[Courtesy of SK Bioscience]
Through preliminary bidding, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) selects companies with global technology and productivity as chickenpox vaccine providers. SK Bioscience secured PAHO's bid in February. In order to participate in international bidding organized by UN affiliates, it must be certified by the World Health Organization (WHO).
In 2019, Sky Varicella received a pre-qualification (PQ) certification for the second time in the world among chickenpox vaccines. The company said that Sky Varicella has been confirmed to be immunogenic and effective in children aged 12 months to 12 years through global clinical trials in multiple countries, including Latin America.
SK Bioscience, a partner for South Korea's state project to develop COVID-19 vaccines, said it would solidify its leading position in the global chickenpox vaccine market through excellent clinical data and WHO's PQ certification. In 2021, the company supplied its chickenpox vaccine for 1.5 million people in Turkey.
"Based on globally recognized technology, our vaccine is gradually expanding to the international procurement market, including PAHO," CEO Ahn Jae-yong said in a statement on May 23. He said his company would expand its business portfolio to various areas such as COVID-19 vaccines and next-generation pneumococcal vaccines.