Sinovac to distribute LG Life Sciences' hepatitis B vaccine in China

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., March 13 - Sinovac Biotech Ltd. and LG Life Sciences Ltd. have entered into a distribution agreement whereby Sinovac will act the exclusive distributor for LG Life Sciences' hepatitis B vaccine (Euvax B) in the Peoples Republic of China.

"Signing this agreement is the beginning of Sinovac's international cooperation with vaccine suppliers. After long, careful analysis, we are very pleased to begin this strategic relationship with LG Life Sciences," Sinovac chief executive officer Yin Weidong said in a company news release.

Based on previous studies, Sinovac said it believes Euvax B will compare favorably to vaccines in China.

Hepatitis B, causing both acute and chronic viral infections, affects about 350 million to 400 million people. Of these, up to 40% will develop loss of liver function, cirrhosis or liver cancer.

The current annual market for hepatitis B vaccine therapy is about $500 million and is expected to grow to more than $1 billion by 2009, according to the release.

LG Life Sciences, based in South Korea, discovers, develops and markets medicines to fight various infectious diseases, diabetes and other chronic illnesses.

Beijing-based Sinovac researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes vaccines for endemic and pandemic viruses such as hepatitis, influenza, bird flu and SARS.

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