SK bioscience has taken a significant step forward in entering the next-generation pneumococcal vaccine market by expanding its manufacturing capacity. With the development of the highly anticipated vaccine progressing smoothly, the company has proactively secured large-scale commercial production facilities to strengthen its global competitiveness.
On June 30, SK bioscience held a completion ceremony at its vaccine-specific production facility, ‘L HOUSE,’ located in Andong, Gyeongbuk. This expansion project will be utilized for the production of GBP410, a 21-valent pneumococcal vaccine candidate currently under joint development with Sanofi.
The ceremony was attended by key executives from both companies, including Thomas Triomphe, Senior Vice President of Vaccine Business at Sanofi, along with representatives from both the French and U.S. headquarters. Their presence underscored the strong partnership and mutual trust built over years. Sanofi views this facility expansion as more than just physical growth; it is regarded as a strategic foundation for future global market entry and a tangible outcome of the fruitful collaboration.
Following the completion, SK bioscience and Sanofi aim to further enhance their cooperation for product commercialization and global distribution. This aligns with the expanding development efforts of GBP410, a project originally initiated in December last year.
An Jae-yong, CEO of SK bioscience, commented, “This achievement marks an important milestone resulting from 11 years of trust and joint efforts,” and added, “Under the principle of ‘One Team, One Goal,’ we will accelerate our strategy to compete in the global vaccine market alongside Sanofi.”
The newly expanded facility now measures approximately 4,200 square meters (about 1,300 pyeong), increasing the capacity within the existing L HOUSE infrastructure. The facility is also preparing for cGMP certification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensuring the quality standards required for large-scale production. This expansion enables SK bioscience not only to produce GBP410 in large quantities but also to prepare for global exports.
Currently, GBP410 is progressing smoothly through Phase 3 clinical trials in countries including South Korea, the U.S., and Australia, involving approximately 7,700 infants, children, and adolescents. Notably, GBP410, which covers 21 serotypes, boasts the widest protective coverage among vaccines under development for infants and young children, with high expectations for its effectiveness against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 700,000 children under age 5 die annually from pneumonia, with approximately 300,000 of those deaths attributable to pneumococcus. GBP410 is anticipated to contribute significantly to reducing mortality from preventable pneumococcal diseases, with demand steadily increasing worldwide.
By combining SK’s advanced manufacturing capabilities with Sanofi’s expertise in vaccine development and commercialization, SK bioscience aims to establish a leading position in the rapidly growing global pneumococcal vaccine market.
