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The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has called on vaccine manufacturers across India to partner in launching and commercializing a new malaria vaccine developed by its Regional Medical Research Centre in Bhubaneswar. The candidate, named AdFalciVax, targets the most deadly malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, which is responsible for a significant proportion of malaria cases worldwide and in India.
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: AdFalciVax is a recombinant vaccine, created by inserting specific gene segments that code for key proteins of the parasite into cells, which then express these proteins. The expressed proteins are used to stimulate a protective immune response in recipients.
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: The vaccine incorporates the genetic blueprint for the entire CSP protein (found on the parasite’s surface) rather than smaller segments, making it potentially more effective at inducing immunity. It also targets other proteins critical to the parasite’s survival and spread, designed to disrupt the lifecycle in both humans and mosquitoes.
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Potential to Block Transmission: Unlike existing vaccines, AdFalciVax aims to protect not just the vaccinated individual but also curb the further spread of malaria. By interfering with the parasite’s development in mosquitoes, it could halt transmission from human hosts back to mosquitoes, thus breaking the chain of infection in the community.
Pre-clinical trials for AdFalciVax have shown positive results, indicating strong immunogenicity and potential efficacy. However, moving forward, ICMR is seeking partnerships with commercial vaccine producers who would be responsible for:
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Further development and refinement of the vaccine candidate.
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Conducting human clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy.
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Scaling up the vaccine for mass production and eventual sale in the market.
Dr. Subhash Singh, project manager for AdFalciVax, highlighted the pioneering aspects of the vaccine: “This vaccine uses the DNA for the whole CSP protein, likely producing a stronger immune response. Additionally, the other target disrupts the malaria parasite’s lifecycle within the mosquito, preventing the spread of infection beyond those who are vaccinated”.
The development of AdFalciVax was led by senior scientist Dr. Susheel Singh and director Dr. Sanghamitra Pati, alongside researchers from ICMR-National Institute of Medical Research and the National Institute of Immunology. Their combined efforts have been instrumental in advancing India’s capabilities in malaria research and vaccine development.
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This article is based on early research findings regarding the AdFalciVax vaccine. The vaccine is currently pending further development and human clinical trials. Its efficacy and safety have not yet been established for widespread public use and are subject to regulatory review and approval. Any medical decisions should be taken only in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.
