Lyophilization of Vaccines: Current Trends

Abstract

Regardless of how effective a vaccine may be in the laboratory, unless the suspension can be stabilized for storage and distribution, its commercial potential will be limited. Lyophilization (freeze-drying) is a well-established technique used in the pharmaceutical industry for stabilizing high-cost, labile bioproducts, such as vaccines. Alternative techniques that require the establishment of a cold chain can present problems, including the potential loss of vaccine stocks resulting from freezer failure and difficulties and costs when distributing frozen materials.