Moderna signs mRNA access deals with S.Korea's universities

The US biotech and pharmaceutical company Moderna on Friday announced signings of contracts with the academic-industry cooperation foundations of Korea University Medical Center (KUMC) in Seoul and Chosun University in Gwangju on the research and development of medicines using the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) platform.

Moderna said it will launch its global public health program mRNA Access starting with South Korea.

The program’s goal is to accelerate new vaccine development through collaboration with global partners using Moderna’s mRNA technology.

The Camridge, Massachusetts-based corporation said providing researchers with an mRNA platform can develop the development of new mRNA drugs.

“KUMC considers it highly significant to have the opportunity to research and develop the infinite potential of mRNA through this mRNA Access program concluded with Moderna,” said Kim Hak-jun, president of KUMC’s Medical Research and Business Foundation.

“By joining Moderna’s mRNA Access program, we expect to contribute to the development of next-generation vaccines for the world through cooperation using our university’s excellent technology and Moderna, a global company specializing in mRNA medicine,” said Choe Han-cheol, chairman of Chosun’s Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation.

Moderna said it plans to expand cooperation with research and medical institutions around the world including in South Korea, with the goal of developing life-saving vaccines with global partners through mRNA access.

Write to Ji-Hyun Lee at bluesky@hankyung.com