SK bioscience is strengthening its manufacturing capabilities for an Ebola vaccine development project being conducted in partnership with global pharmaceutical company MSD, by expanding collaboration with its subsidiary IDT Biologika.
According to industry sources on March 23, SK bioscience has signed a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) agreement with IDT Biologika for drug product manufacturing as part of the development of a second-generation Zaire Ebola vaccine. The project is being jointly carried out with MSD and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). The agreement follows a funding decision by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which committed approximately $30 million in January to support the program.
The initiative focuses on overcoming limitations of existing Ebola vaccines, particularly their complex manufacturing processes and reliance on ultra-cold chain distribution. The goal is to improve production yield and enhance thermal stability, thereby increasing both supply efficiency and accessibility. Under the partnership, SK bioscience will handle drug substance production, while IDT Biologika will oversee drug product development and manufacturing, forming a global supply framework.
Ebola virus disease remains a high-risk infectious disease with a high fatality rate. Recent reports of renewed outbreaks in parts of Africa, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have once again highlighted global health risks. Establishing a stable vaccine supply chain is particularly critical in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure, making it an important priority not only for public health but also from a humanitarian perspective.
The expanded collaboration reflects SK bioscience’s ongoing integration strategy following its acquisition of IDT Biologika. The company has improved IDT’s operational performance through enhanced production efficiency and cost optimization. More recently, SK bioscience has expanded its presence in Europe by participating in a project led by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), which aims to develop high-immunogenic influenza vaccines for the elderly and pandemic preparedness vaccines under the mandate of the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).
Industry observers note that the latest agreement positions IDT Biologika as more than a manufacturing subsidiary, evolving into a global vaccine hub within SK bioscience’s operations. By establishing an integrated value chain spanning research and development through production, the company is expected to further strengthen its ability to execute global infectious disease response projects.
Park Jin-sun, Chief Operating Officer of SK bioscience, said, “By combining the development and manufacturing capabilities of both companies, we aim to enhance execution in global public health projects. We will continue to advance our integrated production platform to respond reliably to international demand.”
In addition to its collaboration with MSD, SK bioscience is currently conducting global Phase 3 clinical trials for a 21-valent pneumococcal vaccine with Sanofi. The company is also expanding its pandemic preparedness capabilities through partnerships with CEPI and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA). It is accelerating the development of next-generation pipelines, including an RSV preventive antibody treatment and a universal COVID-19 vaccine, while strengthening its global partnerships.
