#South Korea #Seongnam #SK bioscience #Pfizer #PCV13

SK Bioscience's Legal Triumph

In a significant breakthrough for vaccine innovation, SK Bioscience has emerged victorious in a patent infringement lawsuit against Pfizer related to the pneumococcal vaccine. This ruling, passed down by the Supreme Court of Korea, not only clears the way for SK Bioscience's future endeavors in vaccine production but also affirms the company's position in the global pharmaceutical landscape.

Background of the Court Case

The legal battle dates back to 2020 when Pfizer accused SK Bioscience of infringing on its patent for the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), known as Prevnar 13. The core of Pfizer's argument hinged on SK Bioscience's exports of individual conjugate bulk substances and research-ready versions of the vaccine to Russia. However, the Supreme Court determined that these individual components do not violate any of Pfizer’s patent claims, supporting the earlier ruling made by lower courts.

This decision is monumental, especially considering that SK Bioscience developed Korea's first 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine, SKYPneumo, in 2016. Despite its pioneering role, the company had faced restrictions on domestic manufacturing and sales until 2027 due to ongoing patent disputes until that time.

Future Aspirations and Market Expansion

With the legal hurdles now dismantled, SK Bioscience is repositioning itself for ambitious growth in the global pneumococcal vaccine market. Plans are in place to export the individual components of PCV13 to regions with high vaccination demands, such as Southeast Asia and Latin America. Additionally, SK Bioscience is eager to pursue technology transfers through local partnerships in these areas.

Looking ahead, the company is set to launch its production of SKYPneumo in Korea once the patent expires. Not stopping at that, SK Bioscience has collaborated with Sanofi to develop a next-generation 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which is already in Phase 3 clinical trials. These advancements mark a strategic shift aimed at capturing a larger share of the growing global vaccine market.

Market Outlook

The pneumococcal vaccine sector is expected to flourish, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 5.6%, potentially reaching USD 15.1 billion by 2034. This expansion aligns with enhanced vaccination efforts worldwide and support from entities like WHO and Gavi, making SK Bioscience's position increasingly advantageous.

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK Bioscience, expressed optimism, stating that this ruling opens up opportunities for their competitively developed vaccines in Korea and beyond. The implications are clear; there will be not only a broader supply of quality vaccines but also a preferable option for those in need.

Recent Achievements

In addition to the victory over Pfizer, SK Bioscience's accomplishments include a recent win against Moderna, challenging the biotech giant's mRNA vaccine patent in Korea. The invalidation of this patent is a milestone, keeping innovation alive and minimizing risks for domestic companies engaged in mRNA development efforts.

Commitment to Global Health

SK Bioscience’s commitment to enhancing global health through equitable vaccine access continues to drive their mission. With an array of high-quality vaccines already in development and strategic partnerships in play, the organization is positioned well to make impactful contributions to public health solutions worldwide.

Their dedication to collaboration with domestic and international health authorities, regulatory bodies, and medical professionals underpins their ongoing efforts to meet global health needs effectively. As they look to the future, SK Bioscience stands at the forefront of vaccine innovation, eager to provide safer, more effective vaccines to populations around the globe.