ICMR’s New Malaria Vaccine Shows Promise

ICMR Develops Promising New Malaria Vaccine Candidate

Why in the News?

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has unveiled AdFalciVax, a potential malaria vaccine candidate offering over 90% protection in mice, with plans for further development and clinical trials, raising fresh hopes in the decades-long global malaria fight.

ICMR’s New Malaria Vaccine Shows Promise

AdFalciVax: A Breakthrough Against Malaria:

  • AdFalciVax offers over 90% efficacy in mice against Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria-causing parasite.
  • Uses chimeric recombinant technology to generate a strong immune response.
  • Includes two target proteins:

○ Circumsporozoite protein (CSP) prevents infection in vaccinated individuals.

○ Pro6C protein (fusion of Pfs230 and Pfs48/45) blocks transmission via mosquitoes.

  • Contains alum as an adjuvant—safer and more stable than alternatives like AS01 and Matrix M.
  • Room temperature stability for nine months could ease vaccine distribution.

About Malaria and Vaccine Efforts:

  • Malaria is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease with symptoms like fever, vomiting, and organ failure, and remains endemic in parts of Africa and India.
  • India reported just 83 malaria deaths in 2022 (NVBDCP), though WHO estimates are higher.
  • Previously approved vaccines RTS,S and R21 show only ~75% efficacy, requiring multiple boosters.
  • Malaria eradication aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3 – ending epidemics.

ICMR’s Vision and Next Steps

  • ICMR will partner with private firms for human clinical trials and commercial manufacturing.
  • It will retain intellectual property rights and earn 2% royalty on vaccine sales.
  • Human trials will assess long-term efficacy—mice studies suggest protection may last a decade in human terms.
  • The goal is to make AdFalciVax a scalable, effective, and affordable malaria vaccine, contributing to global health security.

AdFalciVax Vaccine – Key Highlights
● AdFalciVax is a recombinant vaccine where target genes are inserted into a host cell to produce proteins that trigger an immune response.
● Developed by ICMR in collaboration with RMRC Bhubaneswar, NIMR, and DBT-NII.
● Uses Lactococcus lactis, a safe, food-grade bacterium, for vaccine production.
● Targets two life stages of Plasmodium falciparum — pre-erythrocytic (infection) and sexual (transmission) stages.
● Contains CSP protein and a fusion of Pfs230 + Pfs48/45 to block infection and transmission.
● Offers dual-stage protection, unlike RTS,S and R21 vaccines that target only one stage.
● Room temperature stability for 9+ months lowers distribution cost.
● Promises a cost-effective, scalable solution to fight malaria in endemic regions.