Fridge-free tetanus-diphtheria vaccine trial aims to improve African vaccine access
Stablepharma, a UK biotechnology company, started human trials in April 2025 of a tetanus-diphtheria vaccine that remains stable without refrigeration. This innovation targets the difficulties of maintaining cold chains in Africa, where unreliable electricity and infrastructure hinder vaccine delivery, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1)
UK biotechnology firm Stablepharma began the first human trial in April 2025 of a tetanus-diphtheria vaccine designed to remain stable without refrigeration, a development that could significantly improve vaccine access in African settings.
Maintaining vaccines at temperatures between 2°C and 8°C is critical to preserve their efficacy, but this cold chain system depends on reliable electricity, refrigeration equipment, and trained personnel—resources often scarce in remote African communities and conflict zones.
For example, ongoing conflict in Sudan since April 2023 has disrupted electricity and fuel supplies, compromising vaccine storage and risking millions of doses. Healthcare workers face logistical challenges transporting and storing vaccines during outreach, as cold boxes are heavy and require careful temperature monitoring.
The new fridge-free vaccine technology could reduce reliance on cold chains, easing delivery in areas with limited infrastructure. Experts like Charles Shey Wiysonge and Chinwe Juliana Iwu-Jaja highlight the potential benefits but also note practical challenges remain before widespread implementation.