SK bioscience and Sanofi are again expanding their partnership in both local and international markets to target the preventive medicine sector, including vaccines jointly.

Most recently, SK bioscience said it signed a co-promotion and distribution agreement with Sanofi Korea for the latter’s Beyfortus (respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) preventive antibody injection) and Avaxim (hepatitis A vaccine).

The contract period is until the end of next year, with the possibility of an extension by mutual agreement. This agreement expands on the distribution contract signed last year, which covered five vaccines – three DTaP combination vaccines (Tetraxim, Pentaxim, and Hexaxim), Adacel Prefilled Syringe (Tdap vaccine for adolescents and adults), and Menactra (meningococcal vaccine)

Beyfortus, an antibody injection approved in Korea in April last year, is available for all infants facing their first RSV season, broadening the market for RSV preventive treatments, which were previously limited to high-risk infants.

RSV is one of the most common viral causes of respiratory infections in infants, leading to lower respiratory tract diseases such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. It is a major cause of hospitalizations among infants, with an estimated 90 percent of infants worldwide contracting RSV by the age of two.

Early infection increases the risk of prolonged recovery and asthma development, underscoring the importance of prevention and early treatment.

Beyfortus is currently the only RSV preventive medicine available for all infants in Korea, offering protection for at least five months with a single dose.

Avaxim, the hepatitis A vaccine, is manufactured according to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations and is widely used globally due to its high safety and efficacy in preventing hepatitis A.

Through this contract expansion, SK bioscience aims to strengthen its partnership with Sanofi and solidify its position as a leading vaccine provider in Korea.

The two companies are also conducting a phase 3 clinical trial for the 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which they started developing in 2014, and started to jointly develop next-generation pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for infants, children, and adults last year.

"We are delighted to supply various vaccines, including Beyfortus for all infants under one year old, in collaboration with SK bioscience,” Sanofi Korea Vaccines Head Christine Park said. “Sanofi will continue to strive to reduce the social burden of infectious diseases and improve the infectious disease prevention landscape in Korea."

SK bioscience CEO Ahn Jae-yong also said, “The joint sales and distribution agreement with Sanofi will contribute to disease prevention for both infants and adults, enhancing public health.”

The company will continue to explore various collaboration opportunities with Sanofi to target domestic and international markets together, Ahn added.