- SK bioscience has initiated process development for an injectable rotavirus vaccine candidate following a license agreement with the U.S. CDC.
- The project is supported by the RIGHT Foundation and will progress through clinical development, regulatory approval, and potential commercialization.
SK bioscience has started process development for an injectable rotavirus vaccine candidate after entering into a license agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The company said it plans to advance the vaccine through clinical trials, regulatory review, and commercialization following successful process development.
According to the company, the agreement makes SK bioscience the first Korean company to receive vaccine technology from the CDC. The licensed technology relates to an injectable inactivated rotavirus vaccine that was previously developed by the CDC and evaluated in a Phase I clinical trial sponsored by the agency. SK bioscience plans to establish a manufacturing process for the vaccine and continue its clinical development program.
The project is also supported by the Research Investment for Global Health Technology Foundation (RIGHT Foundation). SK bioscience signed a research and development funding agreement with the foundation in June 2025 to support development of the rotavirus vaccine process.
Rotavirus is an infectious disease that can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration in children under five years of age. The company noted that while oral rotavirus vaccines have reduced infection rates in higher-income countries, vaccine effectiveness in low- and middle-income countries remains lower, contributing to interest in injectable vaccine approaches.
“We are pleased to collaborate with the CDC on the development of a rotavirus vaccine that has the potential to advance global public health. The company intends to continue developing vaccines aimed at improving child health in low- and middle-income countries with support from the RIGHT Foundation.”
Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience
