Osivax and KM Biologics Sign Exclusive License Option for Universal Flu Vaccine in Japan

LYON, France & KUMAMOTO, Japan I September 10, 2024 I Osivax, a firm dedicated to developing vaccines for broad-spectrum protection against frequently mutating respiratory viruses, and KM Biologics Co., Ltd., a renowned vaccine manufacturer in Japan, have announced a significant license option agreement. This agreement gives KM Biologics the exclusive rights to develop, produce, and commercialize Osivax’s universal influenza vaccine candidates in Japan. Under the agreement, Osivax will receive an initial payment, and additional payments will follow if KM Biologics exercises the option, achieving various development and regulatory milestones, along with tiered royalties for each candidate. The financial specifics of the agreement remain confidential.

Alexandre Le Vert, CEO and Co-Founder of Osivax, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with KM Biologics, praising their expertise in influenza vaccine development. Le Vert emphasized that this partnership offers a compelling chance to introduce Osivax’s universal influenza vaccine candidates to Japan, a leader in seasonal and pandemic flu prevention. He highlighted the potential of Osivax’s oligoDOM™ technology, which aims to create T-Cell vaccines capable of providing universal protection against all current and future influenza strains globally.

Toshiaki Nagasato, President and Representative Director of KM Biologics, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the innovative potential of Osivax’s vaccine candidates and oligoDOM™ technology. Nagasato noted that the agreement allows KM Biologics to leverage its capabilities, partnerships, and market knowledge to introduce these novel vaccines to Japan. He believes that this new approach can address the diverse needs of the influenza vaccine market, thereby improving vaccination rates and better controlling the influenza disease burden, ultimately enhancing public health.

Osivax is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that uses its self-assembling nanoparticle platform technology, oligoDOM™, to develop first-in-class pan-respiratory virus vaccines. These vaccines aim to stimulate strong and sustained T-cell and B-cell responses. Osivax is currently advancing its universal influenza vaccine candidate, OVX836, which is in Phase 2 clinical trials involving over 1,200 volunteers, showing promising efficacy. The company’s long-term goal is to create a single-shot vaccine that can prevent all strains of influenza and Covid-19. Osivax plans to expand into other infectious diseases through global collaborations.

KM Biologics, a key entity within the Meiji Group’s pharmaceutical division, focuses on research, development, manufacturing, and supplying human vaccines and blood plasma products. With a history spanning over 78 years, the company has significantly contributed to public health. KM Biologics is a leading manufacturer of seasonal influenza vaccines in Japan and is prepared to supply vaccines to 57 million people in the event of an influenza pandemic.

The collaboration between Osivax and KM Biologics represents a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging cutting-edge vaccine technology to address the ongoing challenge of influenza. This agreement underscores the potential for innovation in vaccine development and the commitment of both companies to improving public health outcomes.

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