Half of vaccines are binned - 'fridge-free' versions could change that
UK scientists have successfully trialled a 'fridge-free' vaccine technology that uses a sugar-based stabilization method to keep vaccines viable at room temperature. This innovation could significantly reduce vaccine waste, which currently affects half of all global supply due to cold chain failures.
Why it matters
This technology could revolutionize healthcare access in remote or conflict-ridden regions where reliable electricity and refrigeration are unavailable.
Image source, NIHR Image caption, Hannah Kedzia taking part in the clinical trial in April 2025
Health and science correspondent Published 16 minutes ago Vaccines that do not need to be kept cool in a fridge have been successfully trialled in patients for the first time, say UK scientists.
Currently, most vaccines need to be refrigerated or frozen - but around half are wasted each year, mainly because they become unusable after getting too hot or too cold.
In the trial, which involved 60 volunteers, company Stablepharma converted a liquid tetanus-diphtheria vaccine into a "fridge-free" version by keeping it as a dry powder for a year at room temperature before mixing it with water and injecting it.
Vaccines often need strict temperature control during storage and transportation, from the moment of manufacture up until being injected into a patient's arm.
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