Half of vaccines are binned - 'fridge-free' versions could change that
Scientists have kept vaccines stable at room temperature for a year, which could transform global vaccination.
Most vaccines require refrigeration or freezing, but around half of them are wasted each year due to improper storage and transportation. A UK trial has successfully converted a liquid tetanus-diphtheria vaccine into a fridge-free version by keeping it as a dry powder at room temperature, which remains stable for a year before mixing with water.
This innovation, inspired by resurrection plants that can survive droughts, has the potential to eliminate the need for the "cold chain" and reduce vaccine wastage globally. Current vaccines often fail due to temperature control failures in the cold chain, especially in remote or war-torn areas. The trial showed equivalent immune responses and safety in early studies, and a larger trial with 160 participants is set to begin soon.
While many vaccines could potentially be stabilized with trehalose, the effectiveness in fluctuating temperatures and diverse populations requires further investigation. If successful, this breakthrough could make immunization programs more sustainable and equitable worldwide.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
