GC Biopharma, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has announced the first shipment of BARYTHRAX inj., the world’s first recombinant anthrax vaccine. Developed in partnership with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the vaccine was approved in April as Korea’s 39th locally developed new drug.
The initial supply of the vaccine will be sent to the KDCA for national stockpiling to help prepare for public health emergencies, including potential bioterrorism threats.
BARYTHRAX inj. is the first anthrax vaccine to be created by utilizing recombinant protein technology. Unlike conventional vaccines methods, which use weakened or killed anthrax bacteria, this vaccine utilizes only the purified Protective Antigen (PA) protein, as a major ingredient of the anthrax toxin.
Clinical test results came out that the vaccine successfully triggered immune responses by making antibodies that follow the safety standards. This reflects that the vaccine could be effective in safeguarding people from anthrax exposure.
The vaccine was also found to be safe, with only a few side effects, such as pain at the injection site, muscle soreness, tiredness, etc. There were no serious reactions or deaths, proving its strong safety profile.
Manufacturing is done at GC Biopharma’s state-of-the-art Hwasun facility in Korea, which has the capacity to make up to 10 million doses per year, sufficient to vaccinate a population of around 2.5 million people. The vaccine can also be produced quickly in case of an emergency.
Executive Statement
According to Eun-Chul Huh, CEO of GC Biopharma, delivering the world's first recombinant anthrax vaccine marks a significant step forward in national biosecurity. They remain committed to supporting national biodefense and advancing vaccine security through innovation and strategic partnerships.