ST Pharm Begins Joint Development of mRNA Vaccine for Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome

CEPI-Supported Collaboration with KDCA, IVI, and Seoul National University
Experts Join Forces, Drawing Attention to the World's First Vaccine

On December 9, ST Pharm announced that it has been selected as a core manufacturing and technology partner for the Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) vaccine development project led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

This research, supported by CEPI, is a long-term project running through 2030. It utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and structure-based design to identify antigen candidates and verify their immunogenicity and safety. The project is a joint effort involving the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's National Institute of Health, the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), and Seoul National University.

Aerial view of ST Pharm Banwol Plant in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province. ST Pharm

For the vaccine candidate, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and Seoul National University will design the antigens, while ST Pharm will be responsible for the design and production of mRNA vaccine raw materials. This will be based on its mRNA 5' Cap technology SmartCap®, LNP delivery technology STLNP®, and global standard GMP manufacturing capabilities.

SFTS frequently occurs in East Asia, including Korea, China, Japan, and Taiwan, and is transmitted by the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick. The disease causes high fever, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure. It is a fatal illness, especially for elderly patients, due to the possibility of multiple organ failure.

SFTS has no commercialized vaccine, partly due to the virus’s immune evasion structure and regional characteristics. As a result, there are high expectations that an mRNA vaccine, which can accurately replicate antigen structures and induce a strong T-cell immune response, could overcome the SFTS virus.

Seong Mujae, CEO of ST Pharm, stated, "We are very pleased to participate in the AI-based SFTS (mRNA) vaccine development project, leveraging our proprietary SmartCap® and STLNP® platforms and global CDMO capabilities. ST Pharm will actively support the safe and efficient development and production of SFTS vaccine candidates."

Meanwhile, this project aims to secure a 'prototype vaccine' for the Phenuivirus family. It is expected to lay the groundwork for providing critical scientific data to realize the '100 Days Mission'-the development of a vaccine within 100 days-in the event of the emergence of similar new viruses in the future.

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