Apollo develops needle-free topical vaccine

Australian bitoech Apollo Life Sciences has released results of preliminary trials of a transdermally delivered tetanus vaccine.

The research points the way to the possibility that, in the future, flu injections may be a thing of the past, Apollo CEO John Priest said.

The trials showed that the Apollo technology can successfully deliver tetanus toxoid vaccine directly through the skin of mice, without needles.

The technology has the potential to be applied in the delivery of influenza and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines that are given to Australian children.

Apollo expects to begin human trials of the technology later this year.

"The early tests show great promise for immunisation without needles," Apollo's science director, Dr Greg Russell-Jones, said.

"Trials show a better antibody response from our needleless vaccine than the injected vaccine. Our technology allows simple application without needles, patches, abrasion or ultrasound, which all disrupt the skin.

Apollo's needle-free vaccines would provide a better alternative to injections by:

• Removing the stress of needles - particularly for children;

• Reducing the risk and incidence of needle-stick injuries;

• Reducing the cost of immunisation as the vaccines could be delivered conveniently and easily without medical intervention;

• Being cheaper to store and easier to deploy than injectable vaccines which require refrigeration; and

• Cutting re-use of needles in developing countries, reducing the spread of disease.

Apollo will continue with trials to optimise the tetanus vaccination and will also investigate the potential of other vaccines, Russell-Jones said.