The Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) have developed the first ever recombinant protein-based vaccine for anthrax infection, in collaboration with South Korean Biotech GC Biopharma.

The jab is designed to eliminate the risk of exposure to the toxins produced by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis which causes anthrax infection. B. anthracis spores are considered a potential bioterrorism agent and biological weapon

The development of the vaccine, dubbed Barythrax inj., signals South Korea’s intention to stockpile its own domestic anthrax vaccine. Previously, the country has relied on imports of vaccines made in the US by Emergent BioSolutions.

Barythrax is developed using a non-toxin-producing strain of Bacillus brevis, which generates only the protective antigen (PA) associated with immunity. This approach reduces exposure to toxins and related side effects compared to traditional anthrax vaccines and may have implications for safety and cost-effectiveness.

Speaking to Yonap News Agency, KDCA’s Director General of Disease Diagnosis and Analysis, Kim Gab-jung, said: "As demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, infectious diseases can spread rapidly and cause massive damage in a short period of time. This underscores the importance of securing proactive response capabilities at the national level."

She also noted the importance of developing a self-sustaining strategy towards public health: "Beyond infectious disease preparedness, the vaccine's development represents a major contribution to strengthening the country's overall public health security."

Kim commented that the development was not specifically in response to threats from the North, and South Korea has not reported any cases of the disease since it was designated a notifiable disease in the year 2000.

"But one thing is clear: more thorough preparedness is required, as South Korea faces a different geopolitical situation compared to many other countries," she said.