Rotavirus Vaccine Buffer Systems for Acid Neutralization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current rotavirus vaccines face challenges in stability, particularly in low-income countries where transportation and storage are costly and logistically complex, and there is a need for formulations that remain effective for at least 24 months, with existing buffers like citrates and phosphates having limitations in stability and safety.

Innovation Solution

Development of novel liquid rotavirus vaccine compositions using alternative buffer systems such as Magnesium Hydroxide Carbonate, Carbonate-Bicarbonate, and Ammonium-based mixed buffers that provide enhanced stability and acid-neutralizing capacity, allowing the vaccine to maintain potency for up to 2 years without requiring pre-administration of antacids.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional buffers like citrates and phosphates are used in rotavirus vaccine formulations, then the vaccine can be stabilized to some extent, but the stability is insufficient for long-term storage (24 months) and requires additional antacid pre-administration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevaccine stabilityVSAvoidadministration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the buffer system by replacing traditional citrate and phosphate buffers with alternative buffer systems including magnesium hydroxide carbonate, carbonate-bicarbonate, and ammonium-based mixed buffers. This parameter change achieves enhanced stability for 24-month storage and eliminates the need for antacid pre-administration while maintaining vaccine efficacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite buffer systems that combine multiple buffering agents (e.g., magnesium hydroxide carbonate, carbonate-bicarbonate mixtures, ammonium-based combinations) to achieve synergistic effects that provide both long-term stability and sufficient acid-neutralizing capacity without requiring separate antacid administration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the vaccine formulation is designed for long-term stability (24 months), then global distribution becomes more feasible, but the formulation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage durationVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the buffer composition parameters to alternative systems (magnesium hydroxide carbonate, carbonate-bicarbonate, ammonium-based buffers), the patent achieves 24-month stability without requiring complex lyophilization processes or multiple stabilizer combinations, thus managing formulation complexity while extending storage duration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If alternative buffer systems are used to enhance stability, then the vaccine remains effective for longer periods, but the compatibility and safety profiles need thorough validation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextended stabilityVSAvoidbuffer compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The alternative buffer systems (magnesium hydroxide carbonate, carbonate-bicarbonate, ammonium-based buffers) are selected because they are physiologically compatible and can self-regulate pH without requiring additional stabilizers or complex formulation components, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving extended stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The novel buffer systems ensure the stability and efficacy of the rotavirus vaccine for extended periods, facilitating easier and cost-effective global distribution and administration, while avoiding the limitations of traditional buffers like citrates and phosphates.

Implementation Method 1

Rotavirus is an acid-labile virus having a half-life of less than 12 minutes at pH 2.0. It is rapidly inactivated at such acidic pH. Therefore, to prevent inactivation of the virus by gastric acid, antacids or buffers are needed to be administered before or in combination with the oral rotavirus vaccination.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcid-base neutralization:

Implementation Method 2

The buffers are pre-mixed in the rotavirus vaccine compositions for use of the invention. Vaccine compositions for use of the invention are stable liquid rotavirus vaccine formulations for use in a method of treatment by oral administration.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuffering capacity:

Data Source

PatentEP2945650B1Rotavirus vaccine compositions and process for preparing the same
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 BHARAT BIOTECH INTERNATIONAL LTD
  • EP2945650B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2945650B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2945650B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Invention provides rotavirus vaccine compositions comprising rotavirus antigens, stabilizers and buffers. The buffers in the invention are pre-mixed in the rotavirus vaccine compositions to neutralize the high acidic pH of the stomach without, requiring separate administration of an antacid before vaccine administration. Vaccine compositions with buffers of the invention are stable liquid rotavirus vaccine formulations for oral administration.