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The device鈥攁 Micro-projection Array Patch, or 鈥楳AP鈥欌�攊s a one square-centimeter of biomedical polymer 鈥� smaller than a postage stamp 鈥� embedded with 5,000 vaccine-coated micro-projections that pass through the skin鈥檚 outer layer to deliver a vaccine directly to thousands of immune-rich cells in the skin.

The result is more efficient immunisation that does not require refrigeration, as is the case with many current vaccines.聽聽

The device is being commercialised by Australian biotech company , with manufacturing research being done by the University of Sydney and the .

鈥淒elivering vaccines with this technology will be cheaper and easier than liquid vaccines delivered by needles because they don鈥檛 need to be refrigerated,鈥� said Cristyn Davies from the University of Sydney.

鈥淭his would offer a significant advantage in remote locations, including in developing countries where refrigeration to keep vaccines viable is a major challenge.鈥�

is evaluating the device with her University of Sydney colleagues and from Sydney Medical School and from Sydney Business School.

Together, they will test the utility and acceptability of the device among patients and clinicians and assess its cost-effectiveness compared to conventional immunisation.

The device could also boost immunisation rates 鈥撀� due to fear of needles. Further, the聽聽there are 1.3 million deaths each year due to needlestick injuries and cross contamination.

Usability testing

The device is applied to the skin using a disposable applicator that contains the product and ensures reliable delivery.

In 2015 Vaxxas conducted a WHO-funded study testing the usability and acceptability of the applicator for polio vaccinations in Benin, Nepal and Vietnam.

said that study provided valuable information and suggested great potential for the Vaxxas product.

鈥淲ith Vaxxas planning to develop and commercialise the device in Australia, our research will focus on how the applicator is perceived by patients and administrators,鈥� said Cristyn Davies.

commented that Australia is a mature, developed vaccination market.聽

鈥淲hat immunisation providers expect in using the device and its acceptance by immunisation providers and recipients may differ dramatically from those in developing countries鈥�, she said.

鈥淲e will be testing the application in several settings and across different age groups, in the workplace and with GPs,鈥� said .

The findings will be compared with results from the earlier WHO utility study to determine requirements in different markets.

鈥淲e are at an important stage of the product development process,鈥� said Charles Ross, Head of Clinical Operations at Vaxxas. 鈥淏efore investing in manufacturing the applicator at pilot scale, we want to be confident the device satisfies design, end-user and logistical requirements for its intended markets.鈥�

鈥淰axxas is a great example of manufacturing innovation in Australia,鈥� said David Chuter, CEO and Managing Director at IMCRC.

鈥淭his research will give Vaxxas end-user and distribution information that decreases risk and accelerates the path to market and identifies product and design parameters required for subsequent pilot scale manufacture in Australia鈥�.

The Vaxxas MAP vaccine delivery system was invented at the University of Queensland and now is continuing development at the .

Fast facts

• The technology has the potential to completely disrupt the vaccine industry, a $30 billion market.
• Data from preclinical studies suggests the Vaxxas device will not only enhance the immune response generated by a vaccine compared to traditional delivery methods but potentially do this at a fraction of a full vaccine dose.
• Contrary to conventional vaccines, the vaccines tested by Vaxxas to date do not need to be refrigerated, reducing costs and alleviating transportation issues, particularly to parts of the world where cold chain infrastructure is unreliable.
• The Vaxxas device eliminates the risk of needle stick injuries. In addition, it will reduce the burden on patients suffering from needle-phobia.