as a contributor and received the ministerial commendation, played a key role in obtaining manufacturing permits by developing equipment, processes, and document systems during the construction of the Andong L House. He also led facility management for obtaining approval of 'Skycellflu,' the world's first cell-cultured influenza vaccine, raising the status of the domestic vaccine industry to a new level.

In addition, he was highly praised for his outstanding contributions in various areas, including ▲ stable utility supply and maintenance for commercial production and clinical sample production ▲ establishment of a production facility for the 21-valent pneumococcal vaccine bulk jointly developed with Sanofi ▲ design of overseas vaccine facilities according to the 'Glocalization' strategy.

This award is expected to be another meaningful milestone for SK Bioscience as it strengthens the global competitiveness of the vaccine industry and establishes itself as a representative bio company of the Republic of Korea.

Im Cheol-ho, Head of the GMP Infrastructure Office at SK Bioscience, said, "I am very pleased that the efforts of the members who successfully built and operated the Andong L House factory in an environment where it is difficult for the vaccine industry to take root have been recognized through this award," adding, "We will continue to grow and develop to expand Korea’s vaccine sovereignty and promote global health."

Meanwhile, SK Bioscience received the Minister of Science and ICT Award for 'Excellence in LMO (Living Modified Organism) Safety Management' at the end of last year, the first in the vaccine industry. Additionally, Skycellflu was selected as a 'Next-Generation World-Class Product,' and the company was recognized as an 'Excellent Institution in Biosecurity Management,' receiving the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award. SK Bioscience has been acknowledged by multiple government agencies as a leading vaccine company in Korea. Alongside this, it has received the Minister of Health and Welfare Award as a 'Health-Friendly Company' and obtained certification as an 'Innovative Pharmaceutical Company,' continuing its steady innovation and growth.