ColdVax Cryovial for Eukaryotic Cell Vaccines

It is critical for the DoD to protect warfighters from non-combat threats such as infectious diseases; infections can impair warfighter function and even result death. One limit to development and deployment of certain vaccines is the limited ability to store, transport and administer with a single vial. As such, the DHP is seeking development of a single, highly capable cryovial for eukaryotic cell vaccine cryopreservation, storage, transport, and administration. ADA Technologies proposes to develop the tamper-evident ColdVax cryovial that incorporates redundant seals to maintain sterility. Additionally, a septum fabricated from a novel polymer will be integrated into the vial to allow for addition of diluent and withdrawal of vaccine with standard needle and syringe. All components will be compatible with cryopreservation temperatures, allowing for proper storage and transport of live attenuated cell vaccines. The proposed effort will leverage the experience of a cryogenics expert, Dr. Ray Radebaugh, and a virology expert, Dr. Edward Janoff. During Phase I, we will synthesize and test septa to identify to an optimized septum. Following this, a prototype ColdVax cryovial will be fabricated and tested at the University of Colorado Medical Schools Mucosal and Vaccine Research facilities to establish the efficacy of the proposed system.