Vaccinations have begun in a phase I human clinical trial testing a freeze-dried, temperature-stable formulation of an experimental tuberculosis vaccine candidate. Nikki Withers speaks to Dr Daniel Hoft and Christopher Fox about the formulation process and what this means for vaccine development going forward.
Currently, the only Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccine for TB is Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). It is commonly given to babies in TB-endemic regions to protect children against meningitis and disseminated disease; however, the vaccine does not adequately prevent TB disease in adolescents and adults. Developing a highly effective TB vaccine would, therefore, be a crucial tool in ending the pandemic, according to the research team. However, many vaccines require a temperature-controlled system during transport, which can be costly and logistically challenging. “The worst problems with tuberculosis are in the developing world where it is difficult to maintain a cold chain,” explains Dr Hoft.
