Seoul: SK bioscience Co., the biotech arm of South Korea's SK Group, announced plans to expand its cooperation with the Gates Foundation. The focus will be on next-generation preventive medicines, particularly in research and development for pandemic preparedness.
According to Yonhap News Agency, officials from SK bioscience and the Gates Foundation convened in Seoul on Wednesday to discuss collaborative efforts in vaccine development and global public health projects. This meeting coincided with Bill Gates' ongoing visit to South Korea, which began on Wednesday.
The partnership between the two organizations has a history of successful collaboration, including the development of vaccines targeting typhoid and pediatric diarrhea, as well as other antiviral preventive solutions. A notable achievement from their joint efforts is the development of SKYCovione, South Korea's first domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine, which became available for domestic use in 2022.
Industry sources indicate that Gates is in South Korea to explore potential cooperation with local pharmaceutical companies on a vaccine supply initiative aimed at low-income countries. During his visit, Gates met with President Lee Jae Myung to discuss global health cooperation, as confirmed by the presidential office.
Gates emphasized the significant role South Korea can play in global health initiatives through innovative vaccine products and diagnostic equipment. He remarked on the impressive growth of the bioscience sector in Korea, highlighting the research at the International Vaccine Institute and his foundation's collaboration with SK bioscience and LG.