Half of vaccines are binned - 'fridge-free' versions could change that
Summary
UK scientists have tested a new vaccine that does not need refrigeration by turning it into a dry powder preserved with a special sugar. This "fridge-free" vaccine worked well and stayed safe after being kept at room temperature for a year, which could help reduce vaccine waste and improve access in places without reliable cooling.Key Facts
- Most vaccines must be kept cold to stay effective, but about half are wasted each year due to temperature problems.
- Stablepharma developed a "fridge-free" tetanus-diphtheria vaccine by drying it with a sugar called trehalose.
- The trial involved 60 volunteers, showing the new vaccine gave similar immune protection and was safe.
- The vaccine powder remained stable when stored at room temperature for one year.
- A larger trial with 160 people is planned to confirm these results before wider use.
- This technology is inspired by resurrection plants that survive drought by producing trehalose.
- The vaccine can handle temperature changes from -20°C to +40°C, helping in transport without strict cold storage.
- The approach could also help store some medicines like monoclonal antibodies without refrigeration.
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