Game-changer in vaccines? Stablepharma’s fridge-free tech wins €2.5m boost!

UK-based biotechnology company Stablepharma Ltd has secured €2.5 million in funding from the prestigious European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator program. The grant recognises the company’s pioneering fridge-free vaccine technology, an innovation that aims to transform global vaccine storage and distribution. By eliminating the need for refrigeration, Stablepharma’s approach addresses one of the most pressing challenges in cold chain logistics, particularly in regions where maintaining temperature-controlled storage is costly and complex.

The funding is part of a highly competitive EIC Accelerator round, which saw 1,211 applicants from across Europe, with only 71 companies securing grants. Stablepharma stands among just five UK-based firms selected, reinforcing its role as a key player in thermostable vaccine development. The grant will help accelerate research and development efforts, supporting clinical trials and manufacturing scalability to ensure millions of doses can be produced annually.

What Makes Stablepharma’s Fridge-Free Vaccine Technology Groundbreaking?

Stablepharma’s proprietary StablevaX technology revolutionises the way vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics are stored and transported. Traditionally, vaccines require strict temperature control to remain effective, with disruptions in the cold chain logistics often leading to spoilage, wastage, and increased costs. StablevaX eliminates this dependency, offering a more efficient and accessible solution for vaccine distribution, particularly in low-resource settings.

The company has already identified up to 60 vaccine candidates that could be adapted to its platform, demonstrating the broad potential of thermostable vaccine development. This innovation not only enhances the stability of vaccines but also significantly reduces logistical costs, making immunisation efforts more sustainable and accessible worldwide.

How Will the EIC Accelerator Grant Support Stablepharma’s Growth?

The EIC Accelerator program is one of Europe’s most prestigious funding initiatives, aimed at supporting deep-tech innovations with high commercial and societal impact. This year, the program is set to distribute up to €161 million in grants, with additional equity investments managed by the EIC Fund, Europe’s largest deep-tech investor. These investments often attract private sector co-funding, amplifying the total financial support received by selected companies.

For Stablepharma, the €2.5 million grant will be instrumental in advancing its lead candidate, SPVX02, a fridge-free tetanus and diphtheria vaccine. The company is preparing for Phase 1 clinical trials, scheduled to begin in March 2025. These trials, partially funded by Innovate UK, represent a crucial step toward regulatory approval and eventual commercialisation. With trial results expected by Q4 2025, the success of SPVX02 could pave the way for a new generation of vaccines that do not require refrigeration.

What Are the Broader Implications of Stablepharma’s Innovation?

The implications of Stablepharma’s fridge-free vaccine technology extend beyond cost savings and logistical efficiency. The ability to store and transport vaccines at ambient temperatures has the potential to increase global vaccine access, particularly in remote and underserved areas where maintaining a cold chain is impractical.

Vaccine wastage due to temperature fluctuations is a significant challenge, with estimates suggesting that up to 50% of vaccines are discarded due to improper storage conditions. Stablepharma’s thermostable vaccine development directly addresses this issue, offering a sustainable solution that aligns with global health initiatives to reduce waste and improve immunisation coverage.

Additionally, the company’s ability to manufacture vaccines under scalable Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions ensures that production can be ramped up efficiently to meet global demand. This scalability is particularly crucial in responding to outbreaks, pandemics, and other public health emergencies, where rapid vaccine deployment is essential.

What Industry Leaders Say About Stablepharma’s Achievements

Stablepharma’s CEO and Executive Director, Ozgur Tuncer, highlighted the significance of the EIC Accelerator grant, describing it as a testament to the company’s leadership in fridge-free vaccine technology. He emphasised that being among the select few UK companies to receive funding underscores the strength of the UK’s life sciences sector and its ongoing contributions to global health advancements.

Dr. Steve Chatfield, Non-Executive Chairman of Stablepharma, echoed these sentiments, stating that the grant is a reflection of the company’s commitment to thermostable vaccine development. He credited the research and development team for their dedication in advancing the StablevaX platform, reinforcing its potential to disrupt traditional vaccine storage and distribution models.

What’s Next for Stablepharma?

With Phase 1 clinical trials on the horizon, Stablepharma is positioning itself as a leader in fridge-free vaccine technology. The company’s work aligns with broader industry trends focusing on sustainability, cost reduction, and improved access to essential medicines.

As global health organisations and vaccine manufacturers continue to seek solutions to cold chain challenges, Stablepharma’s innovation could set a new standard for vaccine storage and distribution. The success of SPVX02 could be a critical milestone, opening doors for other thermostable vaccines to enter the market and reshape the future of immunisation.

The EIC Accelerator grant not only provides financial support but also validates the impact and commercial potential of Stablepharma’s work. As investment in thermostable vaccine development grows, the company is well-positioned to expand its partnerships, enhance its manufacturing capabilities, and bring its technology to a global scale.

Stablepharma’s success in securing €2.5 million from the EIC Accelerator program marks a significant step forward in the development of fridge-free vaccine technology. By addressing critical challenges in cold chain logistics, the company is paving the way for more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible vaccines. With upcoming clinical trials and continued industry recognition, Stablepharma remains at the forefront of thermostable vaccine development, offering a solution that could transform global healthcare.