Vaccine stabilization

Thermostable vaccines can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of immunizations by preventing temperature damage to vaccines (caused by exposure to high heat or freezing), reducing vaccine wastage, and decreasing logistical and equipment requirements as well as the costs of vaccine transportation and storage—especially at the periphery of the cold chain. Thermostable vaccines also have the potential to facilitate coverage gains by enabling vaccine delivery in remote areas beyond the reach of the existing cold chain. Additional benefits, such as improved vaccine safety and superior product formats, are possible depending on the stabilization methods used.

For more than a decade, PATH has conducted research on both the technical and commercial feasibility of improving the thermostability of vaccines. It has identified and evaluated novel vaccine formulations and processing technologies as well as investigated the economic, logistical, regulatory, procurement, and policy issues associated with development, licensing, and use of stabilized vaccines. Visit PATH’s website to learn more about its ongoing work in vaccine stabilization, conducted in collaboration with vaccines producers, vaccine development projects, technology companies, laboratories, and universities.

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Page last updated: May 2012.