Novel formulations and delivery strategies for inactivated polio vaccines : new routes with benefits

Abstract

This thesis describes the development of improved

formulations and alternative delivery strategies for polio vaccination. A new

generation of IPV should not only be affordable and safe to produce, but

preferably should also induce mucosal immunity, remain stable at unrefrigerated conditions, and be easy to administer. This is also important with regard to stockpiling and outbreak management in the period towards and beyond polio eradication. Solid dosage forms that have improved thermostability, like biodegradable Bioneedles comprising lyophilized IPV or polymer-based oral films, would be favorable to reach remote areas in developing countries for which proper logistics are not available. Replacing the currently used polio vaccines with a thermostable vaccine may yield significant cost savings. Furthermore, vaccination via mucosal routes showed to have important advantages over conventional intramuscular vaccination using needle and syringes.