SK Bioscience and Hilleman Laboratories Join Forces for Ebola Vaccine Development

SK Bioscience, a pioneering biotech company dedicated to human health, has recently forged a development licensing agreement with Hilleman Laboratories. This collaboration aims to propel the joint development of a second-generation Zaire Ebola virus vaccine, with a focus on enhancing production processes and improving thermostability.

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Strategic Collaboration for Improved Vaccine Development

In a strategic alliance, Hilleman Laboratories and SK Bioscience will pool their expertise and resources to enhance the second-generation Zaire Ebola virus vaccine candidate. The primary objective is to boost production efficiency and ensure the vaccine’s stability, ultimately contributing to the global effort to increase the supply of Ebola vaccines and enhance accessibility.

Addressing the Ebola Virus Disease Challenge

Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) poses a severe threat due to its rapid progression with nearly 50% high mortality rate. The Zaire Ebola virus strain, responsible for numerous outbreaks, has been a focal point for vaccine development. The collaboration between Hilleman Laboratories and SK Bioscience signifies a crucial step in addressing the urgent need for effective vaccines against this devastating disease.

Shared Vision for Global Public Health

Leadership from both organizations expressed their agreement to advancing global public health. Dr. Raman Rao, CEO of Hilleman Laboratories, emphasized the core mission of creating affordable and accessible vaccines. Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK Bioscience, highlighted the importance of their joint efforts in developing a vaccine to combat diseases with high fatality rates, ultimately contributing to the well-being of humanity.

This strategic partnership not only focuses on addressing the challenges posed by Ebola but also opens avenues for potential collaboration on vaccines for other viral infectious diseases. The shared vision is to create positive outcomes for public health, especially in regions affected by Ebola outbreaks, such as Central and Western Africa.

Author

Sinead Huang