Health technologies : Vaccine technologies : Vaccine technologies overview

Current projects

Laboratory technician holding two vials of vaccine.

PATH has developed a mucosal immunization technology platform that could enable the administration of subunit vaccines—such as those against diarrheal disease—via the mucosal surfaces under the tongue (sublingual vaccine delivery).

Innovative research and product development in vaccine technologies

For more than 30 years, our work in vaccine technologies has centered on developing and advancing novel technologies that enhance the performance, effectiveness, safety and storage of vaccines. In collaboration with the World Health Organization, we are also working on innovative strategies and new policies that improve immunization logistics worldwide via Project Optimize. Examples of our work in researching and developing vaccine technologies are below.

Formulation and production methods:

  • Freeze-protection technology for vaccines containing aluminum adjuvant.
  • Heat-stable liquid formulation technology.
  • High-throughput screening assays.
  • Freeze-drying technologies.
  • Spray-drying methods: spray drying, spray freeze drying, and supercritical fluid spray drying.

Vaccine-delivery technologies:

  • Dissolvable tablets/wafers for oral delivery of vaccines.
  • Thermoresponsive gels for sublingual delivery of vaccines.
  • Disposable-syringe jet injectors.
  • Intradermal delivery devices: intradermal adapter for standard needles, microneedles, and field-filling device for hollow microneedles.
  • Autodisable, autoreconstitution, prefilled, and safety syringes.

Two health workers getting vaccine from a solar refrigerator.

PATH and partners have developed low-cost solar refrigerators that eliminate the need for batteries.

Container and packaging improvements:

  • Reconstitution technologies: needle-free vaccine vial adapter, plastic needles for reconstitution, dual-chamber containers for freeze-dried or spray-dried vaccines.
  • Phase-change insulation materials for vaccine storage containers and carriers.
  • Refrigeration technologies: low-cost solar refrigerators (no batteries required) and “smart” refrigerators that keep vaccines cold yet shield them from freezing.
  • Time-temperature indicators: vaccine vial monitors.

Photos, from top: Scott Areman, PATH/Carib Nelson.