President Moon: "Government Will Support COVID-19 Vaccine Development Until the End! Absolutely!" (Comprehensive)

President Moon Jae-in Holds Meeting at Vaccine Development Site
Choi Tae-won: "Must Achieve to Realize Social Value"
Seo Jung-jin: "To Be Usable in the Shortest Time Possible"

President Moon Jae-in visited SK Bioscience, a COVID-19 vaccine development company located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on the afternoon of the 15th, and was looking through a microscope in the cell culture room.

President Moon Jae-in visited the site of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine development on the 15th and promised, "The government will be a strong supporter to ensure that vaccines and therapeutics are developed by providing full support until the end."

On the day, President Moon visited the SK Bioscience research institute, which is developing a COVID-19 vaccine, and said, "I hope that the pride of the people gained through K-quarantine will continue through K-bio with the development of vaccines and therapeutics, and that the Republic of Korea will establish itself as a beacon of hope in the world."

At this meeting, President Moon reviewed the status of vaccine and therapeutic development through government support and corporate efforts, encouraged the researchers participating in the development and clinical trials of therapeutics and vaccines, and listened to difficulties and suggestions from the field.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, President Moon reiterated that "the development of vaccines and therapeutics is absolutely necessary to end the long fight against COVID-19."

President Moon said, "The government will not spare support until the very end, until we succeed for sure," adding, "Regarding this COVID-19 therapeutic and vaccine, even if other countries succeed in development first and we can import them, we have the will to succeed in domestic development until the very end."

He also mentioned that the government has supported 210 billion won this year for clinical trial costs and development expenses of companies, and that next year's budget has been set at 260 billion won, a 19% increase from this year.

President Moon said, "Visiting the vaccine development site today gives me a new sense of appreciation and confidence in our technological capabilities," adding, "We must further enhance our capabilities in therapeutic and vaccine development to prepare for infectious diseases that will come again after COVID-19. I ask companies, research institutes, hospitals, and universities to unite until the very end."

President Moon Jae-in is presiding over the "COVID-19 Vaccine and Therapeutics Development On-site Meeting" held at SK Bioscience located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, a company developing vaccines for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), on the afternoon of the 15th.

The on-site researchers positively evaluated the government's support efforts so far for the development of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics. They collectively voiced that since vaccine and therapeutic development is highly challenging and risky, continuous support expansion rather than one-time support is necessary.

Choi Tae-won, CEO of SK, said, "Vaccine development requires long-term investment and has high uncertainty, but we are determined to achieve it to realize the social value of the company," and promised, "We will concentrate our capabilities company-wide to succeed in vaccine development."

Seo Jung-jin, Chairman of Celltrion Group, who received approval for phase 2/3 antibody therapeutic trials on September 17, said, "COVID-19 can cause long-term damage if not treated early, so early treatment is important," and added, "We will work hard so that the public can use therapeutics in the shortest possible time."

President Moon said, "Those here are putting their utmost efforts not only for our people but for all humanity," and added, "I believe you have a strong desire to develop vaccines and therapeutics faster than other countries."

He continued, "I also wish it would happen that way," but emphasized, "However, I do not think speed is the most important. What is more important is securing safety and efficacy. The ability to supply at a more affordable price is also especially important."

President Moon Jae-in is presiding over the "COVID-19 Vaccine and Therapeutics Development On-site Meeting" held at SK Bioscience located in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, a company developing vaccines for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), on the afternoon of the 15th.

President Moon said, "Even if other countries develop first and we end up importing, and even if COVID-19 passes, the development of therapeutics and vaccines must succeed until the very end," adding, "Success in development is necessary to enhance our country's infectious disease response capabilities and to secure vaccine sovereignty."

President Moon emphasized again, saying, "If companies and the government work together until the end, it will be an opportunity to raise the level of our country's biohealth industry by one step," and urged, "Let's see it through to the end."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.