SK bioscience, which transfer its headquarters and research institute from Pangyo in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, to Songdo last month, plans to lease out office space.
According to the industry on the 26th, SK bioscience plans to put an agenda item to add real estate development to its business purposes at next month's shareholders meeting. A SK bioscience official said, "We are adding the business purpose for office leasing," and noted, "If other corporations are interested, they can move in after internal review."
Since 2021, SK bioscience has invested about 370 billion won to establish a global research and process development (R&PD) center in Songdo. When the building was first constructed, space was secured with the possibility that SK Biopharmaceuticals would move in together, but there is an explanation that space is left over because SK Biopharmaceuticals decided not to transfer to Songdo and to remain in Pangyo.
SK bioscience has decided to rent the vacant offices to external corporations and collect rent. Corporations for which it is financially burdensome to set up independent space are expected to be the target tenants. Tenant corporations are also expected to be able to use some of SK bioscience's research equipment.
The SK bioscience Songdo R&PD Center has a total floor area of about 19,000 pyeong and consists of two basement levels to seven above-ground floors. All floors are connected by open staircases. The first floor has a space that can accommodate 100 people, allowing interaction with external clients.
Songdo's proximity to Incheon Airport and the port makes it easy to procure raw and subsidiary materials from overseas and reduce related expense. The company said it is also relatively advantageous for securing high-caliber talent because it is not far from Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.
SK bioscience's consolidated sales last year were 651.4 billion won, up 144% from the previous year. Operating loss was 123.5 billion won, narrowing the deficit. Sales at subsidiary IDT Biologika increased, and vaccine sales were solid. However, losses were incurred due to investments in research and development and production facilities.
SK bioscience is operating an integrated system in Songdo from research and development to commercialization. The plan is to secure medium- to long-term growth engines here. SK bioscience recently introduced a candidate antibody drug for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from a research institute under the Gates Foundation. RSV is accompanied by cough and high fever and causes pneumonia. The company plans to begin clinical trials targeting infants and young children.