Still in development, a new inhaled vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) proved just as effective as the injectable form in a recent animal study. The new formulation has several advantages over the injectable vaccine: it doesn't need to be refrigerated or reconstituted with water, making it easier to transport and store, and it's conveniently administered via inhaler, not a needle and syringe.

Scientists tested the vaccine on guinea pigs that were then challenged with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The vaccine significantly reduced bacterial burden and lung pathology. They believe the new formulation could be especially valuable for developing countries with limited medical resources. According to the CDC, TB infects one-third of the world's population and 2 million people die of TB annually.

Source: Garcia-Contreras L, et al., Immunization by a bacterial aerosol, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, March 25, 2008.