[Kim Sungjin, Edaily Reporter] Huons is expanding its vaccine portfolio with the introduction of a new vaccine to prevent Japanese encephalitis.

Huons announced on October 1 that it has signed an exclusive domestic distribution agreement with Substipharm Biologics S.A. (CEO Fabrice Baschiera, hereinafter “Substipharm Biologics”), a specialized vaccine division of the private French healthcare group Substipharm, for the Japanese encephalitis live vaccine “Imojev.”

Huons established a dedicated vaccine division this past March, adding five new vaccine products to its portfolio and further strengthening its existing cold-chain infrastructure and specialized injection sales network. The introduction of Substipharm Biologics’ “Imojev” is expected to create immediate synergy with the company’s existing vaccine portfolio, significantly enhancing the market competitiveness and commercial capabilities of the new division.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne disease that—although it initially presents with mild symptoms such as fever and headache—can progress to encephalitis accompanied by high fever, seizures, and paralysis, with a mortality rate of 20–30%. As there is currently no specific treatment for JE, health officials are emphasizing the critical importance of thorough preventive measures, including timely vaccination.

With cases reported annually in South Korea, health authorities urge vigilance across all age groups. In particular, 65.9% of the cases reported over the past five years were in people aged 50 and older.

“Imojev” is a live attenuated vaccine for JE indicated for both pediatric patients aged 12 months and older and adults. While inactivated vaccines require a complex administration schedule of up to five doses for children, “Imojev” offers enhanced convenience and patient compliance, requiring only two doses for children and a single dose for adults.

Most adults are protected one month after a single primary immunization, with immunity well maintained for over 10 years following vaccination. Children demonstrate 100% protective immunity one month after a booster dose.

Huons and Substipharm Biologics will continue to strengthen their partnership, dedicated to building a stable vaccine supply system and providing trusted immunization solutions for healthcare professionals and patients across Korea.

Fabrice Baschiera, CEO of Substipharm Biologics S.A., said, “We are delighted to partner with Huons, a trusted healthcare company with strong expertise in vaccine commercialization and a well-established distribution network in Korea. Through this collaboration, we aim to improve access to Imojev and support broader protection against Japanese encephalitis for both children and adults. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to advancing public health through innovative and reliable vaccine solutions.”

Song Soo-young, CEO of Huons, stated, “Since establishing our vaccine division earlier this year, we are pleased to introduce a key vaccine product that can prevent Japanese encephalitis as part of our efforts to strengthen our vaccine business.” He added, “We remain committed to protecting public health and improving patient care by steadily expanding our product lineup.”

Substipharm is a privately held French healthcare group headquartered in Paris, founded in 1995. The company develops, supplies, and commercializes high-quality medicines and vaccines, operating in over 100 countries with a marketed portfolio of more than 90 molecules.

Substipharm Biologics is the group’s vaccines and biologics business, established following Substipharm’s 2022 acquisition of Imojev, a Japanese encephalitis vaccine, and its investment in a dedicated vaccine manufacturing facility in Bangkok, Thailand. Substipharm Biologics is based in Geneva, Switzerland, with a regional presence in Bangkok, and is focused on expanding access to vaccines and biologic medicines in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.