SK Bioscience Vs. Pfizer: SK Bioscience Winner

SK Bioscience Wins Patent Lawsuit Against Pfizer Over Pneumococcal Vaccine

SK Bioscience recently secured a major legal victory against Pfizer in the Supreme Court of Korea, closing the book on a patent dispute over its 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). The conflict started when Pfizer, a heavyweight in the pharmaceutical industry, lodged a complaint back in 2020. They claimed SK Bioscience’s export of bulk vaccine ingredients and research-use finished products to Russia infringed on Pfizer’s Prevnar 13 patent. After a thorough review, the Supreme Court flatly disagreed with Pfizer’s arguments. The ruling confirmed that the specific components and methods used by SK bioscience weren’t actually covered by Pfizer’s patent claims. On top of that, the Court clarified that supplying finished PCV13 products for research didn’t count as a patent violation.

So, in short: SK Bioscience comes out on top, Pfizer’s claims didn’t stick and the company can continue business as usual—without legal overhang.

SK Bioscience launched Korea’s first 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine—SKYPneumo back in 2016. That was a significant achievement for the company and for Korea’s vaccine landscape. Things got complicated fast when a patent dispute with Pfizer surfaced. As a result, SK Bioscience can’t manufacture or sell SKYPneumo in Korea until those patents run out in 2027. Not ideal but that’s how it goes sometimes in this industry.

Instead of idling, SK Bioscience is adapting. They’re focusing on exporting individual components of their PCV13 vaccine to high-demand markets in Southeast Asia and Latin America. It’s a pragmatic move, targeting regions where demand is robust. Plus, they’re pursuing technology transfers by building partnerships with local players, which should help accelerate entry into these international markets.

SK Bioscience has a clear growth plan. Once 2027 arrives and the patent restrictions lift, they’ll reintroduce SKYPneumo to the domestic Korean market. On top of that they’re collaborating with "Sanofi" is a major player to develop a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. That program entered Phase 3 global clinical trials in late 2024. At the same time, the two companies are working on a next-generation pneumococcal vaccine designed to offer even broader protection raising the bar even higher. It’s an ambitious roadmap but SK Bioscience seems determined to strengthen its global presence and capitalize on new opportunities as the landscape evolves.

Here’s how things are shaping up: the global pneumococcal vaccine market is on an upward trajectory, with steady growth in sight. Market projections from Global Market Insights pin the compound annual growth rate at about 5.6%, aiming for a hefty $15.1 billion by 2034 (which translates to roughly KRW 21.5 trillion no small change). 

What is fueling this? 

Expanded immunization efforts worldwide and unwavering backing from organizations like the WHO and Gavi. SK Bioscience thanks to its established reputation in public vaccine supply and ongoing partnerships with international health authorities, is well-positioned to seize new opportunities as the market expands. In short, if there’s momentum in this sector, they’re set to capitalize on it.

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK Bioscience said, "This latest court decision is meaningful in that it ensures a competitively developed vaccine in Korea does not go to waste but instead finds new opportunity. We will leverage this momentum to improve access to premium vaccines, contribute to a stable global vaccine supply and achieve sustainable growth."

SK bioscience recently secured a definitive legal victory in a patent invalidation suit against "Moderna", successfully challenging the biotech giant's Korean patent related to messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine technology. The contested patent covers 'modified nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids and their uses.' This case, which invalidated the only registered mRNA manufacturing patent in Korea, regarded as a major step in reducing patent-related risks and removing barriers to innovation for domestic companies engaged in mRNA research and development.

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