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SK bioscience Secures First UNICEF Procurement Contract Improving Vaccine Access

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SK bioscience Secures First UNICEF Procurement Contract Improving Vaccine Access
Business

Business

SK bioscience Secures First UNICEF Procurement Contract Improving Vaccine Access

2026-06-02 20:00 Last Updated At:20:25

  • First UNICEF procurement contract strengthens SK bioscience's presence in global public procurement markets
  • Dual-hemisphere supply programs enhance manufacturing efficiency and operational capabilities
  • Public procurement programs drive both commercial growth and improved vaccine accessibility

INCHEON, South Korea, June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SK bioscience announced that it has been designated as a supplier of influenza vaccines for UNICEF's 2026 immunization programs and has begun shipments for countries in the Southern Hemisphere. Beginning in September, the company will also commence supplies for countries in the Northern Hemisphere, with approximately 640,000 doses scheduled for delivery throughout the year in accordance with each country's vaccination calendar.

The supply destinations include Southern Hemisphere countries such as Laos, Myanmar, and Fiji, followed by Northern Hemisphere markets including Ethiopia, Lebanon, Albania, and Palestine. Notably, SK bioscience was selected as UNICEF's sole supplier for the Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine program, supplying the entire seasonal volume. The company was also chosen as a major supplier for the Northern Hemisphere program, providing a significant portion of the required doses. Through these supply programs, SK bioscience will establish year-round utilization of its manufacturing facilities while further enhancing its operational capabilities in responding to seasonal demand across different regions.

The contract is particularly meaningful as it represents SK bioscience's first collaboration with UNICEF and its first procurement project spanning both hemispheres. Building on its existing supply relationship with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the company has now expanded its public procurement footprint to UNICEF, securing access to two of the world's most important international vaccine procurement channels. Participation in these programs will not only improve vaccine accessibility in countries with limited healthcare resources but also reinforce a business model that delivers both sustainable revenue generation and social value.

SK bioscience's influenza vaccine, SKYCellflu, demonstrated strong immunogenicity and safety in Phase 3 clinical trials. Based on these results, it became the world's first cell culture-based influenza vaccine to receive World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification (PQ) certification. Additional evidence supporting its effectiveness was generated through Real-World Evidence (RWE) studies conducted in actual vaccination settings. Cell culture-based manufacturing technology is known to reduce the risk of virus mutations during production, resulting in a closer match to circulating strains. The platform also enables shorter production timelines, allowing for rapid vaccine supply during pandemics and other infectious disease emergencies.

Over the years, SK bioscience has expanded its global health presence through influenza vaccine supplies to PAHO and partnerships with organizations such as the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). These experiences have strengthened the company's ability to navigate diverse regulatory requirements and supply conditions across multiple countries, providing a solid foundation for continued growth in international procurement markets.

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience said, "Securing our first UNICEF procurement contract marks a meaningful milestone in expanding SK bioscience's presence in the global public procurement market. Building on a business model that balances commercial sustainability with public health value, we will continue strengthening partnerships with international organizations and contribute to global infectious disease preparedness and public health advancement."

SK bioscience continues to accelerate global regulatory expansion for its key vaccine portfolio, including its influenza vaccine and varicella vaccine, SKYVaricella. The company recently obtained marketing authorization for SKYVaricella in Vietnam and secured a new approval for its influenza vaccine in Moldova. In addition, the company has continued to expand its global business footprint by obtaining approvals for key products in countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, and Chile.

About SK bioscience

SK bioscience is an innovative vaccine and biotech company, committed to vaccine development and manufacturing to enable more equitable access to vaccines around the world. Leveraging strengths on cutting-edge technologies, SK bioscience has been dedicated to promoting human health from prevention to cure across the globe. With the cooperation of domestic and international governments, regulatory agencies, healthcare providers, doctors, and medical experts, all of the SK colleagues are passionately committed to providing high-quality vaccines to those who need them and better public healthcare solutions.

