SK Bioscience is accelerating the development of the next-generation Ebola vaccine with funding support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
On the 22nd, SK Bioscience announced that it will receive funding for the project it is conducting as a development partner, following the signing of a funding agreement between the global pharmaceutical company Merck (MSD) and CEPI for the development of the Zaire Ebola virus vaccine.
Under this agreement, CEPI will provide a total of $30 million to MSD, which will use these funds to support key project costs for research and development, manufacturing process improvements, and clinical trial vaccine development entrusted to SK Bioscience and the non-profit global vaccine research organization, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
This project was initiated to improve the manufacturing process of the Zaire Ebola vaccine held by MSD. The goal is to enhance supply stability and accessibility by establishing a manufacturing process that increases yield and improves thermal stability.
Through this collaboration, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will lead the clinical development of the improved Ebola vaccine, while SK Bioscience and its German subsidiary IDT Biologika will be responsible for the improved bulk manufacturing process of the vaccine and the associated final product development.
The Zaire Ebola virus is a high-risk infectious disease with a survival rate of only 50% upon infection. Recently, cases of resurgence have been reported in some African regions, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, raising awareness.
Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, stated, "With this support from CEPI, MSD's Zaire Ebola virus vaccine can be supplied stably and sustainably at a more reasonable price for the coming years."
SK Bioscience CEO Ahn Jae-yong said, "Based on CEPI's funding, SK Bioscience will play a pivotal role in vaccine development and production in collaboration with global partners, contributing significantly to global health."
