SK bioscience signs deal to make Novavax's new vaccine

Industry

Published: 19 Jul. 2022, 15:43

SK bioscience signs deal to make Novavax's new vaccine

SK bioscience CEO Ahn Jae-yong, right, and John Herrmann, chief legal officer of Novavax, sign a licensing deal for the manufacture of the U.S. company's Covid-19 vaccine. [SK BIOSCIENCE]

SK bioscience signed a licensing deal with Novavax to be one of the manufacturers of the U.S. pharmaceutical company’s Covid-19 vaccine targeting Omicron variants.

Novavax is doing clinical trials to test the efficacy of its Nuvaxovid Covid-19 vaccine targeting Omicron variants including the BA.5 subvariant. If the results are good, the vaccine will be manufactured at SK bioscience’s L-house, its plant in Andong, North Gyeongsang.

The value of the deal was not disclosed.

SK bioscience said it will develop a pre-filled syringe that is specialized for the vaccine. A pre-filled syringe is more safe and convenient than existing vials, SK said.

“Clinical data generated to-date demonstrate that the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine offers broad immune responses including against circulating variants, such as Omicron BA.5," said Novavax CEO Stanley Erck. "We are accelerating our clinical program on Omicron BA.5 and look forward to working with SK bioscience to bring this vaccine to market.”

SK’s relationship with Novavax began two years ago, even before the variants arose, when the Korean company signed a contract development and manufacturing organization deal for Nuvaxovid. In February 2021, SK got the exclusive rights to sell the vaccine in Korea.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]