SK Bioscience Triumphs in Pneumococcal Vaccine Patent Dispute with Pfizer

In a significant development for the global vaccine market, SK Bioscience has emerged victorious in a long-standing patent dispute with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. The Supreme Court of Korea ruled in favor of SK Bioscience, determining that the company did not infringe on Pfizer's composition patent for the pneumococcal vaccine Prevnar 13.

Patent Ruling Opens New Opportunities for SK Bioscience

The court's decision clears the way for SK Bioscience to export components and finished research doses of its own 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, PCV13, to international markets. This ruling is particularly significant as it allows the Korean company to pursue new business opportunities in countries with high demand for pneumococcal vaccines, especially in Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK Bioscience, hailed the decision, stating, "This latest court decision is meaningful in that it ensures a competitively developed vaccine in Korea does not go to waste but instead finds new opportunity. We will leverage this momentum to improve access to premium vaccines, contribute to a stable global vaccine supply, and achieve sustainable growth."

Domestic Market Restrictions and Future Plans

Despite the favorable ruling, SK Bioscience still faces restrictions in its home market. The company's pneumococcal vaccine, marketed as SKYPneumo, was approved by Korean regulators in 2016. However, due to a previous settlement with Pfizer, SK Bioscience is prohibited from producing and selling the vaccine in Korea until 2027, when relevant Pfizer patents are set to expire.

In light of these constraints, SK Bioscience has outlined plans to initiate new business ventures in pneumococcal conjugate vaccines by exporting individual components of its shot to high-demand markets. The company is also exploring technology transfer opportunities through local partnerships to further expand its global reach.

Ongoing Vaccine Development and Partnerships

SK Bioscience's ambitions in the pneumococcal vaccine market extend beyond its current 13-valent offering. The company is collaborating with Sanofi on the development of a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which entered phase 3 clinical trials late last year. This partnership also includes work on a next-generation pneumococcal vaccine, expected to offer broader protection than currently approved immunizations.

As the pharmaceutical landscape continues to evolve, SK Bioscience's recent legal victory and ongoing research efforts position the company as an increasingly significant player in the global vaccine market, potentially challenging the dominance of established industry leaders in the coming years.