SK bioscience is transferring vaccine technology to Colombia in a $260 million project.
SK bioscience has signed an agreement with VECOL to localize vaccine production in Colombia, starting with the SKYVaricella chickenpox vaccine as part of a 10-year healthcare self-sufficiency roadmap.
SK bioscience has just signed a technology transfer and vaccine manufacturing agreement with VECOL, Colombia's state-owned pharmaceutical company. This is a crucial part of the South American nation's $260 million vaccine localization initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare supply security.
Strategic cooperation to promote vaccine self-reliance.
Under the agreement, VECOL will act as the primary implementing partner in the domestic market, while SK bioscience will be responsible for technology transfer and technical support for production. This program is led by the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Institute of Health, with the goal of increasing vaccine self-sufficiency within the next 10 years.
Before making this decision, the Colombian government spent four years evaluating manufacturers with vaccine portfolios certified by the World Health Organization (WHO). SK bioscience was selected due to its global manufacturing capacity and strong commitment to supporting the development of vaccine production capacity for its partners.
Expanding product portfolio and regional vision.
The first product in the collaboration roadmap is SKYVaricella, a chickenpox vaccine developed by SK bioscience. The two sides also plan to expand the portfolio to include other vaccines in the future. The South Korean company will have priority in negotiating the supply of vaccines to the Colombian government through this new mechanism.
The "local globalization" strategy
Entering the Colombian market marks a significant step forward for SK bioscience in the Latin American region. The company is now pursuing a "glocalization" model, similar to its ongoing projects in Thailand. The goal is to establish a stable vaccine supply base, helping regions better prepare for future pandemics.
The chairman and CEO of SK bioscience emphasized that, by leveraging its accumulated expertise in vaccine development and manufacturing, the company will continue its efforts to contribute to pandemic preparedness and establish sustainable supply networks in emerging markets.
