AB&B BIO-TECH-B (02627) has recently achieved significant milestones. The company’s flagship product—China’s only quadrivalent influenza subunit vaccine covering all age groups—has once again been included in the latest influenza vaccination guidelines issued by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Concurrently, AB&B BIO-TECH-B is advancing a clinical study to evaluate the vaccine’s safety and efficacy in pregnant women, potentially expanding its application to expectant mothers and infants aged 0–6 months, marking a new breakthrough.
**Exploring Maternal Vaccination: Untapped Market Potential** Pregnant women are a high-risk group vulnerable to influenza and its complications. Physiological and immunological changes during pregnancy increase susceptibility to severe outcomes, including miscarriage, preterm birth, and even fetal developmental issues. While the WHO confirms inactivated influenza vaccines are safe at any stage of pregnancy, and the Chinese CDC recommends vaccination for this group, concerns over safety have historically led to contraindications in China, resulting in lower vaccination rates compared to Western countries. This gap stems from a lack of localized clinical data on vaccine safety and efficacy for pregnant women, coupled with limited awareness among healthcare providers and the public.
AB&B BIO-TECH-B’s quadrivalent influenza subunit vaccine, the first in China to cover all demographics (from infants aged 6 months to the elderly), is now being studied for maternal and infant use. In March 2025, the company partnered with Chongqing Medical University’s First Affiliated Hospital and the Yuzhong District CDC to initiate a clinical trial assessing the vaccine’s safety and immunogenicity in pregnant women (branded as Huierkangxin®). Interim results have shown promising progress.
Experts highlight that maternal vaccination not only protects mothers but also transfers antibodies to fetuses, offering infants immunity during their first six months—a critical window when their immune systems are underdeveloped. If successful, Huierkangxin® could become China’s first influenza vaccine specifically approved for pregnant women, bridging a key data gap and positioning AB&B BIO-TECH-B as a pioneer in this niche market.
**Core Product Gains National Recognition, Setting Industry Benchmarks** Unlike traditional split-virus vaccines—which retain more viral components for broader antigenicity but higher reactogenicity—AB&B BIO-TECH-B’s subunit vaccine employs a refined process to isolate key antigens (HA and NA), achieving over 85% purity. This results in milder adverse reactions, superior safety, and strong immunogenicity, making it ideal for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Amid fierce competition from players such as Hualan Vaccine, Haichen Pharma, and Qidi Pharma, AB&B BIO-TECH-B’s Huierkangxin® stands out as the only quadrivalent subunit influenza vaccine for all ages, carving a niche in the premium segment. Notably, the vaccine was recently endorsed in China’s *2025–2026 Influenza Vaccination Technical Guidelines* for individuals aged 6 months and above, underscoring its role in driving industry standards.
Furthermore, the vaccine is the sole immunization product to pass preliminary review for China’s 2025 National Reimbursement Drug List and commercial insurance innovation catalog, signaling a breakthrough in reimbursement for preventive care and enhancing market accessibility.
With its innovative, hard-to-replicate vaccines, AB&B BIO-TECH-B has emerged as a unique player in influenza prevention. As subunit vaccines gradually replace traditional split-virus alternatives, the company’s first-mover advantage and technological edge pave a clear path for sustained growth.