Last Updated on January 19, 2025 by The Health Master
Cold chain
A groundbreaking discovery in drug storage with respect to the cold chain could have revolutionized the healthcare system, particularly in the areas where refrigeration access is very limited.
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have developed a very unique and novel method for the cold storage of drugs.
This new method allows protein-based drugs and vaccines to maintain their stability even at high temperatures by eliminating the need for cold chain storage.
The Challenge of Cold Chain
Currently, a cold chain of drugs is required to store the biological drugs and vaccines to maintain the temperature so that the safety and efficacy of the drug can be maintained.
The reliance on cold chain logistics is having several challenges:
- Very high costs: Maintaining a consistent cold chain during the supply chain is very expensive.
- Limited Accessibility of Refrigeration: Refrigeration infrastructure is very limited or unavailable in many parts of the world.
- Disruption of Supply Chain Disruptions: Disruption of the cold chain may occur due to logistic issues or any natural disasters, which can lead to significant drug losses.
A Game-Changing Solution
The researchers’ innovative approach involves:
- Perfluorocarbon Oil Storage: The drugs which require cold storage can be stored in a specialized perfluorocarbon oil solution.
- Surfactant Coating: Encapsulating the drug molecules with a surfactant layer to protect the drug.
This combination allows the drugs to maintain temperatures up to 100°C (212°F), the boiling point of water.
The Impact:
This breakthrough has the potential to:
- Reduce costs: It lowers the cost of drug manufacturing and their distribution.
- Expand Access: It enables access to life-saving drugs in remote areas.
- Emergency Response: Medical and drug supply can be faster during emergencies and disasters.
- Military Medicine: It improves the faster availability of essential drugs to the military canmps or on the battlefield.
1. What is the cold chain of drugs?
A cold chain of drugs is required to store the biological drugs and vaccines to maintain the temperature so that the safety and efficacy of the drug can be maintained.
2. What is the new method for storage of drugs without a cold chain?
The researchers’ innovative approach involves:
1. Perfluorocarbon Oil Storage: The drugs that require cold storage can be stored in a specialized perfluorocarbon oil solution.
2. Surfactant Coating: Encapsulating the drug molecules with a surfactant layer to protect the drug.
This combination allows the drugs to maintain temperatures up to 100°C (212°F), the boiling point of the water.
Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
Disclaimer: The information we have provided is for general knowledge and for informational purpose only and it cannot be treated as medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health issues and / or for the treatment of the same. The Health Master does not claim responsibility for this information.
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