Michael Schrader of Vaxess Technologies Inc. in the U.S. will develop a microneedle patch that stabilizes vaccines and can deliver multiple doses through the skin at defined times thereby reducing cost waste and the need for repeat immunizations. Vaccinations delivered intradermally via microneedles are at least as effective as intramuscular delivery via injection but reduce the requirement for needles and trained health workers. The patch uses a silk fibroin protein that protects the vaccine against high temperatures removing the need for cold storage and controls the timing of release through the skin. They will refine the material for delivering two doses of inactivated poliovirus vaccine evaluate its safety and activity in animal models and optimize the manufacturing process to ensure reduced costs.