In March 2024 CEPI announced that it is providing up to $1.9 million to Ghent University to support investigations into a “pioneering vaccine stabilisation technique” that could end the need for frozen storage of mRNA vaccines and support faster responses within the 100 Days Mission. The University will test the preclinical performance of optimised mRNA vaccines using a specialised Galsomes platform after “spin-freezing”. This approach has been pioneered by a spin-off from Ghent University, RheaVita.
A novel approach
CEPI states that the process of freeze-drying dehydrates and stores vaccines and other products as powder at heat-stable temperatures to “inhibit spoilage, extend shelf life, and increase access” particularly in settings that are remote or lower-resource. Spin-freezing is a technique that works by “rapidly rotating” vials of vaccine along an axis while the flow of an inert and cold gas solidifies the vaccine into a “thin powder film” around the side of the vial.
“This allows for a much faster drying process and offers manufacturers more control of the process, which can help improve the quality of vaccines being produced.”
Vaccines can also be frozen continuously, vial by vial, which reduces the risk of “expensive and time-consuming bottlenecks and delays”, which often occur during traditional freeze-drying when vaccines are manufactured in batches. Although batch manufacturing “has long been the industry standard”, CEPI suggests that continuous manufacturing could bring “improved efficiency”, with raw materials “constantly fed into the production line” to bring more vaccines to market at a faster rate. Furthermore, this approach could reduce labour and waste, bringing cost benefits.
Flipping the process
Ingrid Kromann, Acting Executive Director of Vaccine Manufacturing and Supply Chain at CEPI, commented that “investors are increasingly looking to meet the challenge of rapidly scaling up thermostable mRNA vaccine doses” to ensure “wider global delivery”.
“In addition to making mRNA vaccines thermostable, spin-freezing has the potential to flip the usual batch production process utilised by pharmaceutical manufacturers and instead offer continuous manufacturing, which, if successful, could promote fast and flexible mRNA vaccine production in response to future outbreaks.”
From Ghent University Dr Ine Lentacker and Professor Thomas De Beer are “excited” by the collaboration, which provides them with “a great opportunity to improve the thermostability” of mRNA Galsomes.
“We believe that our efforts to address challenges posed by cold chain distribution could significantly contribute to equitable access to mRNA vaccines globally.”
We’re looking forward to hearing more from representatives of CEPI with insights into how the organisation is encouraging innovation and accelerating pandemic preparedness at the Congress in Washington this April. Do get your tickets to join us at this link and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletters here.
