DelSite nasal powder technology could reduce vaccine waste
An experimental drug delivery technology from the US-based DelSite Biotechnologies, a subsidiary of Carrington Laboratories, may help cut significant waste caused by improper refrigeration, while greatly expanding the use of needle-less vaccines.
An experimental drug delivery technology from the US-based DelSite Biotechnologies, a subsidiary of Carrington Laboratories, may help cut significant waste caused by improper refrigeration, while greatly expanding the use of needle-less vaccines.
The new vaccine technology is said to be the first of its class to eliminate the need for refrigerated storage. The DelSite technology formulates vaccines in a fine powder that may be stored and shipped at room temperature. The vaccine product may be administered nasally in a super-fine powder mist, or it may also be reconstituted into liquid form for conventional injections.
DelSite's nasal powder, which is expected to enter human clinical trials for effectiveness against influenza early next year, is based on a chemically and functionally distinct high-molecular-weight ionic polysaccharide designed for in situ gelling.
The polymer allows dry powder to change into gel particles upon contact with liquids in the nasal cavity. The in situ gel provides sustained antigen release and prolonged nasal residence, thereby increasing exposure to the antigen that results in increased immune response.
All current influenza vaccines are liquid formulations that have a limited shelf life, require refrigeration for storage and distribution and, with the exception of one live vaccine product - AstraZeneca's FluMist - are administered by injection.
DelSite's nasal powder influenza vaccine provides long-term stability at room temperature, shipping and distribution with no need for refrigeration, and administration without a needle. In addition, the vaccine is preservative-free and induces both mucosal and systemic responses.
These attributes make DelSite's nasal powder influenza vaccine particularly well suited for pandemic preparedness, the company says, when such products may need to be stockpiled for extended periods of time and rapidly distributed and self administered under emergency conditions.
Once DelSite's nasal dry powder technology has been successfully developed for the influenza vaccine, these same advantages may also prove useful in formulating other biodefence products and a wide range of other vaccines.