07.07.2025

On April 9, 2025, GC Biopharma announced that the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) approved BARYTHRAX, the world’s first recombinant anthrax vaccine. Co-developed with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the vaccine targets Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium responsible for anthrax, classified as a Class 1 infectious disease* due to its high lethality and potential use as a biological weapon.
BARYTHRAX is based on recombinant Protective Antigen (rPA), a genetically engineered protein that plays a crucial role in anthrax toxicity by facilitating the entry of lethal and edema factors (LF and EF) into host cells. By inducing immunity against PA, the vaccine effectively blocks the disease mechanism. Unlike traditional vaccines made from bacterial filtrates, rPA vaccines offer improved safety, consistency, and reduced risk of toxin-related adverse effects.
GC Biopharma is a South Korean biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Yongin.

---

*"Class 1 infectious disease" refers to a disease classified as extremely serious and highly contagious, requiring immediate notification and strict control measures.