Overview
- University of Bath scientists said Friday their experimental hantavirus shot triggered strong immune responses in lab and animal tests.
- The candidate uses mRNA and a patented process called “ensilication,” which encases vaccine proteins in a thin silica shell so doses stay stable at room temperature.
- Cold-chain breakdowns spoil many vaccines, with the WHO estimating up to 50% waste in developing countries and industry losses near £35 billion each year, so shelf-stable shots could reach far more people.
- The Bath team plans to move toward Phase 1 human trials, though EnsiliTech’s co-founder told NBC News that early-stage testing could still be three to four years away without major support.
- The research comes as WHO and ECDC experts assess the MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak, with two evacuated Britons reported stable or improving and officials warning the Andes strain can incubate for up to six weeks, which could mean more cases.