SOUTH KOREA — South Korean biotech leader SK Bioscience and pioneering vaccine technology firm Vaxxas have joined forces to create a revolutionary typhoid conjugate vaccine, set to be administered via a needle-free patch.
This innovative partnership aims to overcome challenges associated with traditional vaccine administration and temperature stability, opening doors to expanded accessibility and coverage in regions grappling with infectious diseases.
By utilizing Vaxxas’s HD-MAP patch technology, the companies seek to transform SK’s SKYTyphoid vaccine into a subcutaneously delivered formulation. This cutting-edge approach holds the potential to address critical limitations posed by conventional vaccine distribution methods.
The collaboration marks a significant advancement in the battle against typhoid fever. Traditionally hindered by the need for temperature stability and medical supervision during administration, typhoid vaccines have faced limitations in accessibility.
However, SK Bioscience’s CEO Jaeyong Ahn emphasizes the transformative potential of this partnership: “This collaboration with Vaxxas provides an opportunity to overcome those challenges.”
A boost from Wellcome
The research partnership has received substantial support from Wellcome, a renowned UK-based global charity committed to advancing health solutions worldwide.
With an investment of A$5.4 million (US$3.67 million), the collaboration gains the impetus to drive transformative change.
Notably, the funding agreement hinges on the commitment to provide vaccine access to low and middle-income countries, underscoring the global impact of this initiative.
Wellcome’s involvement extends beyond funding, as the charity is also poised to share in the vaccine’s success.
A share of the revenue from vaccine sales reflects a shared vision of driving positive change through innovative medical solutions.
Conquering typhoid fever
Typhoid fever remains a persistent threat, particularly in regions with limited access to clean water. With approximately nine million cases reported annually, predominantly in developing countries, the urgency to address this infectious disease is paramount.
SKYTyphoid, developed in partnership with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), is a polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine that targets the diphtheria toxin protein to trigger an immune response.
Having obtained initial funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, SK Bioscience’s commitment to global health is evident.
The vaccine received approval in South Korea in May 2022 and is on the cusp of WHO Prequalification.
SK Bioscience’s legacy in healthcare innovation extends beyond typhoid. The company boasts an array of vaccines for diseases ranging from influenza and shingles to varicella and Covid-19.
With a focus on advancing vaccine infrastructure, the recent partnership with Thailand’s Government Pharmaceutical Organisation underscores SK’s commitment to bolstering global vaccine capabilities.
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