Lyon, France and Yongin, Republic of Korea, Aug. 26, 2026
Osivax, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing broad-spectrum influenza vaccines, and GC Biopharma, a South Korean biopharmaceutical company with expertise in vaccines and plasma-derived products, have entered a long-term strategic collaboration to develop and commercialize a next-generation seasonal influenza vaccine. The partnership will combine Osivax’s investigational OVX836 T-cell vaccine candidate with GC Biopharma’s marketed GC FLU seasonal influenza vaccine in a single injection. The companies aim to develop a vaccine capable of providing broader and more durable protection against evolving influenza strains, addressing limitations associated with the substantial antigenic variability of seasonal influenza viruses. Under the agreement, Osivax has received a non-exclusive, sublicensable global license, excluding Japan and South Korea, to use GC FLU in combination with OVX836. Osivax will serve as the global development lead and will be responsible for development and commercialization outside South Korea, while GC Biopharma will retain exclusive rights in its domestic market and provide long-term supply of GC FLU.
Combining T-Cell and Antibody-Based Protection
The proposed combination vaccine is designed to leverage complementary immune responses generated against two different influenza antigens. OVX836 targets the highly conserved nucleoprotein (NP), an internal influenza A antigen that changes less frequently than viral surface proteins. Through Osivax’s proprietary oligoDOM™ nanoparticle technology, OVX836 is designed to stimulate strong T-cell and B-cell immune responses directed toward NP. In contrast, GC FLU is an inactivated seasonal influenza vaccine that primarily generates antibody responses against hemagglutinin (HA), a surface antigen that is subject to considerable variation between influenza strains and seasons. By combining these approaches in a single injection, the companies aim to provide broader immune coverage by complementing conventional antibody-mediated protection with T-cell responses against a more conserved viral target. Osivax previously reported that co-administration of OVX836 with a seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine was well tolerated and generated complementary immune responses, providing a scientific rationale for advancing combination-vaccine development.
Global Development Strategy and Clinical Potential
The collaboration positions Osivax as the global development and commercialization lead for the combination candidate across most international markets, while GC Biopharma will contribute its established vaccine manufacturing capabilities and supply expertise. Financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, although GC Biopharma will receive royalties associated with the collaboration. OVX836 has already been evaluated in seven clinical trials involving more than 4,000 participants, with the company reporting encouraging safety, immunogenicity and efficacy findings. The candidate is currently being evaluated in Phase 2b clinical development, supporting the companies’ plans to advance a differentiated seasonal influenza vaccine approach. GC FLU, meanwhile, is a WHO-prequalified seasonal influenza vaccine, with WHO listings identifying GC FLU injection and GC FLU Multi injection as trivalent influenza vaccines manufactured by GC Biopharma in South Korea. Seasonal influenza continues to create a substantial public-health burden, particularly among older adults and individuals at increased risk of complications. Current vaccines primarily focus on variable surface antigens, creating an ongoing need for approaches that could provide broader and more durable protection. By combining a conventional HA-targeting vaccine with an NP-focused T-cell vaccine technology, Osivax and GC Biopharma are seeking to develop a next-generation influenza vaccine capable of maintaining protection against a wider range of circulating and emerging influenza A strains. The partnership also expands the companies’ respective global vaccine strategies while supporting further clinical development of a potentially differentiated approach to seasonal influenza prevention.
Advertisement
Source: Osivax, GC Biopharma press relese
