Upperton Pharma Solutions and Oxford Team Up to Pioneer Oral Vaccine Delivery
Upperton Pharma Solutions has secured funding under the first VaxHub Sustainable Platform Funding Call to support the development of oral formulations for adenovirus-vectored vaccines.
The project, launched in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Pandemic Sciences Institute, is scheduled to run until the summer of 2026 and could reshape how vaccines are administered worldwide.
Exploring a New Frontier in Vaccine Delivery
The research will be led by Dame Sarah Gilbert, a name synonymous with vaccine innovation, and will investigate the potential of oral delivery as a viable alternative to traditional intramuscular injections.
By pursuing this route, scientists hope to induce mucosal immunity, improve stability during storage, and simplify global distribution logistics. Crucially, oral formulations may also pave the way for self-administration, breaking down barriers to uptake often linked with needle-based vaccination.
Upperton’s Role in the Collaboration
Upperton brings a wealth of expertise to the project, particularly in particle engineering, spray drying, and oral dosage form development.
Their formulation capabilities will be central to advancing the work from concept to a stable, practical product. Reflecting on the partnership, Upperton’s chief scientific officer emphasised that oral vaccine delivery has the potential to transform immunisation strategies and pandemic response frameworks worldwide.
This collaboration, they added, represents a significant step forward in harnessing Upperton’s formulation expertise for global health innovation.
Backed by the VaxHub Sustainable Programme
The initiative is part of the broader VaxHub Sustainable programme, a United Kingdom research effort funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Co-led by University College London and the University of Oxford, the programme aims to cement the UK’s status as a global leader in sustainable vaccine manufacturing.
By integrating academic expertise with industrial know-how, the hub is designed to accelerate breakthroughs that ensure vaccines are not only effective but also accessible and environmentally sustainable.
A Step Toward the Future of Immunisation
If successful, this project could mark a turning point in the history of vaccines. Oral delivery may help overcome logistical challenges, boost uptake, and ultimately expand access to life-saving immunisations, particularly in regions where healthcare infrastructure is limited.
By bringing together Upperton’s formulation capabilities and Oxford’s scientific leadership, the collaboration embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience that has defined the UK’s approach to global health challenges.
In conclusion
The partnership between Upperton Pharma Solutions and the University of Oxford signals more than just scientific progress – it represents a bold step towards a future where vaccines are easier to deliver, more widely accepted, and better prepared to meet the demands of future pandemics.
News Credits: Upperton Pharma Solutions awarded grant to develop oral vaccine delivery with University of Oxford
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