Walvax's mRNA shingles vaccine moves closer to clinical trials

Walvax Biotechnology announced its lyophilized herpes zoster virus mRNA vaccine, developed with partners, has received a clinical trial application acceptance from the National Medical Products Administration. This mRNA-based shingles vaccine aims to stimulate immunity against shingles, differentiating itself from currently marketed attenuated live or recombinant protein vaccines.

The vaccine's development is a joint effort between Walvax's subsidiaries, including Beijing Walvax Innovation Biotechnology, Yunnan Vaccine Laboratory, and Yuxi Walvax Biotechnology, alongside Fudan University and Shanghai Blue Heron Bio-pharmaceuticals. This acceptance marks a significant step, though further technical review and approval are required before clinical trials can commence.

Walvax also recently completed a capital increase for its wholly-owned subsidiary, Beijing Walvax Innovation Biotechnology. The parent company increased Beijing Walvax's registered capital by yuan 440 million, bringing its total to yuan 1,100 million, while maintaining 100% ownership.