-Collaborated with key global health authorities, including IVI, the U.S. FDA, and the U.K. MHRA

-The only private company worldwide to participate in the project, proving its leadership in research and technology

-“We will continue working with global networks to protect humanity from emerging infectious diseases.”

SK bioscience has once again demonstrated its leading R&D capabilities by successfully collaborating with international organizations to establish an International Standard Material (ISM) for the SARS (SARS-CoV-1) virus.

On February 12, SK bioscience announced that it was the only private company to participate in the World Health Organization (WHO)-led joint research project aimed at establishing an International Standard Material for the SARS virus. The company successfully completed the project, reinforcing its commitment to global infectious disease response efforts.

In October last year, WHO officially announced the International Standard Material for the SARS virus. Throughout this process, SK bioscience played a key role by conducting immunogenicity analysis research. The project involved 12 leading global health authorities and institutions, including WHO, the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), the U.S. FDA, the U.K. MHRA, and China’s NIFDC, among others.

International Standard Materials serve as reference substances used to evaluate and compare the quality, safety, and efficacy of vaccines. Without such standards, it becomes challenging to validate the effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutics against infectious diseases. The newly established SARS virus International Standard Material is expected to play a crucial role in vaccine and therapeutic development efforts worldwide.

Previously, SK bioscience also participated in the WHO-led initiative to establish an International Standard Material for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2022.

As the world faces the ongoing threats of emerging infectious diseases and potential resurgences of existing ones, SK bioscience’s collaboration with WHO highlights the importance of innovative research and technological advancements in improving global health.

Dr. Yongwook Park, Head of the Bio Research Center at SK bioscience, stated, “We are honored to contribute to global health by participating in this WHO-led project and being recognized for our technological expertise. Moving forward, we will continue to strengthen our infectious disease response capabilities through collaborations with global networks.”

Meanwhile, SK bioscience is actively engaged in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)-led ‘100 Days Mission’ to prepare for future pandemics. As part of this initiative, the company is developing an mRNA vaccine platform and recently received regulatory approval to conduct Phase 1/2 clinical trials for its Japanese encephalitis vaccine candidate, GBP560.

SK bioscience remains committed to advancing innovative research in collaboration with WHO, international organizations, and research institutions to enhance global health and safety.