Why in the News?
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has introduced AdFalciVax, a new malaria vaccine candidate targeting Plasmodium falciparum.
About AdFalciVax
- Developer: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); private partners will handle trials and manufacturing.
- Vaccine Type: Chimeric recombinant vaccine targeting Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite.
- Technology:
- Circumsporozoite Protein (CSP): Offers direct protection to the vaccinated individual.
- Pro6C Protein: A hybrid of Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 that blocks transmission via mosquitoes.
- Key Advantages
- Dual Benefit: Provides personal protection and reduces community transmission.
- Full-length CSP: Promotes a stronger and longer immune response compared to current vaccines.
- High Efficacy in Animals: Over 90% protection in animal models (human trials pending).
- Stability: Contains alum as an adjuvant — safe, effective, and stable at room temperature for 9 months.
Malaria Control in India:
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| [UPSC 2010] Widespread resistance of malarial parasite to drugs like chloroquine has prompted attempts to develop a malarial vaccine to combat malaria. Why is it difficult to develop an effective malaria vaccine ?
(a) Malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium* (b) Man does not develop, immunity to malaria during natural infection (c) Vaccines can be developed only against bacteria (d) Man is only an intermediate host not the definitive host. |
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