In November 2023 SK bioscience and Hilleman Laboratories shared that they have entered into a development licensing agreement for joint development of a second-generation Zaire Ebola virus vaccine. The stated goal is “increasing production process productivity” and “improving product thermostability” to increase global Ebola vaccine supply and “expand access”.
What is Zaire?
WHO states that Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a “rare but severe” illness in humans that is “often fatal”. Ebolavirus is one of three genera within the Filoviridae family, and comprises 6 identified species: Zaire, Bundibugyo, Sudan, Taï Forest, Reston, and Bombali. The natural Ebola virus hosts are believed to be fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family, and the virus is introduced into the human population through close contact with bodily fluids with infected animals.
The Zaire strain takes its name from the first recorded outbreaks of fatal haemorrhagic fever in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) near the Ebola River. Although there is an effective vaccine for the Zaire type, it has been the leading cause of outbreaks in the last 20 years.
What does the agreement offer?
SK bioscience states that it will acquire “unique expertise and know-how” for use of the rVSV (recombinant Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Vector) technology platform. The organisation will work closely with Hilleman Laboratories to “potentially jointly develop other vaccines” for viral indications.
Dr Raman Rao, CEO of Hilleman Laboratories, commented that “core” to the Hilleman Laboratories “mission” is “developing vaccines that are more affordable and accessible”.
“Our collaboration with SK biosciences on such an impactful vaccine programme will allow us to create positive outcomes for global public health, especially in affected regions of Central and Western Africa.”
Jaeyong Ahn, SK bioscience CEO, agreed that the pursuit of a vaccine against “diseases with a high fatality rate” such as Ebola, is an “essential task for us to protect humanity”.
“By cooperating with Hilleman Laboratories for a successful development of the second-generation Zaire Ebolavirus vaccine we will contribute to overcome the Ebola Zaire disease burden and expand our cooperation with global companies and institutions.”
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