Yoo Ki-seung, the CEO of CSL Seqirus Korea, presents at the influenza vaccine briefing held at the Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on the 23rd./Courtesy of CSL Seqirus Korea

The cell culture vaccine platform can avoid mutations in the antigen proteins used in vaccines compared to the traditional method using fertilized eggs. It offers strong immune effects and allows for easy management and rapid mass production.

Yoo Gi-seung, chief executive officer of CSL Seqirus Korea, noted during an influenza vaccine briefing held on the 23rd at the Plaza Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, that "cell culture vaccines eliminate egg-adapted mutations at the source, enabling the production of highly precise vaccines that match circulating viruses and antigens."

CSL Seqirus is a corporation specializing in influenza vaccines. Its parent company, CSL, is an Australian pharmaceutical company established in 1916. The subsidiary BioCSL merged with the influenza vaccine division of Swiss Novartis in 2015, leading to the establishment of CSL Seqirus. This briefing was organized to introduce the cell culture influenza vaccine 'Flucelvax' and the immune-boosting influenza vaccine 'Fluad' for individuals aged 65 and older.

The vaccine developed by the company is refined from influenza viruses cultured in canine kidney cells. The original virus infects animal cells, and when grown in eggs (fertilized eggs) to create a vaccine, 'egg-adapted mutations' may occur, altering the structure of the antigen proteins. If the circulating virus and antigen differ, it induces a lesser immune response in the human body, reducing the vaccine's effectiveness.

Flucelvax is the world's first cell culture influenza vaccine, and the company stated there are no issues with antigen structural changes. It received domestic approval in August of last year for individuals aged 2 and older, and is expected to be available for vaccination starting in the 2025-2026 influenza season.

Professor Noh Ji-yoon of Korea University Guro Hospital's Infectious Diseases Department said, "Cell culture vaccines better match the strains and antigenicity selected by the World Health Organization (WHO) and show up to 15% higher prevention effectiveness against hospitalization compared to existing vaccines," adding, "Especially, they consistently demonstrate excellent efficacy in the age group of 4 to 64 years." Professor Noh is currently serving on the subcommittee of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's Vaccination Expert Committee.

Cell culture vaccines do not use eggs, so production is not disrupted even if avian influenza (AI) spreads. In the United States, recent outbreaks of avian influenza have disrupted egg production. CSL Seqirus stated, "The cell culture method, which does not require chickens, generates less waste and receives positive assessments in terms of animal welfare."

(From left) Yoo Ki-seung, the CEO of CSL Seqirus Korea, and Professors No Ji-yoon and Choi Min-joo from Korea University Guro Hospital's Infectious Disease Department./Courtesy of CSL Seqirus Korea

During the briefing, the vaccine Fluad for the elderly was also introduced. This vaccine contains an immune booster that amplifies the immune response and was approved for individuals aged 65 and older in September 2022. It is known to maintain preventive efficacy for up to one year.

Professor Choi Min-joo of Korea University Guro Hospital's Infectious Diseases Department stated, "Fluad induces a stronger and more long-lasting immune response in the elderly," noting that it significantly reduces the incidence of influenza compared to standard vaccines.

CSL Seqirus Korea previously signed a sales partnership agreement with Samjin Pharm for domestic distribution. CEO Yoo noted, "We have started vaccine production and plan to supply in time for the vaccination period in September and October."

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