• Malaria Vaccine Breakthroughs Offer New Hope in the Fight Against a Deadly Disease

  • Feb 22 2025
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Malaria Vaccine Breakthroughs Offer New Hope in the Fight Against a Deadly Disease

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  • In the ongoing battle against malaria, several recent developments have brought new hope and momentum to the global efforts to combat this devastating disease.

    One of the most significant advancements comes from Ocean Biomedical, a biopharma company based in Providence, Rhode Island. As of late January 2025, the company announced that its Scientific Co-founder, Dr. Jonathan Kurtis, and his research team have received substantial funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance their innovative malaria vaccine research. This funding, which includes a $4.6 million non-governmental grant and an additional $3.5 million NIH grant, is crucial for their novel approach that involves studying naturally occurring immune responses in children who have developed resistance to malaria.

    Dr. Kurtis and his team have identified a unique protein called glutamic acid-rich protein (GARP) on the surface of malaria-infected red blood cells. Children who naturally resisted severe malaria were found to have developed antibodies against GARP, paving the way for vaccine development. The team is currently testing three vaccine candidates in non-human primates, aiming to block the malaria parasite’s ability to enter and exit red blood cells. The use of lipid-encapsulated messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology as a delivery mechanism is also being explored, a method that has been facilitated by new FDA guidance on lipid-encapsulated vaccines. This could expedite the transition to first-in-human trials, potentially as early as the fourth quarter of 2025[2].

    In addition to these developments, existing malaria vaccines have shown promising results. The RTS,S and R21 vaccines, which have been prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO), have demonstrated high efficacy in preventing malaria in children. Independent evaluations of the RTS,S vaccine pilot introductions have shown a 13% drop in mortality among children eligible for vaccination, substantial reductions in hospitalizations for severe malaria, and improved access to malaria prevention interventions. Both vaccines reduced malaria cases by more than half during the first year after vaccination and by 75% when given seasonally in highly seasonal transmission areas[3].

    The global research community continues to unite in the fight against malaria. The upcoming BioMalPar XXI conference, scheduled to take place at EMBL Heidelberg with virtual attendance options, will bring together scientists from around the world to share insights and explore cutting-edge technologies. The conference will focus on various aspects of malaria research, including epidemiology, vaccines and immunity, vectors and transmission, and molecular and cellular biology. This event underscores the commitment to understanding the biology of the malaria parasite and advancing global health strategies to reduce the impact of the disease[4].

    These recent developments highlight the significant progress being made in the quest to develop effective malaria vaccines and improve global health outcomes. As research continues to advance and new technologies are explored, there is growing optimism that the fight against malaria can be won through a united and coordinated global effort.
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