| abstract |
The present invention relates to a novel vaccine formulation suitable for oral administration. The vaccine formulation is a solid form containing the antigen and appropriate excipients, and after insertion into the mouth, rapidly dissolves in saliva and releases the vaccine into the mouth. In particular, the solid form may consist of a vaccine cake formed from a solution or suspension by sublimation, preferably by lyophilization. Preferred vaccines are those that include an antigen that is a pathogen that infects or invades the host, generally through the mucosa, or that is derived from the pathogen, or that further includes an antacid. Particularly preferred vaccines are combination vaccines containing two or more antigens, and more preferably the antigens are derived from two or more pathogens. |