SK Bioscience Co. began clinical trials in Australia for its experimental messenger RNA vaccine against Japanese encephalitis, expanding its push into next-generation vaccine technology that could help fight future pandemics.
The Korean vaccine maker will test the shot, called GBP560, in 402 healthy adults to evaluate safety and immune response, with interim results expected by 2026. The trial participants will receive two doses of the vaccine 28 days apart at varying dose levels.
The development is part of a broader collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), which provided initial funding of $40 million (57.4 billion won) in 2022. CEPI may contribute an additional $100 million for later-stage trials.
SK Bioscience aims to use this mRNA platform to develop vaccines that could be quickly adapted to combat emerging diseases, particularly those from the Flavivirus and Arenavirus families. This aligns with the global 100 Days Mission initiative to accelerate vaccine development against pandemic threats.
The company cited market research projecting the global mRNA therapeutics market to reach $58.90 billion by 2033. However, SK Bioscience faces competition from established mRNA players like Moderna Inc. and BioNTech SE, which successfully commercialized Covid-19 vaccines.
CEO Ahn Jae-yong indicated the platform could enhance vaccine accessibility in lower-income countries, though specific pricing details weren’t disclosed.
