New Delhi – In a significant advancement in the fight against malaria, India has developed a promising 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) — in collaboration with the National Institute of Immunology (NII) under the Department of Biotechnology.
AdFalciVax is a unique multi-stage vaccine that targets two critical phases of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite — the deadliest form of malaria. Unlike existing vaccines that typically focus on a single stage, AdFalciVax is designed to offer stronger and longer-lasting protection by tackling both the stage that causes infection in humans and the stage responsible for transmission via mosquitoes.
Early laboratory results have been highly encouraging. Scientists believe AdFalciVax could outperform current vaccines like RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M, offering several advantages such as:
- Broader immune protection
- Lower risk of immune escape by the parasite
- Improved long-term immunity
Notably, the vaccine remains stable at room temperature for over nine months, simplifying storage and distribution — a major advantage for tropical and resource-limited regions.
It also uses cost-effective ingredients, including alum, a widely used vaccine adjuvant, making it an economically viable option.
Currently in the preclinical stage, the vaccine will undergo a comprehensive development process, including manufacturing under strict safety protocols, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals. If all goes well, it could become publicly available in about seven years.
A key innovation is the use of Lactococcus lactis, a safe and well-studied bacterium often employed in vaccine production. This helps the vaccine not only protect individuals from malaria but also reduce transmission across communities.
ICMR plans to make the vaccine technology available to multiple manufacturers through non-exclusive licensing, ensuring faster production and wider access once it receives approval.
Entirely developed in India, AdFalciVax aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ mission and represents a major step forward in achieving self-reliance in vaccine development.
With inputs from IANS