[Edaily Reporter KIM SUNG-JIN ] GC Biopharma Corp. improved its financial performance in the third quarter of this year, driven by strong sales of its flu vaccine and the blood product Aliglo.

On the 2nd, GC Biopharma Corp. announced that it recorded third-quarter revenue of 522.1 billion won and operating profit of 49.2 billion won. While revenue decreased by 14.3% compared to the same period last year, operating profit increased by 68.5%.

The expansion of sales for the blood product Aliglo, which began full-scale supply to the U.S. market, is cited as a key factor in this improvement in profitability. Following sales of $51 million in the first half of the year, Aliglo generated approximately $46 million in revenue this quarter. Based on this trend, it appears possible to achieve the annual target of $150 million. Additionally, the inclusion of flu vaccine sales—which had been deferred from the second quarter due to the peak season—had a positive impact.

Net income also increased significantly this quarter as the upfront payment from the sale of Curevo Vaccine to Eli Lilly in May was reflected in the financials. GC Biopharma Corp.’s net income surged 1,051.9% year-over-year to 208.5 billion won.

The company explained that ABO Plasma, its major U.S. subsidiary operating plasma centers, significantly reduced its loss this quarter; in particular, the burden of fixed costs was alleviated as the utilization rates of its seven plasma centers increased.

A GC Biopharma Corp. official stated, “We will continue to achieve stable revenue growth and improved profitability through solid performance in our existing businesses and the expansion of our global product portfolio.”