SK bioscience is joining hands with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a next-generation injectable rotavirus vaccine.
SK bioscience said on the 9th that it signed a technology introduction agreement for an injectable inactivated rotavirus vaccine candidate developed by the CDC through phase 1 clinical trials. Based on the technology, the company will push process development to improve productivity and, once development is complete, proceed with subsequent clinical trials, regulatory approval, and commercialization.
Funding for process development research will be provided through a co-investment model with a global health foundation. SK bioscience signed an agreement in Jun. last year with the Right Foundation to support research and development costs for the vaccine's manufacturing process. The Right Foundation is a public-private partnership nonprofit jointly funded by the Gates Foundation, the government of Korea, and domestic life sciences corporations, supporting research and development (R&D) projects to ease the burden of infectious diseases in low- and middle-income countries.
Rotavirus is a leading infectious disease that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children under 5. The oral vaccines currently in use show more than 85% efficacy in advanced economies, but are known to drop to 50% or less in low- and middle-income countries with poor sanitation and nutrition. As a result, in global health there is a growing need to develop injectable vaccines that can improve efficacy and vaccination convenience.
The market outlook is also bright. According to market research firm Business Research Insights, the global rotavirus vaccine market is projected to grow from $8.12 billion in 2024 (about 11.2 trillion won) to $13.9 billion in 2033 (about 19.2 trillion won).
UNICEF's rotavirus vaccine procurement also increased from 900,000 courses in 2011 to 57 million courses in 2023. A course means the per-person dosing schedule (two to three doses). Demand from countries supported by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) is expected to reach about 64 million courses in 2028.
Ahn Jae-yong, CEO of SK bioscience, said, "We are pleased to be able to contribute to solving global health challenges based on the innovative technology developed by the CDC," adding, "With support from the Right Foundation, we will work to develop innovative vaccines to improve the health of children in low- and middle-income countries and contribute to a shift in the global health paradigm."