SK Bioscience, in partnership with IDT Biologika and Vaxxas, has been selected for the first phase of a European Union-backed initiative to develop next-generation influenza vaccines, the companies announced Thursday. The project, managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) on behalf of the European Commission’s Health Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), represents SK Bioscience’s first major public funding agreement with European health authorities and marks a significant milestone one year after its acquisition of IDT Biologika.
The consortium will focus on developing a seasonal influenza vaccine specifically tailored for older adults, alongside a pandemic influenza vaccine intended for broader population coverage. Vaxxas’ needle-free delivery technology, utilizing a high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP), will be central to the vaccine’s development. HaDEA will contribute up to €12.9 million to support Phase 1 research, including a Phase 1 clinical trial.
The initiative is part of a larger EU framework of contracts valued at up to €225 million, aimed at bolstering Europe’s capabilities in next-generation vaccine commercialization and supply. Should the initial phase prove successful, the consortium has the opportunity to bid for subsequent phases, potentially securing funding for Phase 3 trials and final-stage development.
IDT Biologika will serve as the contracting entity within Europe and oversee project management, as well as handling vaccine bulk production during commercialization. SK Bioscience will contribute bulk vaccines produced using its cell culture technology, including its existing SKYCellflu seasonal flu vaccine and a pandemic vaccine currently in development. Vaxxas will be responsible for manufacturing the HD-MAP patches for clinical trials. The patch-type vaccine is designed to elicit a strong immune response with lower antigen doses.
According to SK Bioscience, the project is intended to position the companies to target the premium European influenza vaccine market for older adults and enhance the region’s preparedness for future pandemic influenza threats. The collaboration builds on SK Bioscience’s existing partnership with Vaxxas in HD-MAP technology.
