∙ Development of recombinant protein- and mRNA- based vaccine and efficacy evaluation of vaccine candidates using animal challenge models.

Osong, 06 March 2026 ━ The Korea National Institute of Health (NIH) is advancing the full-scale development of a domestically developed Nipah virus (NiV) vaccine in partnership with Korean pharmaceutical companies in order to proactively respond to NiV infection, a high-risk zoonotic disease.

The deadly virus can be transmitted between humans, with fruit bats serving as the natural reservoir. With reportedly a case fatality rate ranging from 40% to 75%, there are currently no licensed vaccines or treatments available for NiV. The virus is classified as a priority pathogen by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has established the "Strategic Framework for Pandemic Preparedness and Response" in 2023 and identified nine infectious diseases* as priorities for development of vaccines. Based on the plan, KDCA has proceeded the development of vaccines in diverse aspects, using Korean vaccine development capabilities.
* COVID-19, Influenza, SFTS, Chikungunya, RSV, Hantavirus, Nipah, Lassa, and Dengue

Specifically, KDCA established a systematic development strategy incorporating adjuvant- and mRNA- based vaccine platforms, and AI-based technologies by leveraging selected NiV vaccine candidate substances and domestic vaccine development capabilities.

This year, the novel vaccine candidates will undergo efficacy evaluation using animal challenge models and a GMP-compliant manufacturing process will be established. Subsequent steps will include a safety evaluation (2027-2028) and a Phase Ⅰ clinical trial (2029-2030), ultimately aiming to secure a Korean-developed NiV vaccine.

The Director of the Division of Vaccine Development, Yu-kyeong Lee stated, "We will continue to strengthen national vaccine capabilities by proactively securing innovative vaccine candidate substances and advanced vaccine platforms."

KDCA Commissioner Dr. Seung-kwan Lim highlighted, "Although NiV outbreaks are currently limited to certain regions, it has the potential to cause a future pandemic. We will further expand partnerships with domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers to strengthen proactive response capabilities against emerging infectious diseases.”



※ Please refer to attached files.