SK bioscience, CEPI to address pandemic preparedness amid rising infectious disease threats
Amid rising concerns over the spread of infectious diseases like Covid-19 and the recent emergence of mpox, global health leaders gathered in Korea on Thursday to foster international collaboration and dialogue on pandemic preparedness.
The event, hosted by Korean vaccine manufacturer SK bioscience, was titled "Celebrating Partnership for Pandemic Preparedness: CEPI-SK bioscience Reception."
Key figures from governments, health authorities, and international organizations participated, with a focus on Korea's role in combating global health threats.
Among the attendees were Jane Halton, Chair of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and Richard Hatchett, CEPI’s CEO. Also present were SK bioscience CEO Ahn Jae-yong and representatives from the Korean government and various health agencies.
The discussions centered on the response to ongoing Covid-19 cases and the rapid spread of mpox. The attendees emphasized the need for continued global collaboration to prepare for future pandemics.
"Setting a 100 Days Mission to protect our families and communities from future pandemics is easier when we work together,” said Halton. The 100 Days Mission, spearheaded by CEPI and supported by G7 and G20, is an initiative aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics for emerging viral threats within 100 days of their identification. The goal is to shorten the response time to potential pandemics and contain outbreaks before they escalate.
Ahn also emphasized that preparing for the next pandemic requires a united effort. “Governments, international organizations, industry, and academia must come together for the 100 Days Mission,” he said.
"CEPI values our strong relationship with Korea,” said Hatchett. “Building expertise to tackle emerging diseases takes time, and we’re proud of the long-term partnerships we’ve developed with Korea in both public and private sectors.”
Rep. Kim Yoon of the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee emphasized the importance of global cooperation. "As new pandemic threats emerge, it’s crucial for governments and global partners to step up.” He added that his committee would work with CEPI to ensure that Korea’s bio and vaccine research institutes collaborate on innovative solutions.
Jee Young-mee, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to pandemic preparedness. "Following our MOU with CEPI, we are dedicated to accelerating vaccine research and development and will leverage our global network to enhance pandemic preparedness and vaccine access."
SK bioscience’s engagement with CEPI began in June 2020 with a Capacity Reservation Agreement for Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing. The partnership has since expanded to include the development of Korea’s first homegrown Covid-19 vaccine, SKYCovione, and additional projects on broad-spectrum coronavirus vaccines and mRNA platforms for Japanese encephalitis and Lassa fever.