With the development of a domestic vaccine candidate named AdFalciVax, India is making significant progress against malaria. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in partnership with its institutes RMRC Bhubaneswar and NIMR Delhi, is spearheading this innovative endeavour with assistance from the Department of Biotechnology's National Institute of Immunology (DBT-NII).
The ability of AdFalciVax to specifically target two stages of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes the most deadly form of malaria, is what sets it apart. In contrast to current vaccines that target only one stage, this one attempts to both stop the infection in humans and stop mosquitoes from spreading it. This two-pronged strategy may result in improved outbreak control and more robust, long-lasting protection for people.
So far, early lab tests have shown promising results. Scientists are hopeful that AdFalciVax could outperform existing options like RTS,S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M by offering broader protection, reducing the chances of the parasite escaping the immune system, and building longer immunity. Another major plus? The vaccine can be stored for over nine months at room temperature. That’s a big advantage in tropical areas and remote regions where maintaining cold storage is a challenge. It’s also affordable, using simple and safe ingredients like alum, a common adjuvant in vaccines.
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The vaccine has not yet undergone human testing because it is still in the preclinical stage. After extensive testing, safety inspections, and government approvals, it might be ready for use in roughly seven years, if everything goes as planned. The use of Lactococcus lactis, a benign bacterium that aids in the safe and efficient delivery of the vaccine, is one intriguing feature of AdFalciVax. In addition to keeping people healthy, it is intended to stop the spread of malaria in local communities, which is a significant step in the fight against disease.
Through non-exclusive licenses, the ICMR also intends to distribute the vaccine technology to other producers. Once the vaccine is approved, more businesses will be able to produce it, increasing availability and reaching more people more quickly. AdFalciVax, which was developed wholly in India, demonstrates the nation's increasing prowess in scientific research and innovation while also supporting the government's "Make in India" agenda. If successful, it could revolutionise India's battle against malaria and make Indian science proud.
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