Korea gives nod to Novavax COVID-19 vaccine

US-based Novavax, Inc. and SK bioscience, Co. Limited, a vaccine business subsidiary of Korea-based SK Group, have announced that South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has approved a Biologics License Application (BLA) from SK bioscience for Nuvaxovid COVID-19 Vaccine (recombinant, adjuvanted) for active immunisation in individuals 18 years of age and older for the prevention of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. Nuvaxovid, Novavax’ COVID-19 vaccine also known as NVX-CoV2373, is the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine to be approved for commercial use in South Korea and will be manufactured and marketed in the country by SK bioscience. SK bioscience has an advance purchase agreement with the South Korean government to supply 40 million doses of Novavax’ vaccine. The companies also recently announced expanded collaboration and license agreements that are expected to increase manufacturing capacity and provide SK bioscience with additional non-exclusive territories.