Powdered polio vaccine brings hope to Nigeria and Pakistan

New method of freeze-drying IPV maintains its potency in hot conditions

A polio vaccine that can be stored as a dried powder at room temperature could offer a new way to help eradicate the disease, according to researchers.

While existing vaccines have led to polio being eliminated in many countries around the world, including the UK, the highly contagious virus still circulates in the populations of countries including Nigeria and Pakistan, where it can cause paralysis or even death.