SK Bioscience Launches Clinical Trials for Next-Generation ‘Global’ Coronavirus Vaccine
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – SK Bioscience has initiated the first phase of global clinical trials for GBP511, a novel coronavirus vaccine designed to provide broad protection against current and future variants, the company announced today. The Phase 1/2 trial will be conducted in Australia, marking a meaningful step forward in the advancement of a “universal” coronavirus vaccine.
The vaccine builds upon the technology behind SK Bioscience’s SkyCovione, Korea’s first domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine successfully commercialized in 2022 and designed using computer-based technology.GBP511 incorporates SK Bioscience’s genetic recombination technology alongside the ‘Self Assembly nanoparticle’ design technology from the Antigen Design Institute (IPD) of the University of Washington Collage of Pharmacy, leveraging SkyCovione’s synthetic antigen platform. SkyCovione has already demonstrated strong immunogenicity and safety through global clinical trials.
The move positions SK Bioscience ahead of many global competitors,most of whom remain in early research stages for broadly protective coronavirus vaccines. The World Health Organization (WHO) identified the development of such a universal vaccine as a top global health priority in a January 2022 report,citing the ongoing emergence of mutant strains,waning immunity,and the potential for zoonotic transmission. Experts believe a vaccine offering broad cross-neutralization and long-term immunity is crucial for pandemic prevention.
“Even now that the coronavirus pandemic is over, related viruses continue to mutate and constantly threaten humanity,” said Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK Bioscience.”GBP511 aims to prevent all viruses regardless of mutation, and through this, we will escape from the influence of Corona and at the same time respond to the next pandemic.”
The global COVID-19 vaccine market is currently valued at approximately $50.6 billion (KRW 69 trillion) as of 2025, according to market research firm Coherent market Insights. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.4% through 2032, reaching an estimated $83.4 billion (KRW 113 trillion), indicating ample potential for next-generation vaccine technologies.
