National Institute of Health Research Conducts 'On-site Verification' of mRNA Technology Capabilities of Hanmi Pharmaceutical Group

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The National Institute of Health Research conducted an on-site verification of mRNA technology capabilities by visiting Hanmi Precision Chemical, a raw material pharmaceutical company affiliated with Hanmi Pharmaceutical Group.

According to Hanmi Pharmaceutical on the 1st, the on-site verification was attended by Kwon Jun-wook, Director of the National Institute of Health Research, and Kim Do-geun, Head of the Infectious Disease Vaccine Research Division. From Hanmi Pharmaceutical Group, attendees included Lim Jong-yoon, Chairman of the Bio Association (CEO of Hanmi Science), Kim Su-jin, Executive Director of Hanmi Pyeongtaek Bio Plant, Jang Young-gil, CEO of Hanmi Precision Chemical, Lee Jae-heon, Head of Research Institute at Hanmi Precision Chemical, and Kwon Kyu-chan, Executive Director in charge of Overseas RA at Hanmi Pharmaceutical.

At the meeting, Director Kwon confirmed the possibility of mass production of six key mRNA raw materials that Hanmi Precision Chemical began researching at the end of last year and recently succeeded in developing. He also urged Hanmi to do its best to secure national vaccine sovereignty through continuous accumulation of R&D capabilities.

When Director Kwon asked, "Can we consider Hanmi as the only company in Korea currently equipped with the capability to produce mRNA immediately?" Chairman Lim Jong-yoon replied, "Practically, yes." He added, "Although monthly production volumes may vary, Hanmi is the only company that can immediately supply up to 300 million doses of raw materials within 12 months," emphasizing, "We can promptly supply the key mRNA raw materials that are currently in global shortage."

Kim Do-geun, Head of the Infectious Disease Vaccine Research Division, also stated, "We were able to confirm the accumulation of mRNA technology capabilities that Hanmi Precision Chemical has been pursuing since last year," and added, "I also look forward to the possibility that companies and the government can find roles they can play right now to collaborate for nucleic acid vaccine technology independence."

Meanwhile, Hanmi Science is currently proceeding with procedures to participate in the global regional hub establishment project for vaccine supply promoted by the WHO. This project is part of the ‘Korea-US Global Vaccine Partnership’ agreed upon at the Korea-US summit in May, aiming to establish a mass production base for global vaccine supply through WHO and COVAX. Chairman Lim said, "We have to wait for the final conclusion, but it is important to note that WHO is seriously considering Korea’s potential as a global vaccine hub."

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