UK scientists develop fridge‑free vaccine to cut global wastage

UK researchers have successfully trialled a "fridge‑free" version of a tetanus‑diphtheria vaccine in 60 volunteers. The vaccine was converted into a dry powder using trehalose, a sugar found in resurrection plants, and stored at room temperature for a year before reconstitution and injection. The study, conducted by Stablepharma in partnership with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), reported immune responses equivalent to the conventional refrigerated vaccine and was well tolerated.

The new formulation aims to eliminate the need for a cold chain, which currently leads to the loss of roughly half of all vaccines worldwide. By meeting the World Health Organization’s target for stability at 30 °C and 75 % relative humidity, the technology could dramatically reduce vaccine wastage, especially in remote or conflict‑affected regions. A larger trial involving 160 participants is slated to begin in the coming months.