The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is developing a novel chimeric malaria vaccine candidate — AdFalciVax— in collaboration with its Regional Medical Research Centre in Bhubaneswar (RMRCBB), the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), and the Department of Biotechnology’s National Institute of Immunology (DBT-NII).
The recombinant multistage vaccine is designed to target two critical phases of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the most lethal form of malaria. It is being produced using Lactococcus lactis, a safe, food-grade bacterium.
Unlike existing vaccines that focus on a single stage of the parasite, AdFalciVax combines antigenic components targeting both the pre-erythrocytic and sexual stages. This dual approach aims to protect individuals from infection and simultaneously reduce community transmission via mosquito vectors.
Preclinical studies have shown promising results, with data indicating broader protection, reduced risk of immune evasion, and potential for long-term immunity. The vaccine has also demonstrated extended thermal stability, remaining functional for over nine months at room temperature.
ICMR said it intends to license the technology under non-exclusive agreements to eligible organisations for further development, manufacturing, and commercialisation. All partnerships will be subject to ICMR’s Intellectual Property Policy.
Still in the early stages of development, AdFalciVax is not approved for clinical use. However, researchers say it has the potential to emerge as a key tool in India’s malaria elimination strategy, in line with the government’s Make in India initiative.
(ANl)