911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ

Landmark partnership builds on the successful first phase collaboration aiming to eliminate cold-chain storage requirements for RNA vaccines.

The initial 12-month validation study has delivered outstanding results, demonstrating successful long-term stabilisation of mRNA vaccines at room temperature. Building on these findings,  has renewed its commitment to find accessible technologies for Global Health, funding an additional year of development.

This extension will focus on advancing in vivo testing of GSK's mRNA vaccines encapsulated in revolutionary thermostable lipid nanoparticles, developed by research group at 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ’s Department of Chemical Engineering.

Advancing vaccine innovation through strategic partnership

The extended collaboration will rigorously evaluate the safety, in vivo potency, and long-term storage stability of these innovative nanoparticle formulations encapsulating mRNA of interest at temperatures up to 40°C, conditions typical of tropical climates. This work has the potential to transform vaccine accessibility in low-income countries that frequently lack the infrastructure necessary for traditional cold-chain storage systems.

This extension represents a crucial step towards our shared vision of making life-saving vaccines accessible to populations worldwide. Rongjun Chen Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering

"The success of our initial collaboration with GSK has exceeded our expectations," commented Professor Rongjun Chen, Professor of Biomaterials Engineering at 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ. "This extension represents a crucial step towards our shared vision of making life-saving vaccines accessible to populations worldwide, regardless of geographical or infrastructural constraints."

Thermostable mRNA delivery technology inspired by nature

The virus-inspired nanoparticle technology, developed within 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ's Future Vaccine Manufacturing Research Hub, mimics natural viral mechanisms to protect and deliver mRNA vaccines effectively while maintaining stability at ambient and tropical temperatures. Unlike conventional mRNA vaccines that require storage at temperatures as low as -80°C, these advanced formulations can maintain potency for extended periods at room temperature and beyond.

This technological advancement addresses one of the most significant barriers to global vaccine deployment, the cold chain, which typically accounts for up to 80% of vaccination costs and creates insurmountable logistical challenges in resource-limited settings.

Global impact potential

The implications of this technology extend far beyond individual vaccines. Successfully eliminating cold-chain requirements could revolutionize how vaccines are distributed globally, particularly benefiting underserved populations in tropical and remote regions where maintaining ultra-cold storage is impossible or prohibitively expensive. This aligns closely with GSK’s commitment to change the trajectory of high burden infectious diseases in lower income countries, not only by developing new prevention and treatment options, but also by helping to improve access to life-saving innovations and interventions in the communities that need them most.

We’re proud to extend our commitment with 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ to help advance thermostable mRNA vaccine technology. Thomas Breuer Chief Global Health Officer, GSK

“This partnership highlights the strength in collaboration between academia and industry,” said Thomas Breuer, Chief Global Health Officer, GSK. “We’re proud to extend our commitment with 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ to help advance thermostable mRNA vaccine technology, which could help overcome cold-chain barriers and in turn expand access to innovations in lower-income countries and beyond.”

Research excellence foundation

The technology stems from research conducted within 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ's Future Vaccine Manufacturing Research Hub, supported by funding from the using UK Aid funding and managed by the . This foundation underscores the UK's commitment to developing solutions for global health challenges.

The extended partnership builds upon Professor Chen's internationally recognized expertise in biomaterials engineering and his laboratory's track record of developing bio-inspired delivery systems. The research has garnered multiple awards, including the IChemE Global Team Award and 911½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ College President's Award for Outstanding Research Team.

Looking forward

As the partnership enters its second phase, the focus will shift from proof-of-concept to comprehensive validation studies that could help pave the way for regulatory approval and eventual global deployment.

This collaboration represents more than a technological advancement - it embodies a commitment to health equality and the belief that geographical location should not determine access to life-saving vaccines. As the world continues to face emerging infectious disease threats, innovations like these thermostable nanoparticle systems may prove essential for rapid, equitable vaccine deployment.