Seoul: SK bioscience Co., the biotech subsidiary of South Korea's SK Group, has announced plans to broaden its partnership with the Gates Foundation to focus on next-generation preventive medicines, emphasizing research and development aimed at pandemic preparedness.
According to Yonhap News Agency, representatives from SK bioscience and the Gates Foundation convened in Seoul on Wednesday to discuss cooperative efforts in vaccine development and global public health initiatives. This meeting coincided with Bill Gates' visit to South Korea, which commenced on Wednesday.
The collaboration between SK bioscience and the Gates Foundation has previously yielded several projects, including developing vaccines for typhoid and pediatric diarrhea, alongside other antiviral preventive measures.
A notable accomplishment from their partnership was the joint creation of SKYCovione, South Korea's first homegrown COVID-19 vaccine, which was made available domestically in 2022.
Gates, who has spearheaded global efforts on climate change, poverty alleviation, and public health through the foundation, is in South Korea to assess potential collaborations with local pharmaceutical firms on a vaccine supply initiative for low-income nations, as reported by industry sources.
The Microsoft Corp. co-founder is also expected to meet with President Lee Jae Myung later on Thursday.