SK bioscience announced Tuesday that it signed an agreement with Colombia’s state-owned pharmaceutical company VECOL to transfer vaccine technology and collaborate on local manufacturing for Colombia’s national vaccine localization initiative.
The initiative is jointly led by Colombia’s Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the National Health Institute (INS), and VECOL, aiming to enhance national vaccine autonomy and public health readiness. The project marks a major government endeavor with a total investment of about $260 million (390 billion won) over 10 years.
SK bioscience’s proprietary varicella vaccine, SKYVaricella (Courtesy of SK bioscience)
Within the framework, VECOL has been appointed by the Colombian government as the principal entity responsible for project execution, while SK bioscience joins as the technology transfer and local manufacturing partner.
Before selecting SK bioscience, the Colombian government conducted a four-year review of global vaccine manufacturers experienced in supplying WHO-prequalified (PQ) vaccines. The assessment weighed technological proficiency, regulatory standards, quality, collaboration, and long-term strategic fit.
Following the review, SK bioscience was chosen as a strategic partner for its global manufacturing expertise, WHO PQ-certified vaccine portfolio, international public procurement background, and dedication to long-term vaccine capacity-building.
Under the agreement, SK bioscience will supply technology and expertise for the development of a Colombian manufacturing facility, product launch, regulatory approval, and production operations. VECOL will oversee facility setup and operation, government licensing, NIP integration, and coordination with public health authorities.
SKYVaricella, SK bioscience’s proprietary varicella vaccine, has been designated as the initial technology transfer product. With SKYVaricella, SK bioscience intends to build a local manufacturing and technology- transfer framework and explore future collaborations for additional vaccines.
In addition, SK bioscience will secure preferential negotiation rights for vaccines to be introduced through the facility, including not only its own proprietary vaccines but also broader vaccine products that may be adopted by the Colombian government in the future.
Colombia is a key vaccine market in Latin America, supported by a government-driven national immunization system. Post-pandemic, demand for local manufacturing and technology partnerships has surged as vaccine supply chain resilience and public health security have become more critical.
SK bioscience aims to use this partnership as a strategic base to expand regional manufacturing and technology transfer efforts across Latin America, with the long-term goal of building a comprehensive regional vaccine production and supply network.
Lucía Ayala, president of VECOL, said, “This agreement is a transformative step for Colombia’s scientific and technological growth. We’re transferring biotechnology, building knowledge, developing capabilities, and laying a foundation for health sovereignty.”
Ahn Jae-yong, CEO of SK bioscience, said, “We are honored to join this national initiative to strengthen vaccine manufacturing. Using our expertise and global partnership experience, we aim to help prepare for future pandemics and create a sustainable vaccine foundation in Latin America.”
Alongside the Colombia initiative, SK bioscience continues to advance its “Glocalization” strategy by merging global vaccine development and manufacturing capabilities with localized production partnerships suited to regional public health needs.
Lee Han-soo
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