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SK bioscience and Sanofi have expanded their agreement to jointly develop pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) targeting both paediatric and adult populations.
This partnership extension leverages their ongoing efforts with GBP410, a paediatric vaccine candidate entering Phase III trials.
Under the new agreement, Sanofi will make an upfront payment of €50m ($52.1m) to SK bioscience, with additional potential milestones.
Research and development expenses will be shared equally, whereas Sanofi will cover all commercialisation expenses.
SK bioscience retains exclusive rights in Korea, with Sanofi handling other markets and paying royalties on international sales.
Sanofi Vaccines executive vice-president Thomas Triomphe said: “Given the vast unmet public health needs in IPD, we’re delighted to extend this collaboration and continue our pursuit of innovative work in PCV. Our collaboration leverages SK bioscience’s capabilities and Sanofi’s expertise in developing and bringing innovative vaccines to people worldwide with the collective aim of reducing the global impact of pneumococcal disease.”
The extended partnership includes the development of PCVs for adult use, aiming to provide comprehensive protection against pneumococcal infections.
The initiation of the Phase III clinical programme for GBP410 marks it as the first candidate with over 20 serotypes in this trial phase for infants and toddlers.
Phase III studies globally will assess the therapy’s safety and immunogenicity in more than 7,700 subjects who are aged six weeks to 17 years. The trials will involve up to four doses, based on the enrolment age.
SK bioscience CEO Jaeyong Ahn said: “Our decision to develop next-generation PCVs and simultaneously initiate phase III clinical programme for GBP410 reflects the GBP410’s high potential for success, a promising market outlook, and our strong mutual trust.
“As Korea’s leading company in the vaccine and bio-industry, we are committed to successfully bringing vaccines with blockbuster potential to market that will secure vaccine sovereignty, contribute to global health, and lead the global market.”
In preparation for GBP410's commercialisation, SK bioscience began expanding its 'L House' manufacturing facility at Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea in March, with Sanofi's joint investment.
The ground-breaking ceremony for L House took place in March 2024.
"SK bioscience and Sanofi expand agreement for pneumococcal conjugate vaccines" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.