GC Green Cross Enters mRNA Flu Vaccine Market... Development Accelerates

Investment in Pilot Production Facilities at Hwasun Vaccine Factory, Jeonnam Using Aquitas Therapeutics LNP

GC Green Cross is set to accelerate the development of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) influenza vaccines.

GC Green Cross announced on the 9th that after confirming the possibility of developing an mRNA influenza vaccine through a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) related development and option contract signed with Aquitas, based in Canada, in April last year, it recently exercised the license contract option for LNP.

LNP is a delivery system that safely transports nanoparticles into body cells to enable mRNA to function. It is regarded as a core technology in mRNA-based drug development. The LNP technology owned by Aquitas was applied in Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty.

GC Green Cross stated that it aims to enter Phase 1 clinical trials in 2024 by combining Aquitas’s LNP with its accumulated influenza vaccine technology.

Additionally, GC Green Cross explained that it is also investing in mRNA production facilities. It has decided to invest in mRNA pilot production facilities at its Hwasun plant in Jeollanam-do, which currently produces conventional influenza vaccines. The integrated finished product facility located in Ochang, Chungbuk, recently obtained prequalification (PQ) certification from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Huh Eun-chul, CEO of GC Green Cross, said, "Through mRNA platform technology, we will accelerate the development of innovative new drugs in the fields of vaccines and rare diseases to secure next-generation growth engines."