AdFalciVax: India's First Malaria Vaccine Breakthrough

Malaria vaccine: India’s First Indigenous breakthrough

The Union Government has granted licences to five pharmaceutical firms—Indian Immunologicals Ltd., Panacea Biotec Ltd., Biological E Ltd., Zydus Lifesciences, and Techinvention Lifecare Pvt. Ltd.—to manufacture and commercialise India’s first multi-stage malaria vaccine.

1. Who Developed the Vaccine?

The vaccine, named AdFalciVax, was developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) and the National Institute of Immunology (NII).

2. What is Unique About This Vaccine?

Recombinant Chimeric Multi-Stage Vaccine: Targets Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite.

Pre-Bloodstream Action: Works before the parasite enters the bloodstream, reducing infection and transmission.

Affordable & Scalable: Stable at room temperature for over nine months, ensuring large-scale deployment in diverse conditions.

3. Why is it Important for India?

National Health Burden: Malaria remains a significant concern, with India contributing to 1.4% of global malaria cases.

Regional Impact: India accounts for nearly 66% of malaria cases in Southeast Asia.

Self-Reliance: A domestically developed vaccine reduces dependency on imports and strengthens India’s public health framework.

4. What is the Next Step?

Commercial Production: Manufacturing by the five licensed pharmaceutical companies.

Government Distribution: Inclusion in national health programmes for wider accessibility.

Policy Alignment: Supports India’s goal of malaria elimination by 2030, aligned with the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination.

5. How Does This Impact Global Health?

Strengthening Global Fight: Adds to existing vaccines like RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) and R21/Matrix-M.

South-South Innovation: Sets a model for malaria-endemic regions in Africa and Asia, showcasing vaccine innovation from the Global South.

Quotation for Civil Services Aspirants

“Public health is the first condition of freedom. A healthy nation is the foundation of true progress.”