LG Chem has announced a partnership with EuBiologics to enhance the domestic production capabilities of pediatric vaccines in Korea.

The collaboration focuses on developing the hexavalent vaccine LR20062, which is designed to protect against six diseases -- diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, meningitis, and hepatitis B.

This vaccine aims to reduce the vaccination schedule by two doses compared to the current pentavalent vaccines used widely in Korea.

Under the terms of the partnership, LG Chem will provide EuBiologics with the production strain and the manufacturing process for acellular Pertussis (aP), a key component of the vaccine. EuBiologics will commence production of the bulk vaccine starting from phase 3 clinical trials.

LG Chem, in return, plans to invest in expanding EuBiologics' facilities to meet good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards and expects to receive up to 20 million doses annually post-commercialization.

The partnership was formed as a strategic response to lower the reliance on imported vaccines, which has varied depending on the strategies of international manufacturers.

LG Chem had previously completed phase 1 trials of LR20062 and is planning to start phase 2 trials by the end of the year.

The initial results from phase 1 trials indicated that the vaccine's safety and immunogenicity are comparable to those of an existing commercial hexavalent vaccine.

The decision to outsource production to EuBiologics was made after evaluating the benefits of in-house production versus contracted manufacturing. The analysis favored outsourcing as a faster route to vaccine development and supply stability.

"We will accelerate clinical development through close cooperation with Ubiologics, a leading domestic vaccine company," LG Chem Specialty Care Business Unit Head Park Heui-sul said. "We will actively contribute to creating an environment where our children can stably receive essential vaccines amid concerns about the vaccine shortage in Korea."

LG Chem aims to commercialize the vaccine by 2030 to address long-term domestic needs for pediatric vaccines.