- SK Bioscience has been selected to lead the Gates Foundation-funded ROTOR project, establishing a global collaboration framework.
- SK Biosciences, PATH, Slalom and SK AX will jointly develop an AI-powered platform for evidence-based clinical development decision-making.
- This project will support the development of next-generation injectable rotavirus vaccines and contribute to expanding vaccine access in LMICs.
Incheon (South Korea), July 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SK Biosciences announced that it will lead the Research Optimization and Trial Outcomes Recommender (ROTOR) project, an AI-powered evidence synthesis and clinical development decision support platform initiative funded by the Gates Foundation, and establish a global collaboration framework. The project will include technical collaboration with global health nonprofit organization PATH and global technology consulting firm Slalom.
View of SK Bioscience Matsushima headquarters.
ROTOR is designed to leverage AI to create a platform that analyzes the diverse clinical, immunogenicity, and scientific datasets generated throughout the vaccine development process. The platform supports research and development decision-making, optimizes clinical development strategies, and facilitates more informed, evidence-based decision-making under uncertainty. Over time, this platform is expected to evolve into a scalable AI solution that can be applied to a wide range of vaccine and disease areas.
The platform will be developed and validated using rotavirus vaccine development experience and datasets from both SK Biosciences and PATH. Thereby, the initiative aims to strengthen the research and development capacity of vaccine developers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and contribute to expanding global vaccine access. The platform’s reusable components are expected to support widespread adoption across the vaccine development ecosystem.
In drug development, the decision to proceed to large-scale phase 3 clinical trials is typically based on the results of phase 2 trials. However, for many vaccine areas, including rotavirus, the decision to proceed to large-scale Phase III trials is particularly difficult because validated immune correlates of protection may be limited or non-existent and assay results may vary depending on methodology. Since Phase III clinical trials require large amounts of money and long investment periods, the need to create a more scientific and objective decision-making framework is constantly being pointed out.
The ROTOR platform is expected to address these challenges by applying AI to analyze extensive clinical and research datasets, integrate diverse scientific evidence, and generate structured decision support insights for vaccine developers. This approach has the potential to improve the development efficiency of vaccine development programs.
SK Biosciences has a strong track record of collaboration with global public health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Gavi, Vaccine Alliance, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), contributing to expanding global medical infrastructure and vaccine availability.
Most recently, the company entered into a licensing agreement with the CDC to develop an injectable rotavirus vaccine. Earlier this year, the company also signed an agreement with the Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI) to develop a new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antibody therapy. In February, SK Bioscience won a pandemic influenza (avian influenza) patch vaccine development project from the European Union Agency. The company is also advancing an extensive infectious disease pipeline, including an Ebola vaccine and a cell culture-based avian influenza vaccine, as part of its strategy to become the world’s leading vaccine company.
Ahn Jae-young, CEO of SK Bioscience, said, “This project represents a new approach to reduce uncertainty in vaccine development and enable more scientific and efficient decision-making through AI. Through this consortium, we aim to drive innovation in vaccine research and development and contribute to improving vaccine access around the world.”
SK Bioscience continues to drive AI-driven innovation across its R&D operations. The company established an AI-assisted experimental design system based on accumulated research and manufacturing data to improve efficiency, identify optimal experimental conditions, and reduce development timelines and trial-and-error processes. As part of our broader digital transformation (DT) strategy, we are also deploying digital twin technology to transform vaccine research and development, further enhancing AI-based data analysis and decision-making capabilities.
About SK Bioscience
SK Bioscience is an innovative vaccine and biotechnology company working to develop and manufacture vaccines to enable more equitable access to vaccines around the world. SK Bioscience has been dedicated to improving the health of people around the world, from prevention to treatment, by leveraging the strength of cutting-edge technology. In collaboration with governments, regulators, healthcare providers, physicians and medical experts at home and abroad, all of our colleagues at SK are working diligently to bring high-quality vaccines to those who need them and provide better public health solutions.
SK Bioscience Communication Team
Jin Chang Hyun ([email protected])
Kim Tae-gyun ([email protected])
Kim Mun-chul ([email protected])
Source SK Bioscience
