On December 6, 2025, in Da Nang City, Naviva Group, in collaboration with GC Biopharma (South Korea), organized a scientific conference themed “Advancements in Varicella Prevention Using the MAV/06 Strain.” The program was conducted to update the latest scientific information related to the new-generation MAV/06 strain varicella vaccine, while supporting healthcare professionals in systematically accessing specialized knowledge to effectively serve vaccination counseling and implementation in both clinical practice and community settings.
Scientific Conference: “Advancements in Varicella Prevention Using the MAV/06 Strain”
The scientific focus of the conference was clearly reflected in the presentation titled “Enhancing the Quality of Varicella Vaccines Derived from the MAV/06 Strain,” delivered by MSc., MD. Nguyen Hien Minh – Deputy Head of the Immunization Unit, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City. In the presentation, the speaker systematically reviewed and analyzed existing scientific evidence, combined with practical experience in immunization services, thereby clarifying the developmental foundation of the MAV/06 strain varicella vaccine—a strain that has been applied in South Korea since 1993 and incorporated into the country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization.
According to the report, first-generation varicella vaccines derived from the MAV/06 strain have been licensed in more than 30 countries, with over 30 million doses administered worldwide, including in Vietnam since 2008. Long-term post-marketing surveillance data have confirmed both the protective efficacy and safety profile of the vaccine. Based on this robust scientific and real-world foundation, the second-generation vaccine has continued to be developed with significant advancements in manufacturing technology, notably the use of MRC-5 cell lines in accordance with WHO recommendations, the application of an automated, fully closed production process, and the complete elimination of antibiotics, thereby substantially improving product stability and overall quality.
Overview of the Scientific Conference “Advancements in Varicella Prevention Using the MAV/06 Strain”
Additional Perspectives from the Manufacturer and Implementation Orientation in Vietnam
Within the framework of the symposium, representatives of GC Biopharma shared further insights into quality control enhancements for the second-generation MAV/06 strain varicella vaccine. They also provided updates on the World Health Organization (WHO) release, dated 21/11/2025, of the updated WHO Position Paper on Varicella Vaccines, which replaces the previous version issued in 2014. The new document consolidates recent scientific evidence, vaccine effectiveness data, and implementation experiences from multiple countries, forming the basis for recommendations adjusted to the current global context.
One of the key updates is the confirmation that the MAV/06 strain is equivalent to the Oka strain, which has long served as the reference strain in many currently available varicella vaccines. WHO noted that this recognition helps expand vaccine supply options for countries and allows the MAV/06 strain to be integrated into immunization schedules applied worldwide.
GC Biopharma Representative Sharing Updates on Quality Improvements of the Second-Generation MAV/06 Varicella Vaccine
In addition, Mr. Le Phuoc Man Tue – Business Development Director, Naviva Group stated that the company aims to bring BARYCELA, the first antibiotic-free varicella vaccine, closer to healthcare facilities across Vietnam. This effort is intended to help reduce the disease burden caused by varicella for children, families, and the healthcare system.
Mr. Le Phuoc Man Tue – Business Development Director, Naviva Group
Through this scientific conference, Naviva Group continues to affirm its role as a bridge between international vaccine manufacturers and the domestic healthcare system, working alongside medical professionals to update knowledge, enhance immunization quality, and strengthen the effectiveness of infectious disease prevention—particularly for varicella.
Da Nang City, 06/12/2025
