Skin vaccination technologies, such as the dissolvable microneedle patch, could help address challenges faced by developing-country immunization programs. Photo: Georgia Institute of Technology.
PATH scientists and public health experts are among an estimated 100 delegates attending the 2013 Skin Vaccination Summit from September 4—6 at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center in Seattle. We are proud to be both a cosponsor of the multidisciplinary technical conference and a member of its Scientific Advisory Panel.
At the summit, PATH leaders and program staff will discuss a range of innovations in skin vaccination that we are helping to advance, from novel needle-free devices to microneedle technologies and other intradermal delivery methods. These technologies have the potential to improve vaccine efficacy, minimize transport and storage logistics, and increase patient access and acceptability.
Such innovations are especially important for developing countries, where significant improvements have been made but gaps in immunization coverage persist.
Advancing vaccine delivery technologies
The design, development, and advancement of novel vaccine delivery technologies for public health programs in developing countries have been a cross-cutting part of our work in vaccines and immunization for more than 30 years.
The 2013 Skin Vaccination Summit will provide a unique opportunity for dialogue among stakeholders from different sectors on the opportunities and challenges associated with developing vaccine delivery technologies.
Continuous innovation for better health outcomes
Skin-mediated technologies specifically target the dense population of antigen-presenting cells in the top layers of the skin. With certain vaccines, these technologies have been shown to induce a comparable or potentially more robust immune response than conventional intramuscular or subcutaneous delivery methods.
Innovative vaccine delivery technologies could increase vaccine effectiveness and address the unique technical and logistical constraints faced by developing-country public health programs, underscoring the role that continuous, transformative innovation can play in bringing vaccines within reach for individuals worldwide.
More information
Posted September 3, 2013.