India Is Developing ‘AdFalciVax’ – A Homegrown Malaria Vaccine with Dual Protection

India has taken a big step in the fight against malaria by developing a homegrown vaccine named AdFalciVax. This new vaccine is being created through a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), its Regional Medical Research Centre in Bhubaneswar (RMRCBB), the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), and the DBT-National Institute of Immunology (DBT-NII).

Designed to Target the Deadliest Malaria Parasite

AdFalciVax is specially designed to fight Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes the most severe form of malaria. What makes this vaccine unique is its ability to target two key stages of the parasite's life cycle. By doing this, it not only helps protect the person who receives the vaccine but may also lower the risk of the disease spreading in the community.

Promising Results in Early Testing

So far, the vaccine has shown strong results in the preclinical stage. Tests suggest that AdFalciVax could offer better protection than other vaccines that target only one stage of the parasite. It may also reduce the chance of the parasite escaping the immune system and offer longer-lasting immunity. Another advantage is that the vaccine has remained effective for over nine months at room temperature, which is especially helpful in areas without reliable cold storage.

Next Steps and Future Possibilities

AdFalciVax is made using Lactococcus lactis, a safe bacteria used in food, which helps make the vaccine more stable. ICMR plans to license this vaccine to companies and organisations that are qualified to develop and produce it. All partnerships will follow ICMR’s guidelines on intellectual property.

Though the vaccine is still in early development and not yet available for public use, it supports India’s Make in India initiative and shows great promise in the goal of eradicating malaria in the future.