Dessau-Rosslau (Germany), February 26, 2026 – IDT Biologika, a leading CDMO providing end-to-end services in the development and manufacturing of viral vaccines, gene and immune therapeutics and aseptic fill-finish of sterile injectables, announced that, together with SK bioscience and Australian biotechnology company Vaxxas, it has been selected for Phase 1 of a next-generation vaccine development initiative managed by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) on behalf of the European Commission’s Health Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). Using Vaxxas’ needle-free delivery technology, the three-party consortium will develop a seasonal influenza vaccine for older adults and a pandemic influenza vaccine for the general population.
This contract is one of three EU-funded framework contracts, valued at up to a total of €225 million and aimed at strengthening next-generation vaccine commercialization and supply capabilities within Europe. HaDEA will provide up to €12.9 million to support Phase 1 research, including a Phase 1 clinical trial. Subject to successful technical validation and positive clinical outcomes, the consortium could tender to progress through subsequent phases of the program.
The contract is particularly meaningful as it represents the first major global public funding secured following SK bioscience’s acquisition of IDT Biologika and continues the company’s close collaboration with high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) pioneer Vaxxas. It also establishes a pathway for entry into the highly regulated European market by combining influenza vaccine development capabilities with Vaxxas’ HD-MAP technology.
Within the consortium, IDT Biologika serves as the European legal contracting entity and overall project lead, overseeing project management and coordination with European authorities. SK bioscience, leveraging its cell culture technology, will supply drug substance for both its licensed influenza vaccine, SKYCellflu, and a pandemic influenza vaccine currently under development. SK bioscience will also collaborate with Vaxxas on clinical development, with Vaxxas manufacturing the HD-MAP vaccines.
The patch-based influenza vaccines are designed to achieve a comparable immunogenicity response with lower antigen doses than traditional delivery platforms. With a short application time and room-temperature stability, they are expected to significantly enhance ease of administration and increase vaccine access critical to a public health vaccination response.
Through this project, SK bioscience, IDT Biologika, and Vaxxas intend to actively target the premium European seasonal influenza vaccine market for older adults while boosting their capabilities to support the region’s preparedness to respond to potential public health crises.
Upon successful development, the consortium partners plan to pursue entry into major advanced markets, including Europe’s Northern Hemisphere market, and explore additional business opportunities through exports to key markets such as Korea and the United States, depending on global clinical outcomes.
According to global market research firm Datamonitor, the seasonal influenza vaccine market targeting older adults is estimated at approximately $459 million. As immune responses decline with age, this segment shows strong demand for premium products such as high-dose and adjuvanted vaccines, making differentiated formulations and technologies a direct determinant of market competitiveness.
Vaxxas
“The successful tender reflects a shared ambition across the Consortium and the European Commission to invest in alternative vaccine delivery technologies that simplify vaccination and enhance preparedness,” said Vaxxas CEO Mr. David Peacock. “This tender positions Vaxxas and its Consortium partners at the forefront of global vaccination innovation. We are proud to see our technology recognised by governments worldwide as a critical component of future public health preparedness.”
SK bioscience
Jaeyong Ahn, President and CEO of SK bioscience, said “This project marks the first tangible business outcome following the acquisition of IDT, demonstrating how our combined global network and technological capabilities translate into performance. We will continue to actively pursue opportunities for our proprietary vaccines in Europe and strengthen our competitiveness in the global market through innovative platforms.”
IDT Biologika
“With more than 100 years of experience in vaccine development and manufacturing, IDT Biologika has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of patients and partners worldwide,” said Dr. Sally Choe, Co-CEO of IDT Biologika. “Our global customer focus drives us to not only ensure reliable, high-quality production, but also to actively shape innovative delivery solutions that can expand access and improve acceptance across broader populations. By working with SK bioscience and Vaxxas to advance needle-free patch technology for influenza vaccines, we are helping to develop new vaccination approaches designed to better protect people around the world against seasonal and pandemic influenza.”