British researchers have successfully completed a clinical trial for vaccines that do not require refrigeration. Currently, nearly half of all vaccines globally are discarded due to issues with the cold chain, which mandates strict temperature control from manufacturing to delivery. This process is particularly difficult in remote areas or regions with unreliable electricity.
The study, conducted by Stablepharma and the National Institute for Health and Care Research, involved 60 volunteers testing a version of the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine. The formula was kept as a dry powder at room temperature for an entire year before being reconstituted with water. This method draws inspiration from resurrection plants, which utilize the sugar trehalose to stabilize their cells during droughts.
Professor Saul Faust, who directed the research in Southampton, confirmed that the vaccine triggered immune responses equivalent to traditional versions and was well-tolerated by participants. A larger trial with 160 participants is scheduled to begin soon. Because the underlying vaccine is already licensed, researchers anticipate a swifter path to wider application.
Industry experts, including former deputy chief medical officer Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, have praised the technology for its potential to alleviate the logistical strain on healthcare workers. While the technology is not currently compatible with mRNA vaccines, it shows promise for other medical treatments, such as monoclonal antibodies. The findings have been documented in the journal eClinicalMedicine.
