South Korean biopharmaceutical company GC Biopharma has signed an agreement with Curevo Vaccine to secure contract manufacturing (CMO) rights for amezosvatein (development name: CRV-101), a recombinant shingles vaccine currently under clinical development.

Under the deal, GC Biopharma will be responsible for producing a portion of the commercial supply of amezosvatein for global markets.

Huh Eun-Chul, CEO of GC Biopharma, said, "This agreement marks a critical milestone in securing long-term growth drivers for GC Biopharma. We will continue to expand our global vaccine business through strategic collaborations and differentiated technologies."

The global shingles vaccine market, currently dominated by GSK’s Shingrix, has grown at an average annual rate of about 20 per cent since its 2018 launch — expanding from KRW 1 trillion in 2017 to approximately KRW 6 trillion (USD 4.4 billion) in 2024. Shingrix generated over KRW 5 trillion (GBP 3.4 billion) in global sales last year, accounting for more than 90 percent of the market.

Amezosvatein, an adjuvanted recombinant protein vaccine similar to Shingrix, uses a synthetic adjuvant designed to reduce both local (injection-site pain) and systemic (flu-like) reactions, potentially offering a more tolerable alternative. Early Phase 2 trials demonstrated non-inferior immune responses and favourable tolerability results compared to the leading competitor.

Curevo Vaccine is currently conducting an expanded Phase 2 trial involving 640 adults aged 50 and older, with completion targeted for 2026. The company then plans to move directly into Phase 3 trials thereafter, paving the way for global commercialisation.

Headquartered in Yong-in, South Korea, GC Biopharma has over 50 years of experience in developing and manufacturing plasma derivatives and vaccines. The company continues to expand its global footprint, having successfully entered the US market in 2024 with Alyglo, its intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) therapy.