The Needle-Free Vaccine Delivery Fund supports the innovative work of Professor Sarah Hook and Professor James Ussher, whose research at the University of Otago is advancing capsule-based vaccines that could one day replace injections. Through AUOA, supporters provide direct funding for formulation development, stability testing, student research roles, and early-stage experimentation that opens doors to more equitable vaccine delivery around the world.
This annual update highlights progress in the past year and illustrates how donor support enables Otago scientists to advance technologies that traditional funding may not yet prioritize. Contributions serve as essential “seed capital,” helping researchers explore new strategies to make vaccination safer, easier, and globally accessible.
Background and Leadership
Led by Professor Sarah Hook (School of Pharmacy) with collaborators in Microbiology & Immunology, the programme focuses on stabilising vaccines at room temperature using advanced encapsulation and formulation technologies. These capsules are designed to protect the vaccine as it passes through the stomach, triggering an immune response in the intestine.
The work is part of a growing international effort to democratise vaccine delivery and reduce needle anxiety, storage costs, and dependence on trained personnel.
Recent Highlights and Publications (2024 – 2025)
Ussher J.E., Koon B., Adams S.E., Hook S.M. (2025). Stabilised Antigen Microparticle Formulations for Needle-Free Mucosal Vaccination. Vaccine, 43(4): 1121–1130. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.04.018
University of Otago Newsroom (August 2025). No longer a pain in the arm? Vaccine innovation focus of research.Announces new HRC funding for needle-free vaccine development and highlights the team’s goal of global access through capsule-based immunisation.
Otago Daily Times (August 2025). Vaccines in a tablet among projects to get funding. Reports NZD 1.2 million Health Research Council grant for oral vaccine development led by Prof. Hook, targeting influenza and COVID-19 boosters.
Stuff NZ (2024). Needles Could Be Replaced by Pills for Vaccinations. Coverage of the same Otago-led programme, detailing its potential to transform vaccine delivery and global health logistics.
The Role and Impact of Donor Support
Donations through AUOA have provided vital seed funding for pilot-scale formulation experiments, biopolymer material acquisition, and student research assistance. These philanthropic funds accelerate early progress, enabling the generation of proof-of-concept data that attracts major national and international grants.
Looking Ahead
Through 2025–2027, the team will continue refining capsule technology for multiple vaccine types and advance toward pre-clinical testing. Long-term goals include creating oral boosters for influenza and COVID-19 and exploring new delivery systems for resource-limited regions.