News
2021.06.16
There are already two to three companies that are capable of producing mRNA stock solutions in Korea
It requires a type of technology that is difficult to avoid infringing the patent on lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems
Hopes for Korea to present a success model as a vaccine hub
“Hanmi Group is capable of producing mRNA COVID-19 vaccine stock solutions in a flash.”
(Sixth person from the left) Lim Chong-yoon, President and Co-CEO of Hanmi Science
Lim Chong-yoon, President and Co-CEO of Hanmi Science (008930), attended the 9th Healthcare Future Forum at the Marina Convention Center in Yeouido, Seoul on June 16 and shared the impressive achievements made by Hanmi Group. “People are mistaken if they believe that Korea has been unable to develop mRNA vaccine stock solutions due to lack of technology, know-how, or facilities,” he said before explaining, “That’s not true. As far as I know, there are at least two companies that have mastered the relevant processes in Korea, including Hanmi.”
He added, “We could acquire the relevant intellectual property from Pfizer or Moderna by providing monetary compensation or if the United States generously makes it available for free, it will be possible for the two to three domestic companies that currently have the technology to produce 50 to 100 million doses this year by working together. [...] Hanmi (128940) Group is poised to start the mRNA vaccine component production line, and we are ready to supply the components to other countries as soon as possible.”
In regard to LNPs, which are a key element in the manufacture of mRNA vaccines, Lim explained, “There are two key elements to manufacturing the mRNA vaccines. They are nucleic acids and the LNP delivery system. LNP technology is quite extensive, and it concerns patented technologies. It is so heavily patented that there is little to no chance for developers to avoid infringing IP or to modify it somewhat. In order to use the LNP used by Moderna and Pfizer, we need consent from the IP holders or assistance from the US government.”
He also brought up a statement made by Dr. Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Program, who said that the KRW 18 trillion needed for COVAX, a global vaccine-sharing initiative, is not even 1% of global spending on national defense, which reached KRW 2,200 trillion in 2020.
“People are losing their lives as we speak due to COVID-19. We need to see this issue as it is – weighty – as Dr. Michael Ryan of WHO has urged us to do. We all need to join forces to give rise to new mRNA vaccines. Around ten places around the world are competing with one another, claiming to be the global vaccine hub. A lot of people are hoping that Korea will serve as an exemplary case by succeeding the fastest.”
Source: Edaily