- SK bioscience has secured its first UNICEF procurement contract and will supply approximately 640,000 doses of its influenza vaccine to countries across both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres in 2026.
- The agreement expands the company’s participation in global public procurement programs and strengthens year-round utilization of its vaccine manufacturing operations.
SK bioscience has been selected as a supplier of influenza vaccines for UNICEF’s 2026 immunization programs, marking the company’s first procurement contract with the international organization. Under the agreement, the company will supply approximately 640,000 doses of its influenza vaccine to countries in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres according to local vaccination schedules.
Shipments for Southern Hemisphere countries, including Laos, Myanmar, and Fiji, have already begun. Supplies for Northern Hemisphere countries, including Ethiopia, Lebanon, Albania, and Palestine, are scheduled to commence in September. According to the company, SK bioscience was selected as UNICEF’s sole supplier for the Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine program and as a major supplier for the Northern Hemisphere program.
The agreement expands SK bioscience’s participation in international public procurement programs alongside its existing relationship with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The company said the dual-hemisphere supply arrangement will support year-round utilization of its manufacturing facilities while enhancing its ability to respond to seasonal vaccine demand across different regions.
SK bioscience’s influenza vaccine, SKYCellflu, received World Health Organization prequalification after demonstrating immunogenicity and safety in Phase 3 clinical trials. The company stated that the cell culture-based manufacturing platform is designed to reduce the risk of virus mutations during production and enable rapid vaccine supply during infectious disease emergencies.
“Securing our first UNICEF procurement contract marks a meaningful milestone in expanding SK bioscience’s presence in the global public procurement market. Building on a business model that balances commercial sustainability with public health value, we will continue strengthening partnerships with international organizations and contribute to global infectious disease preparedness and public health advancement.”
Jaeyong Ahn, Chief Executive Officer of SK bioscience
