SK biopharmaceuticals announced on Wednesday that it has received the highest AAA rating from global ESG rating agency Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI). SK biopharmaceuticals has maintained its AAA rating for two consecutive years, following last year, and is the only Korean pharmaceutical company included in the global AAA group.

This year's ESG evaluation was conducted under significantly strengthened criteria and intense competition. MSCI conducts an annual comprehensive evaluation of about 8,500 listed companies worldwide across the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) sectors.

Among the 203 pharmaceutical companies evaluated this year, only six companies (3 percent) achieved an AAA rating, with SK biopharmaceuticals ranking fourth among global pharmaceutical companies.

SK biopharmaceuticals stated that it demonstrated outstanding competitiveness in key areas, including human capital management, ethical management, and quality and safety management. The company strengthened its human capital capabilities through systematic talent pipeline strategies and company-wide performance evaluation systems. It also reinforced its foundation of trust by establishing a whistleblower protection system and a regular ethics audit framework under board oversight.

Furthermore, it implemented quality education, rigorous testing management, and responsible marketing policies, according to SK biopharmaceuticals.

“Maintaining the AAA rating for two consecutive years as the only Korean pharmaceutical company amid an intensified global ESG evaluation environment is recognition that SK biopharmaceuticals' sustainable management system meets the highest global standards,” SK biopharmaceuticals CEO Lee Dong-hoon said. “We will continue to fulfill our social responsibilities as a global new drug development company and provide sustainable value to patients and society.”