Context:
India has made a major breakthrough in tropical disease control with the development of AdFalciVax, the country’s first indigenous two-stage malaria vaccine aimed at combating Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite.
About AdFalciVax
What is AdFalciVax?
- A recombinant, chimeric malaria vaccine candidate.
- Specifically targets Plasmodium falciparum.
- Designed using a multistage antigen platform to offer dual protection.
Developed by
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC) – Bhubaneswar
- National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR)
- Department of Biotechnology’s National Institute of Immunology (DBT-NII)
Production Platform
- Utilizes Lactococcus lactis, a food-grade bacterium that is safe, scalable, and cost-effective for vaccine production.
Objectives
- Prevent malaria infection in individuals.
- Break the community-level transmission chain of P. falciparum.
- Contribute to India’s Malaria Elimination Roadmap (2030).
Key Features of AdFalciVax
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dual-stage Immunity | Targets both liver (pre-erythrocytic) and mosquito (sexual) stages |
| Extended Shelf-life | Remains stable at room temperature for 9+ months, aiding field logistics |
| Broader Protection | Combines multiple antigens to avoid immune escape and ensure stronger response |
| Safe Production | Uses Lactococcus lactis, ensuring safety and ease of mass production |
| Licensing Model | Offers non-exclusive licensing to foster domestic and international collaborations |
