In a critical step for Colombia vaccine localization, SK Bioscience will execute a vaccine technology transfer with Colombia’s state-owned pharmaceutical enterprise, VECOL. The partnership focuses on building a local manufacturing site to align with the country’s national vaccine localization initiative.
The agreement supports a broader state initiative jointly led by VECOL, the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the National Health Institute. Under this 10-year program, Colombia plans to invest $260 million to reinforce national vaccine self-sufficiency and public health preparedness. While VECOL serves as the lead entity managing project execution, the Korean developer will supply the vaccine technology transfer alongside specialized expertise in facility development to establish local vaccine manufacturing capabilities.
The initial product slated for this Colombia vaccine localization effort is the proprietary SKYVaricella vaccine. Driven by the new partnership, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) formally requested 950,000 doses of the SKYVaricella vaccine for Colombia this year, successfully securing final purchase orders for 600,000 of those doses. This procurement emerged after the Colombian health ministry elected to transition the entirety of the 950,000 varicella vaccine doses required for its current National Immunization Program to the SKYVaricella vaccine.
Before finalizing the partnership, the Colombian government executed a four-year review process evaluating multiple global suppliers experienced with World Health Organization prequalified (WHO PQ) products. The government selected SK Bioscience based on its WHO PQ-certified portfolio and its established vaccine manufacturing capabilities. This arrangement secures preferential negotiation rights for SK Bioscience regarding future vaccine introductions in Colombia. The company intends to use this manufacturing base to expand regional production and supply networks throughout Latin America.
“We are honored to participate in this national initiative led by the Colombian government and VECOL to strengthen vaccine manufacturing capabilities,” said SK Bioscience CEO Ahn Jae-yong. “Leveraging our accumulated expertise in vaccine development and manufacturing, we will continue striving to contribute to future pandemic preparedness and the establishment of a sustainable vaccine supply foundation in Latin America and beyond.”
Gina Tambini Gomez, representative for WHO and PAHO in Colombia, added, “This step contributes to the commitment adopted by the Member States of the Americas to strengthen regional production capacities for health technologies.”
