Thermostable vaccines to enable global immunization

Introduction

With GLOBEVAC we present a novel solution to make vaccines thermostable, enabling global immunization by avoiding the need for cold chain logistics.

Importance of Vaccines

Vaccines are one of the most successful public health interventions to reduce the morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases. To ensure the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine, the production and distribution of almost all vaccines require what is called a ‘cold chain’, where the vaccine is continuously kept below certain threshold temperatures, sometimes as low as –80°C.

Challenges of Cold Chain Logistics

The need for such a cold chain inhibits cost-efficient and rapid distribution of vaccines and significantly reduces immunization in low resource settings.

GLOBEVAC Approach

Our GLOBEVAC approach consists of storing the vaccines in a novel formulation making them thermostable for weeks when kept at temperatures as high as 40°C.

Preliminary Data

Preliminary in vitro data has shown that our GLOBEVAC solution can be applied for several classes of vaccines:

• GLOBEVAC formulated adenovirus-based vaccines
• Vaccines based on enveloped viruses

These vaccines, when stored at 40°C, were as active and functional as the fresh ones kept at -80°C.

Project Goals

In this ERC PoC we will:

1. Technically validate our novel formulation for different classes of vaccines.
2. Explore the commercial potential of GLOBEVAC by developing an intellectual property strategy.
3. Perform an extensive market analysis that will finally lead to the development of a tailored business strategy.