- June 11, Seoul National University Siheung Campus with SK Bioscience, Thermo Fisher, ST Pharm, and other companies 

▲  PCMO PT session

PCMO (Director: Min Cho, hereafter referred to as the Center) announced on the 12th that it promoted its CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) and workforce training programs to 175 representatives from vaccine-related companies and institutions from 49 countries at the WHO (World Health Organization) Global Training Hub - BIO(GTH-B) Mini Convention, organized by the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) at Seoul National University Siheung Campus.

The WHO Global Training Hub - BIO program, established in 2022 through collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Welfare and WHO, is now in its third year of operation. It was initiated to enhance global vaccine and biopharmaceutical production capabilities in response to COVID-19. Through this program, 175 participants from government agencies and companies related to vaccines from 49 countries received comprehensive training, including the entire vaccine production cycle theory, discussions and case studies, and site visits to domestic companies from June 3 for two weeks at Seoul National University Siheung Campus.

The Mini Convention was organized to introduce domestic companies that could not be visited due to schedule and distance constraints and to broaden the perspectives of the trainees. The event was a great success with participation from domestic companies such as SK Bioscience, Thermo Fisher Scientific, ST Pharm, Beyondcell, and institutions like the Korea Biomedicine Industry Association, including the Center.

▲  PCMO Poster PT session

At the Mini Convention presentation session, the Center introduced its CDMO services, including microbial-based manufacturing at scales of 50L, 200L, and 1,000L, process development, formulation research, and cell bank manufacturing. Additionally, the Center announced that it would operate a manufacturing facility for mRNA vaccines and biopharmaceuticals, which have gained attention due to COVID-19, starting in 2025, drawing significant interest from global industry stakeholders.

Furthermore, the Center promoted its educational program aimed at training professionals in vaccine and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Jeollanam-do Province, and Hwasun-gun County, this program aims to produce 900 graduates by 2026, addressing the industry's demand for skilled bio professionals.

The relationship between the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and the Center has been ongoing for seven years. Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2018 to promote the supply of safe and effective vaccines for infants in developing countries, the two organizations have maintained continuous collaboration. Since the start of the WHO Global Training Hub - BIO program in 2022, the Center has regularly participated in company visits and Mini Convention events.

Jinyoung Song, Head of External Relations, who introduced the Center in the presentation session, stated, “It was a meaningful opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the domestic vaccine industry,” and added, “We hope that global biopharmaceutical regulatory officials will recognize the strength of Korea's capabilities.”