Malaria Vaccine

Introduction

Represent critical milestones in combating Plasmodium falciparum infections globally.
Target pre-erythrocytic stage specifically.
Prevent parasite from establishing initial hepatic infection.
Confer maximum impact when combined with seasonal malaria chemoprevention and insecticide-treated bed nets.
Save child lives and significantly reduce all-cause mortality in endemic areas.

First vaccine recommended for human parasitic disease by World Health Organization.
Recombinant fusion protein based on repeat sequence of circumsporozoite protein antigen.
Expressed on surface of P. falciparum sporozoites.
Contains S antigen derived from hepatitis B surface antigen.
Utilizes proprietary AS01 liquid adjuvant.
Demonstrates over 50% reduction in clinical malaria cases during first 12 months post-vaccination.
Efficacy declines rapidly over time without timely booster doses.

Recommended by World Health Organization in 2023.
Virus-like protein based on circumsporozoite protein from P. falciparum strain NF54.
Fused directly to N-terminus of hepatitis B surface antigen.
Utilizes Matrix-M proprietary adjuvant.
Shows 71-76% efficacy against clinical malaria episodes over 12 months.
Prevents nearly 75% of cases when administered prior to rainy season in highly seasonal transmission areas.

Target population includes children living in moderate to high transmission regions.
Four-dose primary schedule initiated around 5 months of age.
First three doses administered at 4-week intervals.
Fourth dose administered 12 to 18 months following third dose.
Fifth booster dose considered 1 year after fourth dose in high-risk zones.

Both approved vaccines demonstrate favorable safety profiles.
Common adverse reactions include fever, irritability, and injection site pain.
Febrile seizures occur rarely within 7 days post-vaccination.
Well tolerated in premature, low birth weight, malnourished, and human immunodeficiency virus-infected children.

Second Generation Malaria Vaccine Consortium developing candidates targeting multiple parasite lifecycle stages simultaneously.
Combines R21 antigen with blood-stage antigens RH5.1 and R78C.
Targets RIPR and CyRPA antigens to block red blood cell invasion by merozoites.
Aims for stronger, longer-lasting protection and significantly reduced disease transmission.

BioNTech developing BNT165e investigational candidate.
Multi-antigen ribonucleic acid-based vaccine encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles.
Encodes full-length circumsporozoite protein alongside conserved liver-stage proteins.
Broadens immune response to overcome genetic diversity causing vaccine escape.

L9LS targets P. falciparum sporozoites via subcutaneous administration.
Reduces infection frequency by 70% compared to placebo in phase 2 trials.
CIS43LS represents another monoclonal antibody targeting sporozoite circumsporozoite protein undergoing clinical evaluation.