India has achieved a major success in the fight against malaria by developing the first indigenous malaria vaccine. This vaccine has been found to be effective against malaria-spreading bacteria Plasmodium falciparum and is also effective in preventing community transmission of malaria. ICMR’s Bhubaneswar-based Regional Medical Research Centre has developed this advanced malaria vaccine Adfalcivax.
The Delhi-based Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited expression of interest (EOI) or applications from eligible organisations, companies and manufacturers for technology transfer for commercial production of the vaccine. This is one of the most advanced malaria vaccines in the world. The special thing about this vaccine is that it stops the malaria parasite before it reaches the blood. It also prevents its community spread through mosquitoes.
It is prepared with the help of the bacteria Lactococcus lactis, which is commonly used in making yogurt and cheese. Pre-clinical validation of this technology was done in collaboration with ICMR-NIMR (National Institute of Malaria Research), other ICMR affiliated institutes and National Institute of Immunology.