SK bioscience, IDT Biologika, and Vaxxas will collaborate on a next-generation influenza vaccine development initiative.

The European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) manages the initiative for the European Commission’s Health Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA).

Roles of SK, IDT, Vaxxas

SK bioscience, which acquired IDT Biologika in October 2024, will supply drug substance that leverages its proprietary cell culture technology. Meanwhile, Vaxxas will lend its high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) needle-free delivery method.

Together, the three parties aim to develop a seasonal vaccine for older adults, and a pandemic vaccine for broader populations. Upon commercialization of the vaccine, IDT is expected to be a key manufacturing hub in Europe.

Right now, the consortium has been selected only for Phase I research and a clinical trial. HaDEA will provide up to €12.9 million (US$15.2 million) in funding to that end. If the parties are technically and clinically successful, they could tender to progress to Phase III and final stage development.

The contract is one of three such current frameworks funded in the European Union. These are valued at €225 million (US$265.4 million) total, aimed at strengthening next-gen vaccine commercialization and supply capabilities in Europe.

Anecdotally, the contract is also the first major, global public funding secured by SK bioscience following its acquisition of IDT.

Future Flu Vaccine Advancement

If development progresses successfully, the consortium plans to enter major, advanced markets. To name a few, these include the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, and eventually Korea and the United States.

In the U.S., estimates by Avalere Health predict a 35% reduction in pandemic flu cases with MAP vaccines. A 30% decrease in flu deaths is also part of that forecast.

Along with that, the seasonal flu vaccine market targeting older adults is worth an approximate $459 million.