ANKARA 

South Korea Monday said it has developed the world's first recombinant protein-based anthrax vaccine "with fewer side effects."

The development is seen as a major step toward self-sufficiency that could also open export markets for the new vaccine developed by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), partnered with private firm GC Biopharma Corp., Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.

Unlike conventional versions, it eliminates the risk of exposure to toxins produced by Bacillus anthracis, a high-risk pathogen considered a potential bioterrorism agent.

The new vaccine, Barythrax Inj., received regulatory approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in April.

The approval permits Seoul to produce its own supply for the first time, ending its reliance on imports.

According to Kim Gab-jung, director general of the KDCA's department of disease diagnosis and analysis, the achievement would help reduce vaccine import costs and enable faster, more stable responses in the event of national emergencies such as bioterrorism.

"Beyond infectious disease preparedness, the vaccine's development represents a major contribution to strengthening the country's overall public health security," Kim said.

Until now, South Korea had relied on imports of Biothrax, the US-made anthrax vaccine.

South Korea has not logged any anthrax cases since it was designated a notifiable disease in 2000.

*Writing by Aamir Latif