US developing topical vaccine that you rub on the skin
Stanford scientists have developed a prototype for a topical vaccine, which may remove the need for injections.
They modified a specific bacterium with the tetanus toxin’s gene fragment. Then, the researchers rubbed it on mice and found an immune response similar to a vaccine.
Soon, they will test the vaccine on monkeys. Eventually, this may lead to more affordable and accessible immunizations worldwide.
Article continues after this advertisementHow does the topical vaccine work?
Stanford Medicine scientists have developed an experimental topical vaccine, using a bacterium that naturally lives on human skin, that could pave the way for a needle-free protection against numerous toxins and pathogens. https://t.co/b5wNhhNWTg
— Stanford Medicine (@StanfordMed) December 11, 2024
The topical vaccine’s development started with the discovery that the harmless Staphylococcus epidermis bacterium induces an immune response.
Specifically, it can set off a powerful reaction from the Accumulation association protein (Aap). The immune system “learns” from the Aap, and then creates appropriate antibodies.
READ: MIT develops capsule as needle-free alternative to medications
Article continues after this advertisementSurprisingly, it triggers antibodies usually found in a mouse’s nostrils called Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies.
IgA fights respiratory pathogens responsible for the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.
In response, Stanford Medicine says the researchers studied practical applications for this reaction.
The researchers bioengineered the S. epidermidis bacterium and then swabbed it on a mouse over six weeks.
It developed extremely high levels of antibodies that target the tetanus toxin. Then, the researchers injected the toxin into experimental and regular mice.
Only mice that received the S. epidermidis topical vaccine remained symptom-free.
READ: Needle-free vaccine patches coming soon, say researchers and makers
Later, they used the same methodology for the diphtheria toxin and received similar results.
As a result, the researchers found they can produce antibodies in mice after two or three applications.
More importantly, their experiment could lead to the creation of a topical vaccine, meaning you can rub it like a cream instead of injecting it.
“We all hate needles — everybody does,” said Michael Fischbach, PhD, a professor of bioengineering at Stanford.
“I haven’t found a single person who doesn’t like the idea that it’s possible to replace a shot with a cream.”
It could also make inoculation cheaper and easier. Instead of lining up for a shot, you might just buy one and rub it.
He said that he and his team will test the topical vaccine experiment on monkeys. If they succeed, they will enter clinical trials within two to three years.
