Desert ‘resurrection plant’ sugar fuels fridge-free vaccine breakthrough

Scientists adapted trehalose—a protective sugar found in desert “resurrection” plants—to formulate a heat-stable tetanus-diphtheria vaccine dubbed SPVX02. In an early-stage human trial at Southampton University Hospital, 60 healthy volunteers received the vaccine, which displayed a safety profile and antibody response similar to existing licensed products. Principal investigator Saul Faust called the results proof of concept, while Stablepharma CEO Özgur Tuncer said the product can stay effective at up to 40 °C for six months, potentially eliminating the need for refrigeration.

The World Health Organization cautioned that further stability data and regulatory review are required before the cold chain can be abandoned. Stablepharma has secured a €2.5 million grant from the European Innovation Council and is launching a Phase IIb study with 160 participants to confirm efficacy. If successful, the approach could ease vaccine logistics in remote regions such as the Sahel and Tanzania, where power-poor health centers struggle with cold storage.