SK bioscience Communications Team

Changhyun Jin (jin99@sk.com)  
Tae-Gyun Kim (taegyunkim@sk.com)
Moonchel Kim (mc_kim@sk.com)

  • First UNICEF procurement contract strengthens SK bioscience's presence in global public procurement markets
  • Dual-hemisphere supply programs enhance manufacturing efficiency and operational capabilities
  • Public procurement programs drive both commercial growth and improved vaccine accessibility

INCHEON, South Korea, June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SK bioscience announced that it has been designated as a supplier of influenza vaccines for UNICEF's 2026 immunization programs and has begun shipments for countries in the Southern Hemisphere. Beginning in September, the company will also commence supplies for countries in the Northern Hemisphere, with approximately 640,000 doses scheduled for delivery throughout the year in accordance with each country's vaccination calendar.

The supply destinations include Southern Hemisphere countries such as Laos, Myanmar, and Fiji, followed by Northern Hemisphere markets including Ethiopia, Lebanon, Albania, and Palestine. Notably, SK bioscience was selected as UNICEF's sole supplier for the Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine program, supplying the entire seasonal volume. The company was also chosen as a major supplier for the Northern Hemisphere program, providing a significant portion of the required doses. Through these supply programs, SK bioscience will establish year-round utilization of its manufacturing facilities while further enhancing its operational capabilities in responding to seasonal demand across different regions.

The contract is particularly meaningful as it represents SK bioscience's first collaboration with UNICEF and its first procurement project spanning both hemispheres. Building on its existing supply relationship with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the company has now expanded its public procurement footprint to UNICEF, securing access to two of the world's most important international vaccine procurement channels. Participation in these programs will not only improve vaccine accessibility in countries with limited healthcare resources but also reinforce a business model that delivers both sustainable revenue generation and social value.

SK bioscience's influenza vaccine, SKYCellflu, demonstrated strong immunogenicity and safety in Phase 3 clinical trials. Based on these results, it became the world's first cell culture-based influenza vaccine to receive World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification (PQ) certification. Additional evidence supporting its effectiveness was generated through Real-World Evidence (RWE) studies conducted in actual vaccination settings. Cell culture-based manufacturing technology is known to reduce the risk of virus mutations during production, resulting in a closer match to circulating strains. The platform also enables shorter production timelines, allowing for rapid vaccine supply during pandemics and other infectious disease emergencies.

Over the years, SK bioscience has expanded its global health presence through influenza vaccine supplies to PAHO and partnerships with organizations such as the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). These experiences have strengthened the company's ability to navigate diverse regulatory requirements and supply conditions across multiple countries, providing a solid foundation for continued growth in international procurement markets.

Jaeyong Ahn, CEO of SK bioscience said, "Securing our first UNICEF procurement contract marks a meaningful milestone in expanding SK bioscience's presence in the global public procurement market. Building on a business model that balances commercial sustainability with public health value, we will continue strengthening partnerships with international organizations and contribute to global infectious disease preparedness and public health advancement."

SK bioscience continues to accelerate global regulatory expansion for its key vaccine portfolio, including its influenza vaccine and varicella vaccine, SKYVaricella. The company recently obtained marketing authorization for SKYVaricella in Vietnam and secured a new approval for its influenza vaccine in Moldova. In addition, the company has continued to expand its global business footprint by obtaining approvals for key products in countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, and Chile.

About SK bioscience

SK bioscience is an innovative vaccine and biotech company, committed to vaccine development and manufacturing to enable more equitable access to vaccines around the world. Leveraging strengths on cutting-edge technologies, SK bioscience has been dedicated to promoting human health from prevention to cure across the globe. With the cooperation of domestic and international governments, regulatory agencies, healthcare providers, doctors, and medical experts, all of the SK colleagues are passionately committed to providing high-quality vaccines to those who need them and better public healthcare solutions.

