“Vaccine activated by Tablets” Technology Won Innovation Award in Germany

Efficacy of Some vaccines can only be measured by multiple injections such as Hepatitis B and Rabies. German scientists developed a new technology, which can activate vaccine gradually by taking tablets after one injection. This innovation won 2014 “Biology Workgroup” innovation award in Germany.

“Immunity system will usually respond to vaccine after a certain period of time, so vaccines can really work by multiple injections,” said Professor Weber at the University of Freiburgin. However, in some developing countries, there is limited access to medical intervention. In addition, quite a few people bother going to the doctor’s. Therefore, multiple injections of vaccine cannot be done timely thus affecting the desired efficacy.

Weber and other researchers designed a round and tiny hydrogel carrier, which wraped the vaccine inside it. They then injected the vaccine into laboratory mice for storage. Later, Weber administered tablets which have a specific fluorescein to mice. The tablet will dissolve the hydrogel and the vaccine covered inside it will then be released, rendering the desired efficacy. 

Researchers inoculated Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) and Hepatitis B vaccine to laboratory mice using the method mentioned above in the animal experiments, and observed a satisfactory immunity response. “This is amazing. The immunity response can only be achieved by synthetic biology and biological technology,” said Andrew Doman, Innovation Prize Jury member of “Biology Workgroup”. The University of Freiburgin has applied for a patent not long ago according to Andrew Doman.

As a coordinating agency in Germany, “Biology Workgroup” has issued an innovation award to biological technology for the seventh time.