First domestically developed Covid vaccine is ready

A truck carrying 610,000 doses of SKYCovione vaccines developed and manufactured by SK bioscience leaves a plant in Andong, North Gyeongsang, on Friday. [SK BIOSCIENCE]

SKYCovione, the first domestically developed Covid-19 vaccine, is going into Korean arms starting Monday.

Some 610,000 doses of the vaccine developed and manufactured by SK bioscience left its factory in Andong, North Gyeongsang in a refrigerated truck Friday.

People can get the SKYCovione vaccine at public health centers nationwide and some designated medical centers starting Monday.

Online reservations began Thursday for inoculations starting Sept. 13. A total of 19 people made reservations on Thursday.

The target patient for the vaccine is an adult 18 or older who has not received any vaccine. Patients will receive two doses of 0.5 milliliters (0.017 ounces) with a four-week interval.

"The delivery of Korea's first Covid-19 vaccine is a very precious achievement made through close cooperation among the government, SK bioscience, and other local and international research institutions," said Prime Minister Han Duck-soo during a ceremony held at the company's factory Friday.

"We will spare no expense in supporting SK bioscience to acquire approval from the World Health Organization to contribute to the end of the pandemic."

The vaccine was approved for use in Korea in late June. Co-developed with the University of Washington’s Institute for Protein Design and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, SKYCovione had 2.93 times more neutralizing antibodies titers against the virus than AstraZeneca's vaccine, according to the Phase 3 clinical trials results.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in March signed a 200-billion-won ($146 million) deal with SK bioscience for 10 million doses of SKYCovione.

SK bioscience plans to apply for use approval for the vaccine from global health authorities, including the European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization, within the year.

The company is currently conducting Phase 3 clinical trials of the vaccine for use as a booster shot. Trial data is expected in the first half of next year.

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