ICMR Develops Promising Dual-Action Malaria Vaccine AdFalciVax
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is developing a novel malaria vaccine candidate, AdFalciVax, in collaboration with RMRC Bhubaneswar, NIMR, and DBT-NII. This recombinant multistage vaccine targets two critical phases of Plasmodium falciparum the most lethal malaria parasite. Unlike current vaccines that address only one stage, AdFalciVax combines antigens from both the pre-erythrocytic and sexual stages, aiming to protect individuals and curb community transmission via mosquitoes.
Produced using Lactococcus lactis, a safe, food-grade bacterium, the vaccine has shown promising preclinical results, including broader protection, potential for long-term immunity, and reduced immune evasion. It also remains stable for over nine months at room temperature.
Though still in early development and not yet approved for clinical use, ICMR plans to license the technology non-exclusively for further commercialisation under its Intellectual Property Policy. Researchers believe AdFalciVax could play a vital role in India’s malaria elimination efforts under the Make in India initiative.
