Researchers at the University of Bath, led by Professor Asel Sartbaeva, are developing a promising vaccine against hantavirus, a potentially deadly virus transmitted by rodents. The team is using a novel silica encapsulation technology to create a thermostable vaccine that does not require refrigeration, which could be crucial for distribution in remote areas.
The vaccine is being developed in collaboration with Ensilitech, a University of Bath spinout company co-founded by Professor Sartbaeva. The technology involves encasing the vaccine in silica, which protects it from heat damage and allows it to remain stable at room temperature for extended periods.
Hantavirus causes severe respiratory and kidney diseases in humans, with no specific treatment or widely available vaccine currently approved. The University of Bath's approach aims to fill this gap by providing a safe and effective vaccine that can be easily transported and stored.
As of May 2026, the vaccine is in preclinical development, with researchers testing its efficacy in animal models. The team hopes to move to human clinical trials within the next few years, pending regulatory approval and funding.
