SK Bioscience wins European flu vaccine project
SK Bioscience said Feb. 26 it was selected, with its German unit IDT, for a first-phase assignment under a next-generation vaccine development initiative run by the European Commission’s Health and Digital Executive Agency, or HaDEA, under a mandate from the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority, or HERA.
The companies will join Australian vaccine platform firm Vaxxas in a three-party consortium to develop patch-based vaccines for seasonal influenza for older adults and pandemic influenza (avian influenza) for all age groups. It is the first time SK Bioscience has won a project from European health authorities, the company said.
HaDEA will provide a total of 12.9 million euros (about 22.2 billion won) for first-phase research, including a Phase 1 clinical trial. Depending on technology validation and clinical results, support could later expand to as much as 225 million euros (about 383.6 billion won), SK Bioscience said.
Chief Executive Ahn Jae-yong called it “the first case” in which the combined global network and technical capabilities of SK Bioscience and IDT, following the IDT acquisition, have led to business results. He said the company will continue seeking opportunities to enter Europe with vaccines it develops and strengthen competitiveness through innovative platforms.
VioL changes name to ‘VioL Medical’ to sharpen medical-device identity
VioL, a maker of energy-based medical devices, said Feb. 26 it has changed its corporate name to VioL Medical.
The company said adding “Medical” preserves existing brand assets while making its identity as a specialized medical-device company clearer and signaling its aim to meet global standards.
It said it plans to raise market share in key markets in North America, Europe and Asia and strengthen local distribution networks. It also plans to continue expanding investment to advance next-generation energy-based devices and research and development.
Founded in 2009, VioL Medical offers microneedle radio-frequency-based medical devices. The company said it has been strengthening its business foundation step by step since being acquired last year by VIG Partners.
CEO Lee Eun-cheon said the name change reflects a commitment to create practical value in clinical settings and deliver sustainable growth for partners, customers and investors. He said the company will set a new standard in the global medical market based on differentiated technology and clinical competitiveness.
HLB Pharma named one of Korea’s 100 Best Companies to Work For for third straight year
HLB Pharma said Feb. 26 it was named to the “2026 Korea’s 100 Best Companies to Work For,” marking its third consecutive year on the list.
The awards were presented the previous day at the “2026 24th Korea’s Best Companies to Work For” ceremony. The company said CEO Park Jae-hyung was also named “Most Respected CEO in Korea,” winning for a third straight year. Vice President Kim Man-gyu received the “GPTW Pioneer Award,” and Director Lee Yong-woo, who oversees HR and general affairs, received the “GPTW Innovation Leader Award.”
HLB Pharma said it runs a communication program that allows the CEO and new employees to exchange views informally. It also cited a monthly allowance paid to employees’ parents and an early-departure work culture aimed at improving efficiency, as part of efforts to build a workplace that respects family and personal life.
Park said the company has steadily pursued workplace-culture innovation based on the belief that sustained growth comes from people. He said HLB Pharma will further strengthen competitiveness by building an environment where employees can take pride in their work and stay engaged.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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