EuBiologics license out EuMCV4 meningococcal vaccine to Eyegene

EuBiologics, a Korean vaccine maker, said on Wednesday that it has signed a technology transfer and licensing agreement with Eyegene for its proprietary quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, EuMCV4. In this vaccine, four serotypes of meningococcal polysaccharide (ACYW) are conjugated to the CRM197 protein.

Eyegene is a Korean biotech firm developing vaccines against shingles, tuberculosis, and Covid-19 using its own adjuvant platform technology.

The agreement follows EuBiologics' decision to prioritize the development of a pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine, EuNmCV5 (ACYWX), supported by the RIGHT Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

As a result, EuBiologics will transfer technology for its quadrivalent vaccine to its partner, Eyegene. Eyegene will conduct phase 2/3 clinical trials in Korea and hold exclusive sales rights in China, Japan, parts of Southeast Asia, and Latin America (excluding Mexico) through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

EuBiologics will handle clinical samples, technology transfer, and raw material supply. The financial terms of the agreement remain confidential. Eyegene said it aims to launch the product by 2027 and sell up to 1.5 million doses annually.

An Eyegene representative said they also will conduct the necessary clinical trials for Eubiologics’ EuMCV4 vaccine and obtain domestic approval by leveraging their experience in vaccine development. 

“We are committed to actively promoting exclusive sales both domestically and internationally, generating revenue, and fostering a win-win relationship with EuBiologics,” they said. 

In September last year, EuBiologics signed its first technology transfer agreement for the quadrivalent vaccine with a Russian biopharmaceutical company, valued at $10 million.  

Additionally, last month, the company finalized a technology transfer agreement for its pentavalent vaccine with South African vaccine manufacturer BioVac. EuBiologics will exclusively supply the raw materials for these vaccines to all three companies. 

Following confirmed product orders, the company said it expects to secure substantial annual revenue from raw material exports starting in 2027.

"We anticipate these agreements will significantly diversify our revenue streams,” a EuBiologics spokesperson said. “We will provide full support to ensure Eyegene's successful product launch and strive to ensure a stable supply of vaccine raw materials."