Dessau-Rosslau (Germany), March 23, 2026 – IDT Biologika, a leading CDMO providing end-to-end services in the development and manufacturing of viral vaccines, gene and immune therapeutics and aseptic fill-finish of sterile injectables, announced that, and SK bioscience, an innovative vaccine and biotech company, committed to vaccine development and manufacturing, announced that they have signed a contract for the contract development and manufacturing of the drug product for the Zaire Ebola vaccine with an updated manufacturing process, being developed in collaboration with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA) and Hilleman Laboratories.
The agreement forms part of a development project supported by approximately USD 30 million in funding from CEPI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. The project focuses on addressing the manufacturing complexity and ultra-cold chain requirements associated with MSD’s existing Zaire Ebola vaccine. Key objectives are to enhance supply stability and accessibility by increasing manufacturing yield and improving thermo stability.
Under the agreement, SK bioscience will produce drug substance, while IDT Biologika will leverage its CDMO expertise, know-how, and advanced facilities to undertake drug product development and manufacturing.
This collaboration reflects the broader integration strategy that has been progressively strengthened since SK bioscience acquired IDT Biologika. The Germany-based company continues to expand its role beyond that of a traditional CDMO, evolving into a key hub within SK bioscience’s global development and manufacturing network.
Jinseon Park, COO of SK bioscience, said, “Through this agreement, the combined development and manufacturing capabilities of SK bioscience and IDT will enhance the execution of global infectious disease response projects. We will continue to advance our integrated manufacturing platform to strengthen our ability to respond reliably to international public health needs.” Dr. Sally Choe, CEO of IDT Biologika, added, “This collaboration reflects our strong partnership with SK bioscience and our shared ambition to build an integrated global manufacturing network.”