- SK Bioscience is supporting the development of an updated Zaire ebolavirus vaccine through a CEPI-supported collaboration with MSD and other partners.
- The project aims to improve manufacturing yield and thermostability to address supply and logistics challenges in outbreak-prone regions.
SK Bioscience has announced progress in the development of a Zaire ebolavirus vaccine through a new collaboration supported by Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). The initiative follows a funding agreement under which CEPI will provide up to USD 30 million to MSD to support further development of the vaccine with its partners.
Under the agreement, MSD will allocate the CEPI funding to development partners including SK Bioscience and Hilleman Laboratories, a joint venture between MSD and Wellcome. The work will cover research activities, manufacturing process improvements and clinical development. The collaboration builds on MSD’s WHO-prequalified Zaire ebolavirus vaccine.
The programme focuses on updating the existing manufacturing process, which currently requires ultra-low temperature storage and presents logistical challenges in low-resource settings. By improving manufacturing yield and enhancing thermostability, the partners aim to support a more affordable and sustainable vaccine supply, subject to regulatory review and public health requirements.
Within the collaboration, Hilleman Laboratories will lead the clinical development of the updated vaccine. SK Bioscience, working alongside IDT Biologika, will develop the updated drug substance manufacturing process and associated drug product. SK Bioscience will contribute its vaccine manufacturing expertise and infrastructure as part of the CEPI-backed initiative, reflecting its role in contract manufacturing activities that support global public health programmes.
“Addressing deadly infectious diseases such as Ebola requires strong global collaboration. Through this CEPI-supported partnership, SK Bioscience will continue to play a critical role in improving Zaire ebolavirus vaccine manufacturing and supply, contributing meaningfully to global health preparedness.”
Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK Bioscience
