GeneMatrix said Monday it has secured government funding to support a phase 1 clinical trial of GMAI-02, its hepatitis A vaccine candidate.
The biohealth company was selected for a vaccine self-sufficiency program under the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Vaccine Commercialization Technology Development Program. The clinical development project has a total budget of 3.1 billion won ($2.3 million).
Korea has included hepatitis A vaccination in its National Immunization Program (NIP) since 2015. However, the country remains dependent on overseas suppliers, importing both hepatitis A vaccine bulk drug substance and finished products from multinational pharmaceutical companies.
The government has supported domestic hepatitis A vaccine development as part of efforts to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen the supply of vaccines included in the NIP.
GeneMatrix has completed immunogenicity and potency studies for GMAI-02 and established preclinical safety data. The company received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in the first half of 2025 to conduct a phase 1 trial.
The company said it has selected a trial site and plans to begin the study in the second half of ...