China Launches First Liquid-Formulation Nasal Spray Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine

CHANGCHUN, China — Changchun Bcht Biotechnology Co. has launched China's first liquid-formulation nasal spray live attenuated influenza vaccine, marking a significant upgrade from the company's previous freeze-dried version and slashing vaccination time from roughly two minutes to just eight seconds.

The vaccine, suitable for children and adolescents aged 3 to 17, officially rolled out from Changchun on Aug. 3. The liquid formulation eliminates the need for reconstitution, allowing healthcare workers to administer doses immediately upon opening — a streamlined process that the company says dramatically improves efficiency at vaccination clinics.

"It saves the reconstitution step, ready to use right out of the package, compressing per-person vaccination to about eight seconds and greatly improving efficiency. At the same time, its rapid onset and triple immune response characteristics provide comprehensive protection for children," said Li Yanxue, deputy director of the immunization department at the vaccination clinic of Shuangde Second Community Health Service Center in Changchun High-Tech Zone.

The nasal spray vaccine works by delivering the immunization through the nasal passage, establishing a first line of defense in the respiratory tract. According to the company, it induces three types of immune responses — mucosal immunity, humoral immunity, and cellular immunity — creating multiple layers of protection that take effect quickly.

The liquid version maintains the safety and efficacy profile of the original freeze-dried formulation while further optimizing the entire user experience, the company said.

As China's first influenza vaccine administered via nasal spray, the product has been included in the World Health Organization's Global Influenza Vaccine Action Plan project.

At the launch event, Kong Wei, founder and chief scientist of Bcht Biotechnology, reflected on the vaccine's development journey. "From project initiation to market launch, this vaccine took 15 years," Kong said. "Going from 'usable' to 'user-friendly,' these small changes can make healthcare workers' jobs easier and make vaccination safer for recipients."

Kong also revealed that Bcht Biotechnology is conducting a Phase III clinical trial of the liquid nasal spray influenza vaccine for adults aged 18 to 59, with the potential to expand the eligible population to a broader age range in the future.

"Today is a 'supply station' on our long journey," Kong said. "In 2026, we will focus on leveraging the advantages of the liquid formulation to increase coverage at vaccination sites, help improve influenza vaccination penetration rates, and contribute to protecting public health."