Experimental Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine Maintains Efficacy Without Refrigeration for Over a Year
An experimental combination vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria has demonstrated effectiveness when stored outside of refrigeration for a year or more, according to researchers reporting in Lancet Discovery Science. This new vaccine, SPVX02, is a repurposed version of an existing World Health Organization-approved vaccine, TetaDif. Developed by Stablepharma, a London-based company, using their StablevaX technology, the vaccine incorporates inert pharmaceuticals like trehalose before freeze-drying. This process creates a protective layer that maintains vaccine stability even at higher temperatures. In a trial involving 60 participants in the United Kingdom, SPVX02, stored at up to 30°C for a year, showed no serious side effects and produced immunity against tetanus and diphtheria toxins comparable to existing vaccines. The team is now exploring applying this technique to other vaccines, including those for hepatitis B and HPV. 
