Development of stable influenza vaccine powder formulations: challenges and possibilities.

ABSTRACT: Influenza vaccination represents the cornerstone of influenza prevention. However, today all influenza vaccines are formulated as liquids that are unstable at ambient temperatures and have to be stored and distributed under refrigeration. In order to stabilize influenza vaccines, they can be brought into the dry state using suitable excipients, stabilizers and drying processes. The resulting stable influenza vaccine powder is independent of cold-chain facilities. This can be attractive for the integration of the vaccine logistics with general drug distribution in Western as well as developing countries. In addition, a stockpile of stable vaccine formulations of potential vaccines against pandemic viruses can provide an immediate availability and simple distribution of vaccine in a pandemic

SUBMITTER: Amorij JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2346510 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature