SK Bioscience announced on Thursday that it has secured its inaugural European Union-backed vaccine development project in collaboration with its German subsidiary, IDT Biologika. This achievement marks a significant milestone, occurring one year after the acquisition of IDT Biologika.
The company has been selected for Phase 1 of a groundbreaking next-generation vaccine initiative spearheaded by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) under the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority umbrella.
SK Bioscience and IDT Biologika will join forces with Vaxxas, an Australian vaccine platform firm, in a consortium aimed at developing a microneedle patch-based seasonal influenza vaccine tailored for older adults, as well as a pandemic influenza vaccine designed to protect all age groups, including against avian influenza (bird flu).
HaDEA is set to provide 12.9 million euros ($14 million) for Phase 1, encompassing clinical trials. Funding may potentially increase to as much as 225 million euros if the project successfully progresses through subsequent development stages.
IDT Biologika will serve as the European contracting entity and will oversee project management. SK Bioscience will contribute antigen bulk materials utilizing its advanced cell culture platform, including its seasonal flu vaccine, SkyCellflu, and a pandemic flu vaccine candidate. Vaxxas will contribute its innovative high-density microarray patch technology.
The collaborative effort aims to develop a highly immunogenic vaccine that requires lower antigen doses, boasts room-temperature stability, and offers simplified administration.
“This project represents the first tangible success following the IDT acquisition, synergizing the global networks and technological capabilities of both companies,” stated Ahn Jae-yong, CEO of SK Bioscience. “We are committed to actively pursuing opportunities for our proprietary vaccines in the European market and enhancing our competitiveness through innovative platforms.”
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