[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyung-il ] EuBiologics Co., Ltd.(206650) announced on the 4th that its role as a global supplier is gaining prominence as demand for the global cholera vaccine expands from emergency vaccinations to routine immunizations.

According to data released by UNICEF on the 31st of last month, the international emergency stockpile of cholera vaccines totaled 3,879,490 doses. This is approximately 1.12 million doses less than the International Coordinating Group (ICG)’s standard for standing reserves of 5 million doses.

The global supply situation for oral cholera vaccines (OCV) is improving as production capacity expands. Last year, the global OCV supply increased to approximately 60 million doses, and preventive vaccinations—which had been suspended due to limited vaccine supply—resumed this year.

International organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (Gavi), and UNICEF announced in February that, as the global OCV supply situation improved, they would resume preventive cholera vaccination campaigns, which had been suspended since 2022. Mozambique was selected as the first country to receive the vaccinations, and campaigns are also underway in high-risk areas such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Bangladesh.

At the time, the WHO recognized that EuBiologics Co., Ltd. had played a key role in expanding the supply of cholera vaccines necessary for large-scale global vaccination campaigns. EuBiologics Co., Ltd. supplies the global public vaccine market with its oral cholera vaccine “Euvichol-Plus” and “Euvichol-S,” which features improved productivity.

The recent massive flooding in Nepal has once again highlighted the need to manage waterborne infectious diseases, including cholera. The floods that struck central Nepal on the 26th of last month damaged drinking water and sanitation facilities in several areas, prompting UNICEF to launch emergency relief efforts for residents in need of safe drinking water and sanitation support.

Last year, a large-scale vaccination campaign was also conducted in Nepal following a cholera outbreak. At that time, the WHO and UNICEF supplied approximately 1,018,000 doses of OCV to Nepal using international stockpiles.

In parts of Africa and Asia as well, the risk of cholera outbreaks persists due to climate change, flooding, conflict, and inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure. The international community’s response to cholera is also expanding to include not only emergency vaccinations following an outbreak but also routine vaccinations in high-risk areas.

An official from EuBiologics Co., Ltd. stated, “We are responding to the expansion of the global OCV supply, centered on UbiCol-S, which features improved productivity,” adding, “Based on our long-term experience supplying international organizations and our large-scale production capacity, we are continuously strengthening our position in the global public vaccine market.”