SK bioscience Communications Team

Changhyun Jin (jin99@sk.com)  
Tae-Gyun Kim (taegyunkim@sk.com)
Moonchel Kim (mc_kim@sk.com)

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

SK bioscience Secures First UNICEF Procurement Contract Improving Vaccine Access

SK bioscience Secures First UNICEF Procurement Contract Improving Vaccine Access

The Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener introduces dual airflow engineered for use on both wet and dry hair, to deliver smooth, glossy results while helping reduce heat exposure and elevate everyday styling performance.

LOS ANGELES, June 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dreame Technology (Dreame) today announced the launch of the Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener, its most advanced hair styling device to date. Combining high-velocity airflow, intelligent thermal sensing, and advanced hair protection technologies, the Aero Straight Pro introduces a new approach to straightening that prioritizes speed, shine, and hair care without relying on excessive heat or heavy compression.

Designed for both wet and dry styling, the Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener streamlines the styling process by drying, straightening, and setting hair simultaneously. The result is a faster, more efficient styling experience engineered to deliver sleek, long-lasting results with greater comfort and control.

"As Dreame continues to expand its hair tool portfolio, our focus remains on developing intelligent, intuitive technologies that enhance everyday routines," said Ana Wang, CEO of Dreame Technology North America. "The Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener represents a new era of airflow-based styling, delivering smoother, healthier-looking results with less heat, greater speed, and more personalization."

A New Approach to Straightening with Intelligent Airflow

At the core of the Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener is Dreame's Dual Airflow Technology, which combines heated airflow for styling with cool airflow to immediately set the look in a single pass. This continuous styling-and-setting process is designed to help improve style longevity while reducing prolonged heat exposure during use.

Powered by a up to 120,000 RPM high-speed motor, the device generates concentrated airflow that smooths and straightens hair efficiently while minimizing reliance on extreme plate temperatures or mechanical compression. The airflow-based system is engineered to create sleek, polished results with enhanced shine and movement.

Wet-to-Straight Styling Designed for Faster Everyday Routines

The Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener is designed to simplify styling by combining drying and straightening into one streamlined process. Using airflow powered by the Coandă effect, the device can simultaneously dry and smooth hair, improving styling efficiency by up to 50%.

Multiple styling modes allow users to customize the experience for different routines and hair needs, including a dedicated 57°C Root Care Mode engineered for gentler root-level drying and styling.

Intelligent Heat Control and Personalized Styling

To help maintain consistent styling performance, the Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener incorporates an advanced NTC Smart Temperature Control system with six sensors that monitor heat levels 200 times per second. This continuous regulation helps maintain precise airflow temperatures while supporting smoother styling results and reduced heat stress on the hair.

Triple Protection Care for Smoother, Shinier Hair

Beyond styling performance, the Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener was developed with a strong emphasis on hair care and long-term hair appearance. Its Triple Hair Protection System combines negative ion technology, keratin-coated components, and Moroccan argan oil infusion to help reduce frizz, enhance shine, and support softer-looking results throughout the styling process.

A built-in smart display provides clear visibility into styling modes, airflow settings, and real-time temperature monitoring, while intelligent safety features automatically adjust airflow during use, pause operation after inactivity, and power down the device after three minutes to help prevent overheating.

The Aero Straight Pro has already received international recognition, earning both a Publisher Awards CES 2026 and a Digital Trends Publisher Award for its engineering innovation and consumer-focused design.

The Dreame Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener is now available for $349.99 on Amazon and Dreame's official website, offering a streamlined, high-performance solution for next-generation at-home hair styling.

For more information about the Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener and Dreame Technology's expanding beauty and hair portfolio, visit beauty.dreametech.com.

About Dreame Technology: 

Established in 2017, Dreame Technology is an innovative consumer product company specializing in smart home appliances, with a vision to empower lives through technology. With a focus on innovation and user experience, Dreame's award-winning products deliver powerful, intelligent cleaning solutions that transform everyday living. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. For more information, please visit https://www.dreametech.com/.

 

** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **

Dreame Technology Launches Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener, a Breakthrough Intelligent Air Hair Straightener

Dreame Technology Launches Aero Straight Pro 2-in-1 Air Straightener, a Breakthrough Intelligent Air Hair Straightener

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