On Monday, SK Bioscience announced a collaboration with MSD to develop its next-generation Zaire ebola virus vaccine candidate.

MSD is working with Hilleman Laboratories on a next-generation Zaire Ebola vaccine candidate to improve the process efficiency and thermal stability of the existing approved Zaire Ebola vaccine, ERVEBO.

As a result, SK Bioscience will manufacture the vaccine candidate in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, at the Andong L-House. Following approval by the relevant health authorities, the vaccine candidate will be distributed to international organisations for use in the management of Ebola virus disease (EVD).

EVD is characterised by severe and rapidly progressive hemorrhagic fever.

Although six Ebola viruses have been identified, the Zaire ebolavirus has been the primary cause of outbreaks over the last two decades, causing significant human and economic losses.

"MSD is committed to finding innovative solutions to improve access to vaccines globally, such as this collaboration with the Hilleman Institute and SK Bioscience," said Sanat Chattopadhyay, MSD's Executive Vice President of Manufacturing.

Choi Chang-won, Vice Chairman of SK Discovery, stated that the collaboration demonstrated SK Bioscience's production capabilities and global network, which were recognised through Covid-19. "We look forward to further collaborations with other institutes based on our shared belief in addressing vaccine supply imbalances and expanding access to vaccines in middle- and low-income countries."

Meanwhile, SK Bioscience recently announced plans to strengthen its position in the CDMO market.