SK bioscience wins first UNICEF vaccine contract for influenza supplies

SK bioscience announced it has been selected as a supplier of influenza vaccines for UNICEF's 2026 immunization programs, marking the South Korean company's first procurement contract with the organization. The company has begun shipments to Southern Hemisphere countries and will supply approximately 640,000 doses throughout the year.

The vaccine deliveries include Southern Hemisphere countries such as Laos, Myanmar, and Fiji, with Northern Hemisphere supplies beginning in September for Ethiopia, Lebanon, Albania, and Palestine. SK bioscience serves as UNICEF's sole supplier for the Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine program and a major supplier for the Northern Hemisphere program.

The company's influenza vaccine, SKYCellflu, is manufactured using cell culture-based technology and became the first cell culture-based influenza vaccine to receive World Health Organization Prequalification certification. The vaccine demonstrated immunogenicity and safety in Phase 3 clinical trials.

SK bioscience previously established supply relationships with the Pan American Health Organization and has partnerships with the International Vaccine Institute and Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. The company has obtained regulatory approvals for its vaccines in multiple countries including Vietnam, Moldova, Thailand, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, and Chile.

"Securing our first UNICEF procurement contract marks a meaningful milestone in expanding SK bioscience's presence in the global public procurement market," said Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience.

The contract enables year-round utilization of SK bioscience's manufacturing facilities while responding to seasonal demand across different regions. The company continues to pursue global regulatory expansion for its vaccine portfolio, including its varicella vaccine SKYVaricella.

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