NewKerala.com

Key Points

Indian researchers are developing AdFalciVax, the country's first indigenous malaria vaccine targeting multiple parasite stages. The vaccine has shown promising results in preclinical trials with potential advantages over existing options. ICMR plans to license the technology to maximize public health benefits while following intellectual property policies. While still in early development, this innovation represents a significant step in India's malaria eradication efforts.

Key Points: ICMR Develops Indigenous Malaria Vaccine AdFalciVax Targeting Falciparum

  • Targets two critical stages of Plasmodium falciparum parasite
  • Shows extended thermal stability at room temperature
  • Designed to reduce community transmission cycle
  • Part of India's Make in India healthcare initiative
2 min read

Development of indigenous multi-stage Malaria vaccine 'AdFalciVax' is underway

India's ICMR-NIMR develops breakthrough AdFalciVax, a dual-stage malaria vaccine showing high efficacy in preclinical trials against Plasmodium falciparum.

"AdFalciVax may have advantages over existing single-stage vaccines including broader protection and better long-term immunity - ICMR Release"

New Delhi, July 20

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), through its Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar (RMRCBB) and National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology-National Institute of Immunology (DBT-NII), is currently developing a novel recombinant chimeric malaria vaccine candidate, named AdFalciVax.

AdFalciVax is the first indigenous recombinant chimeric malaria vaccine specifically designed to target two critical stages of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the most lethal form of malaria.

The vaccine aims to protect against human infection while also reducing vector-borne community transmission of the parasite.

According to the release, the vaccine has demonstrated excellent efficacy in the preclinical stage of development. Preclinical data suggest that AdFalciVax may have advantages over existing single-stage vaccines, including broader protection by targeting two vulnerable parasite stages, lower risk of immune evasion, potential for better long-term immunity, and extended thermal stability with functionality maintained for over nine months at room temperature.

AdFalciVax is a recombinant multistage vaccine produced in Lactococcus lactis, designed to protect both individual humans and reduce the community transmission cycle.

It represents one of the most advanced malaria vaccine candidates globally, with a rational design targeting two key stages of the parasite. This vaccine consists of a stable and functional recombinant chimaera between antigenic components that promises dual protection.

ICMR intends to license the technology for AdFalciVax to eligible organisations and manufacturers for further development, manufacture, and commercialisation under non-exclusive agreements.

This approach aims to enable wider outreach and maximise public health benefits. All collaborations will adhere to ICMR's Intellectual Property Policy.

As an indigenously developed vaccine candidate that fulfils the Make in India mandate, AdFalciVax holds the potential to contribute substantially to malaria eradication by preventing infection and minimising community transmission.

This information is provided for awareness purposes only. The vaccine candidate is in its early research and development phases and is not yet available for any clinical use or commercialisation.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative but I hope ICMR ensures proper testing before rollout. Remember what happened with Covaxin side effects? Safety should be priority #1, especially for children who are most vulnerable to malaria.
A
Arjun K
Room temperature stability for 9 months?! This could be game-changing for rural healthcare where refrigeration is a challenge. Kudos to our scientists 👏 Hope the govt provides proper funding to take this forward.
S
Sarah B
As someone who contracted malaria last monsoon, I can't stress enough how important this development is. The current treatment is so harsh on the body. A preventive vaccine would be life-changing for millions!
V
Vikram M
Make in India showing results! But government should ensure this vaccine remains affordable for common people, not just become another expensive pharma product. Malaria affects poorest communities the most.
K
Kavya N
The dual protection aspect is impressive, but will it work against all strains found in India? Our country has such diverse malaria variants across different states. Hope researchers are considering this.
M
Michael C
Excellent collaboration between multiple research institutes! This is how real scientific progress happens. India's biomedical research capabilities are truly world-class now.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50