GC Green Cross, Ochang Vaccine Production Facility Receives WHO Prequalification Certification

[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] GC Green Cross announced on the 9th that its 'Integrated Finished Product Facility (W&FF)' located in Ochang, Chungbuk, has obtained the World Health Organization (WHO) Prequalification (PQ) certification.

For this PQ certification, GC Green Cross underwent a rigorous GMP-level inspection of the Integrated Finished Product Facility by WHO. Through this certification, GC Green Cross has established a production base capable of manufacturing medicines for international organization procurement, extending from its vaccine factory located in Hwasun, Jeonnam, to the Integrated Finished Product Facility.

GC Green Cross Integrated Finished Product Center. /Photo by GC Green Cross

GC Green Cross's Integrated Finished Product Facility, completed in 2019, is the largest finished product manufacturing facility in South Korea. It has established the country's largest filling and packaging facilities, introduced aseptic filling equipment, and applied a single-use system. Additionally, it is equipped with state-of-the-art automated equipment that automates the entire process from raw material receipt to production and shipment.

According to GC Green Cross, the Integrated Finished Product Facility was designed from the planning stage with consideration for both in-house products and contract manufacturing (CMO) volumes. It is capable of producing various biopharmaceuticals, including vaccines, with an annual production capacity currently at approximately 300 million doses of finished pharmaceuticals.

GC Green Cross explained that this certification is significant not only for more stable supply of influenza vaccines to international organizations but also for demonstrating the possibility of contract manufacturing through global-level certification.

Huh Eun-cheol, CEO of GC Green Cross, stated, "Based on half a century of know-how in vaccine production and supply and excellent manufacturing capabilities, we will contribute to the improvement of global public health."

Meanwhile, GC Green Cross has been the largest seasonal influenza vaccine supplier for the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) under WHO and UNICEF, supplying about 50 million doses of influenza vaccines even during the COVID-19 pandemic over the past three years. GC Green Cross's influenza vaccines have been supplied to 62 countries, with cumulative influenza vaccine production exceeding 300 million doses.