Oral vax rides on advanced microparticles

Researchers in the U.S. and China have worked together to develop microparticles that carry vaccine nanoparticles through the stomach and release them in the large intestine when the pH levels are on point. This new technique provides an alternative to both rectal and vaginal vaccine delivery and injections.

Oral vaccines can destruct once they hit the upper gastrointestinal tract. That's why this design proves intriguing; the targeted oral delivery depends on pH levels and the delivery system aims for the large intestine.

When tested on mice, the large intestine-targeted oral delivery system induced colorectal immunity in mice comparable to that of colorectal vaccination, according to the abstract. On the other hand, vaccine targeted to the small intestine induced only a bit of intestinal immunity and provided no rectal or vaginal protection.

Though still in its early stages, the vaccine delivery system could prove effective against infections such as chlamydia.

For more on oral drug delivery, see our eBook Oral Drug Delivery Technologies: Tackling Clinical and Commercial Challenges.

- read the abstract
- here's more on the method

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