Unlocking global access to RNA vaccines

CPI worked with UK-based SME, RNAssist, to develop a revolutionary new method for storing life-saving RNA vaccines without needing a freezer.

Current methods require RNA vaccines to be stored and transported at temperatures as low as -50°C, making it practically impossible to get them to remote areas of the world. The World Health Organisation estimates that 1.3 million more people would still be alive today if COVID-19 vaccines were distributed more evenly across the world.

Using deep eutectic solvents (DES), non-aqueous, non-organic solid solvents that form a compound liquid when mixed, CPI worked with RNAssist to develop a thermostable formulation to store RNA vaccines encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) without needing a freezer. With funding from Innovate UK, CPI also provided state-of-the-art facilities and formulation expertise to optimise and test the process.

The resulting TheraPHIX formulations will enable manufacturers to store RNA vaccines at ambient temperatures, with the potential to revolutionise vaccination campaigns and improve global vaccine equity. Following the project, RNAssist has been working with a large public health research institution in South America to test TheraPHIX to stabilise mRNA LNP vaccines.

Andrew Goldsborough, CEO, RNAssist, said:

Our collaboration with CPI and support from Innovate UK have been invaluable in bringing this innovation to life. Together, we are making strides toward a future where life-saving RNA vaccines can reach everyone, everywhere.