SK bioscience is expanding its global vaccine partnerships as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen R&D capabilities and enhance its influence in the global healthcare market.

The company announced that Board members of Hilleman Laboratories, a global vaccine research and development organisation, visited SK bioscience’s headquarters and R&D center in Pangyo, South Korea, to discuss long-term strategic cooperation between the two organizations.

The visit followed Hilleman Laboratories’ Board meeting held in Korea ? an exceptional decision aimed at reinforcing its strategic partnership with SK bioscience and the Korean life sciences ecosystem. Discussions focused on expanding joint vaccine R&D programs and technology collaboration initiatives.

SK bioscience and Hilleman Laboratories established their strategic partnership in 2023 through a joint development agreement for a next-generation Zaire Ebola vaccine. Since then, the two organizations have been closely collaborating across the full vaccine development cycle, from process development and technology transfer to commercialization. Looking ahead, they plan to broaden their partnership to include next-generation vaccine platforms and new vaccine technologies to better respond to emerging infectious diseases.

Hilleman Laboratories, unique joint venture by the global biopharmaceutical company MSD (Merck&Co, USA) and the UK-based Wellcome Trust, is dedicated to developing vaccines and biologics that improve global health equity. Based in Singapore, the organization focuses on advancing affordable and accessible vaccines, particularly for low- and middle-income countries.

During the Pangyo visit, the Hilleman Board members toured SK bioscience’s research facilities and manufacturing infrastructure, recognizing the company’s integrated capabilities across vaccine research, development, and production. Both sides also explored actionable strategies to expand joint research programs and technology exchange.

Dr. Raman Rao, CEO of Hilleman Laboratories, said, “SK bioscience is a trusted global partner with end-to-end capabilities, from research and development to large-scale manufacturing and commercialization. This visit marks a meaningful step forward as we broaden Hilleman’s strategic partnerships in Asia and globally towards our vision of improving vaccine accessibility worldwide through collaborative innovation.”

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience, added, “Collaborations with international public health partners such as Hilleman Laboratories are essential to SK bioscience’s mission to become a global vaccine hub. We will continue expanding our global network to strengthen preparedness against infectious diseases and secure a more resilient vaccine supply chain.”

SK bioscience continues to strengthen its partnerships with major global health organizations, including the Gates Foundation, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). Through these collaborations, the company aims to accelerate innovative vaccine development and contribute to improving global public health as a leading player in the international biopharmaceutical landscape.