In a significant move poised to reshape global medicine distribution, two pharmaceutical innovators have joined forces. Stablepharma Limited, a UK-based specialist in thermostable formulations, has entered a development and option-to-license agreement with AFT Pharmaceuticals, a multinational firm listed on the NZX and ASX.
A Strategic Alliance for Global Health
Announced on January 15, 2026, the partnership aims to develop a new portfolio of fridge-free sterile injectable medicines. The initial focus will be on anti-infective and oncology treatments, targeting a combined global market valued at over USD 6 billion. This collaboration marks a strategic expansion for Stablepharma, applying its proven stabilization technology beyond vaccines to critical non-vaccine injectables that currently depend on costly and complex cold-chain logistics.
Under the agreement, Stablepharma will leverage its proprietary StablevaX™ platform. This technology reformulates drugs into thermostable products that can remain stable at temperatures of 40°C and above, eliminating the need for refrigeration from manufacture through to administration. In return for its technological contribution, Stablepharma will be eligible to receive future milestone payments and royalty revenue from AFT upon commercialization of the products.
Transforming Access and Sustainability
The implications of this partnership extend far beyond corporate strategy. By creating fridge-free injectables, the companies aim to tackle some of the most persistent challenges in global healthcare. Hartley Atkinson, Founder and Managing Director of AFT Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the shared vision, stating, "AFT and Stablepharma are fully aligned in our visions to improve healthcare and make a real difference to people’s lives, no matter where they live in the world." He highlighted AFT's commitment to innovation and R&D as the foundation for this "good fit."
The shift away from cold-chain dependence promises to dramatically improve access to essential medicines in low-resource and remote regions, where reliable refrigeration is often unavailable. Furthermore, it represents a major step toward more resilient pharmaceutical supply chains, reducing both logistical complexity and the environmental footprint associated with energy-intensive refrigeration transport.
A Broader Industry Shift
Özgür Tuncer, CEO & Executive Director of Stablepharma, expressed delight in the partnership, noting it is "based on mutual strategic innovation, expanded global access and public health outcomes." He pointed out that the agreement offers both companies an opportunity to broaden their portfolios into highly critical therapeutic areas with thermostable products.
This initiative is more than a scientific advancement; it is a public health and climate solution. Fridge-free medicines can reduce carbon emissions from cold-chain logistics, strengthen global preparedness for future pandemics by simplifying vaccine and therapeutic distribution, and support progress toward universal health coverage. The development signals a growing industry recognition that pharmaceutical innovation must address not only efficacy but also equitable delivery and sustainability.
