GC Green Cross Partners with Osivax to Develop Next-Generation Flu Vaccine, Secures Exclusive Domestic Rights

Non-Exclusive License for 'GC Flu'
Securing Revenue Through Long-Term Supply and Commercialization

GC Green Cross has partnered with the French biotech company Osivax to develop a next-generation combination influenza vaccine aimed at providing broader and longer-lasting protection compared to existing flu vaccines.

GC Green Cross view in Yongin City, Gyeonggi Province. GC Green Cross

GC Green Cross announced on the 28th that it has entered into a strategic partnership with the vaccine development specialist Osivax for the development and commercialization of a next-generation influenza vaccine. Under this agreement, the two companies will jointly develop a combination vaccine enabling a single-dose administration of GC Green Cross's influenza vaccine "GC Flu" and Osivax's candidate for type A influenza, "OVX836."

GC Flu and OVX836 induce immune responses using different mechanisms. GC Flu, which has received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification (PQ) certification, targets hemagglutinin (HA), a major surface antigen of the influenza virus, to stimulate a B-cell antibody response.

On the other hand, OVX836 is a vaccine candidate that targets nucleoprotein (NP), an internal viral component that mutates less frequently, to induce a T-cell mediated immune response. Osivax has utilized its self-assembling nanoparticle platform, "oligoDOM," and so far, safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy data have been secured from seven clinical trials involving over 4,000 participants.

The two companies aim to leverage these complementary dual immune mechanisms to develop a vaccine that can provide broader protection not only against seasonal influenza but also against novel influenza viruses.

Through this agreement, GC Green Cross grants Osivax a non-exclusive license to utilize GC Flu, while securing exclusive rights for the commercialization of the combination vaccine in Korea. This will also enable GC Green Cross to secure long-term supply agreements for GC Flu and future royalty income from product commercialization. Osivax will be responsible for global development and commercialization of the combination vaccine. Specific details of the contract size and terms have not been disclosed.

According to market research firm Fortune Business Insights, the global influenza vaccine market is projected to grow from USD 9.2 billion in 2025 to USD 22.5 billion by 2034. Due to the frequent mutations of influenza viruses, vaccines must be developed annually based on predictions of circulating strains, making demand high in sectors that seek vaccines capable of providing broad and long-term protection, irrespective of mutated strains.

Heo Eun Cheol, CEO of GC Green Cross, stated, "We are pleased to develop a combination vaccine candidate with Osivax that can address the unmet needs of current seasonal flu prevention. This collaboration will serve as an opportunity not only to continue expanding GC Green Cross's presence in major developed markets but also to strengthen our position in the domestic market."

Alexandre le Vert, CEO and co-founder of Osivax, commented, "There is still a very high market demand for approaches that offer broader and longer-lasting prevention against constantly mutating influenza viruses. By combining Osivax's T-cell-centric technologies and the expertise GC Green Cross has built through the development and production of GC Flu, we will be able to lead the development of next-generation vaccines."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.