Fridge-Free Vaccine Shows Promise in First Human Trial

A vaccine designed to work without refrigeration has completed its first human trial in the United Kingdom, potentially making immunisation easier in remote communities.

“This innovation could help us vaccinate more children and pave the way for a future of fridge-free vaccines,” said Ephrem Tekle Lemango, Associate Director of Immunisation at UNICEF.

The tetanus-diphtheria vaccine was reformulated as a powder using trehalose, a sugar that helps protect it during drying, and can remain stable for up to two years at 30°C. In a trial involving 60 adults, it was safe and produced immune responses comparable to two established vaccines. Most vaccines currently need continuous refrigeration between 2°C and 8°C, which can make delivery difficult where electricity and refrigeration are unreliable. A larger trial involving 160 people is expected to begin within months.