SK bioscience, MSD, and Hilleman Laboratories Propel Ebola Vaccine Development

SK bioscience has embarked on a significant advancement in the development of a vaccine for the Zaire ebolavirus, aided by a new collaboration backed by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). This initiative comes after a funding agreement between CEPI and the pharmaceutical giant MSD, which will provide up to USD 30 million for the continued development of this critical vaccine.

Funding and Collaboration Details

The funding from CEPI will be allocated to MSD, which will, in turn, distribute resources to its development partners, including SK bioscience and Hilleman Laboratories. The latter is a joint venture between MSD and the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation that focuses on health research. This collaboration is designed to enhance key research, improve manufacturing processes, and advance clinical development activities related to the Zaire ebolavirus vaccine.

This initiative builds on MSD’s existing WHO-prequalified Zaire ebolavirus vaccine. The primary focus is to simplify the complex manufacturing process, which currently necessitates ultra-low temperature storage, presenting logistical challenges in the remote and low-resource environments where Ebola outbreaks frequently occur.

Goals and Global Health Impact

By improving manufacturing yield and increasing the vaccine’s thermostability, the project aims to create a more affordable, accessible, and sustainable vaccine supply, contingent upon regulatory review and public health requirements. Under this collaboration, Hilleman Laboratories will spearhead the clinical development of the updated vaccine. Meanwhile, SK bioscience, in partnership with IDT Biologika, will focus on enhancing the drug substance manufacturing process.

SK bioscience intends to leverage its expertise in vaccine manufacturing to significantly contribute to improving vaccine affordability, accessibility, and sustainability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The Zaire ebolavirus has been responsible for numerous outbreaks, often with a survival rate of approximately 50%. Recent outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and surrounding areas have highlighted the ongoing global risk posed by this virus, especially in regions with limited healthcare access and inadequate logistics infrastructure.

Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, remarked, “In a single decade, the world has transformed Ebola from a global emergency to a disease that can be stopped in its tracks – and now CEPI’s support will help to enable a sustainable and accessible supply of MSD’s Zaire ebolavirus vaccine for years to come at a more affordable price.”

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in tackling infectious diseases like Ebola. “Through this CEPI-supported partnership, SK bioscience will continue to play a critical role in improving Zaire ebolavirus vaccine manufacturing and supply, contributing meaningfully to global health preparedness,” he stated.

SK bioscience has established a strong track record of collaboration with various global health organizations, including CEPI, the Gates Foundation, and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). By harnessing its integrated capabilities across development, manufacturing, and supply, the company is poised to expand its role as a global partner in public health-driven vaccine initiatives, ultimately contributing to better public health solutions worldwide.