Composition, stabilization and delivery of virus-based vaccines: considerations to break free of the cold chain

Within the last 50 years, the emergence and re-emergence of widespread severe viral infections have caused some of the deadliest global pandemics. Thus, development of novel technologies that effectively stabilize and deliver virus-based vaccines are of high priority to public health. This review serves as a primer for those interested in developing and testing novel formulations and methods for administration of vaccines against viral infection. It starts with a brief history of immunization practices and the role they played in the evolution of vaccines available today. A brief section summarizing virus infection and immunology is provided to assist in design of studies for in vivo testing of novel vaccines. Physical properties of viruses are summarized with known physico-chemical mechanisms of virus degradation outlined. General formulation strategies to prevent degradation are discussed. Traditional and novel dosage forms for vaccine and immunization methods and up and coming technologies are also described.