By Fineline Cube China’s Walvax Biotechnology Co., Ltd (SHE: 300142) has announced the decision to terminate a clinical study and end development for its recombinant enterovirus 71 (EV71) virus vaccine (Pichia pastoris). The company’s press release states that the recombinant EV71 vaccine, which first entered clinical trials in China in June 2019, was designed to prevent hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by the EV71 virus.
Declining Disease Incidence and Market Considerations
However, hand, foot, and mouth disease has been on the decline in China, and is now more frequently triggered by Coxsackie virus a16 (CA16), A6 (CA6), and A10 (CA10). Walvax’s vaccine is not effective against those strains. Additionally, there are already three EV71 inactivated vaccines on the market in China, with others under development, further influencing the company’s decision to halt development of its own EV71 vaccine.
Strategic Shift in Research and Development
Instead, Walvax will redirect its focus to several key areas. These include pursuing WHO prequalification (PQ) for its bivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, conducting a clinical study for its 9-valent HPV vaccine, and advancing domestic and overseas clinical studies for its recombinant COVID-19 vaccine. This strategic shift aims to align the company’s resources with more promising opportunities in the evolving landscape of vaccine development and public health needs.-Fineline Info & Tech