BioApplications Inc.
Delivering High-Quality Subunit Veterinary Vaccines

BioApplications Inc. (BioApp) is a South Korean biotech company that was spun off from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in 2011. It is currently developing a plant-based platform for biopharmaceuticals. Plant systems are expected to have various advantages over the E. coli or mammalian cell system in terms of production cost and safety.

The founders of BioApp are leading scientists in protein trafficking in plant cells. They have a deep understanding of protein biogenesis and can engineer protein targeting to ensure the production of valuable recombinant proteins of the highest quality. To manufacture pharmaceutical proteins, BioApp has constructed a plant platform by developing a high-expression vector and a purification system within a closed hydroponic controlled facility.

Based on proprietary technology, BioApp is delivering high-quality subunit veterinary vaccines. Protein subunit vaccines are considered safer and more eco-friendly compared to live vaccines. If there is a vaccine and diagnostic tool that can distinguish between infected and vaccinated animals, it will be possible to avoid culling out animals due to infectious diseases.

After eight years of research and development, BioApp has obtained the license for the classical swine fever (CSF) DIVA vaccine from plants. Many research groups spent a long time developing the CSF DIVA (differentiating infected from vaccinated animal) vaccine to obtain a CSF-free certificate from the World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH).

“Our vaccine is the first animal vaccine produced from plants and currently the only vaccine available on the market,” says Eun-Ju Sohn, the CEO of BioApp. “The approval of the PCV2 vaccine by the government authorities on July 12th demonstrates that the success of the CSF DIVA vaccine was not just a stroke of luck.”

BioApp is also committed to assisting the cultivated meat (CM) industry by providing animal-origin-free, cost-effective growth factors produced from plant platforms. The price of growth factors for cell culture media is a key factor in reducing the potential market price of CM for commercialization. Plant platforms offer the best solution for mass-producing growth factors at low costs.

The company has undertaken significant research and development initiatives to address current challenges and emerging trends in the biotechnology industry. One breakthrough innovation is the development of virus-like particle vaccines using plants as a production platform. This approach enables the expression of specific antigens, resulting in vaccines that can differentiate infected animals from vaccinated ones.

By utilizing this unique technology, BioApp is at the forefront of addressing challenges in disease control and driving innovation in the biotechnology industry. The company has also developed distinctive solutions to tackle emerging challenges. Notably, it has created the Herbavac CSF Green Marker Plus vaccine, which offers a higher antigen concentration with the same or shorter onset of immunity compared to its predecessor. Additionally, it provides the same or longer duration of immunity. These novel approaches demonstrate BioApp’s ability to address emerging challenges by improving vaccine efficacy and duration.

BioApp aims to contribute to a safer and healthier world by implementing the One Health philosophy, which encompasses the health of the environment, animals, and people, through plant biotechnology. In addition, the company seeks to solve environmental problems caused by traditional livestock breeding by supplying safe and affordable growth factors in large quantities, supporting the growth of the cultivated meat market. Ultimately, BioApp aims to contribute to human health by developing edible vaccines, edible medicines, and personalized biopharmaceuticals through its plant platform technology.