SFTS Vaccine: Korea & International Research on Tick-Borne Disease

AI-Powered Vaccine Growth Begins for Deadly Tick-Borne Disease

A collaborative international effort has launched to develop a vaccine against severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a potentially fatal tick-borne illness, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and mRNA technology. The project, announced December 9, 2025, represents a significant step forward in pandemic preparedness and the fight against emerging infectious diseases.

the research is being spearheaded by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s National Institute of Health, in partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul National University’s Department of Life Sciences, and ST Pharm. This long-term initiative aims to accelerate vaccine development from initial design to Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials.

Did you know? – SFTS was first identified in China in 2011 and has since spread to other countries in East Asia, including South Korea and Japan. The virus is carried by ticks and can also be transmitted through contact with infected animals.

The threat of SFTS

SFTS, first designated as a statutory infectious disease in Korea in 2013, poses a serious public health threat. Transmitted through ticks, the disease can manifest as high fever, a critical drop in platelet count, and ultimately, multiple organ failure. As of last year, Korea has recorded 2,065 cases of SFTS, tragically resulting in 381 deaths – a mortality rate of 18.5%.Currently, no commercially available vaccines or treatments exist for the disease, underscoring the urgent need for preventative measures.

Harnessing AI for Rapid vaccine Design

The core of this new research lies in the application of AI to identify promising antigen candidates – the substances that trigger an immune response. Researchers will utilize AI algorithms to analyze potential antigens, confirming their immunogenicity (ability to induce immunity) and safety before selecting the most viable candidate for further development. Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials are anticipated to begin by 2030.

“The development of the SFTS mRNA vaccine through international cooperation will further strengthen our ability to prepare for new infectious diseases,” stated a senior official with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.

Pro tip: – mRNA vaccines deliver genetic instructions to cells, prompting them to produce antigens. This technology allows for faster development compared to customary vaccine methods.

CEPI Funding and Future Implications

CEPI is providing up to $16 million (approximately 22.2 billion Korean won) to support this critical research. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency views this project as a foundational step in building robust capabilities for rapid vaccine development in anticipation of future pandemic threats. The agency is actively working to secure key technologies and establish a pipeline of vaccine candidates to address emerging infectious diseases.

This international collaboration highlights the growing recognition of the importance of proactive vaccine development and the transformative potential of AI in accelerating the process. The success of this project could pave the way for a new era of rapid response to infectious disease outbreaks globally.

Reader question: – How might AI’s role in vaccine development change the timeline for responding to future, unknown pathogens? What ethical considerations should be addressed?

Here’s a substantive news report answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions:

Why: The project aims to address the urgent public health threat posed by Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS), a deadly tick-borne illness with a high mortality rate (18.5% in Korea) and no existing vaccines or treatments. The initiative also seeks to bolster global pandemic preparedness.

Who: The research is a collaborative effort lead by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s National Institute of Health,in partnership with the Coalition