Overview
- The government announced Tuesday that SK Bioscience has signed a technology-transfer and manufacturing agreement with VECOL as part of a $260 million, 10-year national vaccine localization plan.
- Under the deal VECOL will lead facility construction, licensing and links to Colombia’s National Immunization Program while SK Bioscience supplies technical know-how for production and regulatory filings.
- SKYVaricella, SK Bioscience’s WHO‑prequalified varicella vaccine, is the first product chosen for transfer and local manufacture under the agreement.
- The project’s timeline to domestic production depends on building GMP-grade facilities, securing national and international regulatory approvals, training staff, and integrating output with public procurement.
- The pact follows a four-year supplier review and builds on SK Bioscience’s regional track record with PAHO contracts and WHO prequalification, which Colombia says will help strengthen national supply resilience and regional preparedness.