SK Bioscience "Typhoid Vaccine Effect Confirmed... Supply Target for 2022"

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] SK Bioscience announced on the 17th that the typhoid vaccine candidate 'NBP618,' jointly developed with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), demonstrated excellent efficacy and safety in Phase 3 clinical trials.

NBP618 is a typhoid vaccine developed by applying conjugate vaccine production technology through a collaboration between SK Bioscience and IVI since 2013. It is characterized by strong immunogenicity with a single dose and longer-lasting preventive effects compared to existing vaccines. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has supported the research and development with approximately 25.6 million USD in funding from the early stages of research until last year.

The Phase 3 clinical trial was conducted on about 1,350 healthy subjects aged between 6 months and under 45 years. The results showed immune responses comparable to existing vaccines, with no significant side effects observed across all age groups.

Accordingly, SK Bioscience plans to apply for export product approval of NBP618 from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety next month. Following this, the company aims to proceed with the World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification (PQ) certification process.

An SK Bioscience official explained, "Since typhoid vaccines are supplied through procurement market bids led by international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), obtaining PQ certification is necessary."

SK Bioscience plans to supply NBP618 worldwide as early as 2022. Upon completion of development, the production and supply of the typhoid vaccine will be handled entirely at SK Bioscience's vaccine factory, Andong L House.

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK Bioscience, stated, "We will develop vaccines with universal accessibility to help children in underdeveloped countries suffering from typhoid to be free from the disease."

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