LG Chem’s Polio Vaccine Facility Receives Landmark WHO Certification – A Boost for Global Eradication Efforts
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – October 21, 2025 – In a significant victory for global health, LG Chem has become only the third facility worldwide – and the first in Asia – to achieve seal certification from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its polio vaccine production. This breaking news underscores South Korea’s growing prominence in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and represents a critical step forward in the ongoing fight to eradicate polio. This achievement isn’t just about a single company; it’s a testament to a nation’s commitment to public health and a beacon of hope in a world still grappling with infectious diseases. For those following Google News, this is a development with far-reaching implications.
What Does WHO Seal Certification Mean?
The WHO’s stringent seal certification isn’t handed out lightly. It’s a rigorous evaluation process, assessing every facet of a facility’s operations – from biological risk management systems and staff training to physical containment measures and emergency response protocols. All 14 detailed standards related to biosafety and biosecurity must be met. Essentially, it’s a guarantee that the vaccine is produced under the highest possible safety and quality standards, minimizing any risk of contamination or accidental release of the poliovirus. This certification is mandatory for all polio essential facilities by 2026, as part of the WHO’s Global Polio Eradication Program (GPEI), launched in 1988.
LG Chem and the ‘Eupolio’ Vaccine: A Global Impact
LG Chem’s Osong plant, located in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, began producing the injectable polio vaccine ‘Eupolio’ in 2018. The facility quickly gained international recognition, receiving WHO prequalification (PQ) approval in 2020. Since 2021, Eupolio has been a vital component of UNICEF’s global polio vaccination campaigns. Last year alone, Eupolio accounted for a remarkable 35% of the global injectable polio vaccine market. This isn’t just a commercial success story; it’s a story of lives saved and communities protected. The success of Eupolio demonstrates the power of innovation and collaboration in tackling global health challenges.
Korea’s Rising Role in Global Biosafety
This achievement places South Korea alongside Belgium and Denmark as the only countries to have received this crucial WHO certification in 2025. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has been instrumental in this success, forming a National Airtight Certification Committee in 2018 to provide comprehensive support – including risk management education, field inspections, and technical cooperation with the WHO. Lim Seung-gwan, Director of the KDCA, emphasized that the certification “internationally recognizes Korea’s advanced biosafety national management system and the risk management capabilities of domestic polio vaccine production companies.”
The Bigger Picture: Polio Eradication and Future Challenges
Polio, a debilitating and potentially fatal disease, once threatened millions of children worldwide. Thanks to decades of dedicated vaccination efforts, we’ve come incredibly close to eradicating it. However, the final stages of eradication are often the most challenging. Wild poliovirus remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) outbreaks can occur in areas with low immunization coverage. Maintaining high vaccination rates, strengthening surveillance systems, and ensuring the safe and effective production of vaccines – like Eupolio – are all crucial to achieving a polio-free world. The KDCA plans to continue national investigations and actively participate in international eradication efforts, demonstrating a long-term commitment to this vital cause. Understanding the nuances of polio eradication is key to appreciating the significance of this SEO-optimized breaking news.
This WHO certification for LG Chem isn’t just a win for the company or South Korea; it’s a win for global health. It’s a powerful reminder that through scientific innovation, international collaboration, and unwavering dedication, we can overcome even the most daunting health challenges. Stay informed with archyde.com for the latest updates on global health, biotechnology, and the ongoing fight against infectious diseases.
