India has made significant progress in its fight against malaria with the development of a new indigenous vaccine candidate named AdFalciVax.
The vaccine is being developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) through its institutes RMRC Bhubaneswar and the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR). It is being created in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology&rsquo;s National Institute of Immunology (DBT-NII).
AdFalciVax stands out as a unique vaccine because it targets two critical stages of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, which causes the most dangerous form of malaria. While existing vaccines usually focus on just one stage of the parasite's life cycle, AdFalciVax aims to provide broader and longer-lasting protection by covering both the stage that infects humans and the stage that enables transmission through mosquitoes.
Initial lab tests have shown highly promising results. According to scientists, this vaccine may offer several advantages over current vaccines such as RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M. These potential benefits include wider coverage, a lower chance of immune system evasion by the parasite, and stronger long-term immunity.
Another practical benefit of AdFalciVax is its stability at room temperature for over nine months, which makes it more suitable for storage and transport in tropical regions. The vaccine also uses cost-effective components, such as alum, a commonly used vaccine adjuvant.
Currently in the preclinical stage, the vaccine will go through several steps before it can be made available to the public. This process includes manufacturing under strict safety guidelines, multiple phases of clinical trials, and regulatory approvals. If all progresses smoothly, the vaccine could be ready for public use within seven years.
A notable innovation is the use of Lactococcus lactis, a safe and well-known bacteria often used in vaccine production. The design of AdFalciVax allows it not only to protect individuals from infection but also to help reduce malaria transmission across communities.
ICMR has announced plans to offer the vaccine technology to manufacturers and organizations under non-exclusive agreements. This approach would enable multiple entities to produce the vaccine, ensuring faster and wider distribution once approved.
The development of AdFalciVax is fully based in India, aligning with the country&rsquo;s &lsquo;Make in India&rsquo; mission and boosting domestic capabilities in biotechnology and public health. [Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed]

India Develops Multi-Stage Malaria Vaccine

AdFalciVax may offer long-term protection against deadliest malaria strain

India Develops Multi-Stage Malaria Vaccine

AdFalciVax may offer long-term protection against deadliest malaria strain

July 20, 2025 | 18:50 IST