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For the first time scientists at Oxford University have found a way of keeping vaccines stable without refrigeration, even at tropical temperatures. The technology has the potential to revolutionise vaccination efforts, particularly in the developing world where infectious diseases kill millions of people every year, by removing the need for fridges, freezers and associated health infrastructure.
The work published in the journal Science Translational Medicine involved collaboration between the university scientists and a company, Nova Bio-Pharma Technologies.
Scientists carried out the proof-of-concept study, showing that (the) vaccines they are developing could be stabilised for months using Nova's patented technology, called the Hypodermic Rehydration Injection System (HydRIS).
... The method involves mixing the vaccine with the sugars trehalose and sucrose. The mixture is then left to slowly dry out on a simple filter or membrane.
As it dries and the water evaporates the vaccine mixture turns into a syrup and then fully solidifies on the membrane.
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