India Grants Licences for First Indigenous Multi-Stage Malaria Vaccine AdFalciVax
The Indian government has granted manufacturing licences to five firms for AdFalciVax, the country's first indigenous multi-stage malaria vaccine. Developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Immunology (NII), the vaccine targets the Plasmodium falciparum parasite before it enters the bloodstream. This recombinant chimeric vaccine is designed to be affordable, stable at room temperature for nine months, and effective in preventing both infection and community transmission. This development is a significant milestone for India, which accounts for 66% of malaria cases in the South-East Asia region.
Key Points
- AdFalciVax is India's first indigenous multi-stage vaccine targeting the Plasmodium falciparum parasite.
- The vaccine was developed through a collaboration between ICMR and the National Institute of Immunology (NII).
- Licences were granted to five firms, including Zydus Lifesciences, Biological E, and Panacea Biotec.
- The vaccine's stability at room temperature makes it ideal for distribution in remote and tropical areas.
Exam Facts
- The vaccine is named AdFalciVax.
- India accounts for 1.4% of the global malaria case burden.
- The vaccine remains effective for more than nine months at room temperature.
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