GC Biopharma said on Thursday that it plans to start developing a messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA-based) flu vaccine in earnest.

The company plans to develop this mRNA vaccine based on the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) development and option agreement signed with Canada-based bio company, Acuitas Therapeutics, in April last year and a recent non-exclusive licensing agreement involving LNP technologies.

LNP is a delivery system that safely transports nanoparticles to cells in the body so that mRNA can enter cells inside the body. It is a key technology in the development of mRNA-based drugs that are widely used. The LNP technology owned by Acuitas, which specializes in LNP delivery systems, was also applied to Pfizer-BioNTech's Comirnaty Covid-19 vaccine.

GC Biopharma aims to utilize its technology and experience in developing influenza vaccines together with the proven technology of Acuitas to enter phase 1 clinical trials by 2024.

In addition, GC Biopharma is also investing in mRNA production facilities at its Hwasun plant in the Jeollanam-do province, which currently produces the company’s flu vaccines, and the fill and finish facility referred to as the W&FF (Warehouse & Fill and Finish) facility in Ochang, North Chungcheong Province. The W&FF recently obtained WHO PQ certification.

"Through mRNA platform technology, we will accelerate the development of innovative new drugs in the field of vaccines and rare diseases to secure future growth engines for the company," GC Biopharma CEO Huh Eun-chul said.