by | news info | medical news
Mumbai : India has achieved a significant milestone in the fight against malaria by developing its first indigenous malaria vaccine, named AdFalciVax. This advanced vaccine is effective against the _Plasmodium falciparum_ parasite, which causes the most lethal form of malaria. It is also considered effective in preventing community transmission of the infection.
The vaccine was developed by ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) in Bhubaneswar. It targets two critical stages of the _Plasmodium falciparum_ parasite and uses _Lactococcus lactis_ bacteria, commonly found in curd and cheese, for production. Pre-clinical trials were successful, showing broader protection, better long-term immunity, and thermal stability for over nine months at room temperature.
India saw an 80.5% decline in malaria cases between 2015 and 2023. India exited the WHO’s High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024. ICMR is inviting applications from interested companies for commercial production of AdFalciVax.
