AdFalciVax-India Licenses First Indigenous Multi-Stage Malaria Vaccine for Production

India has licensed five pharmaceutical companies — Indian Immunologicals Limited, Techinvention Lifecare Private Limited, Panacea Biotec Limited, Biological E Limited, and Zydus Lifesciences — to manufacture and commercialise the country’s first indigenous multi-stage malaria vaccine. Developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and its partners, the vaccine marks a major step forward in public health and malaria control.

AdFalciVax: A Chimeric Multi-Stage Vaccine

The vaccine, named AdFalciVax, is designed to target the malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) before it enters the bloodstream, thereby preventing infection and transmission. It is affordable, stable, and scalable, with effectiveness lasting over nine months at room temperature, according to ICMR.

Technology Transfer for Commercialisation

ICMR had earlier invited Expression of Interest (EoI) from eligible organisations for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) to enable large-scale production and commercialisation. The aim is to ensure widespread availability and affordability across malaria-endemic regions.

Malaria Burden in India

Malaria continues to pose a major public health challenge in India:

• India accounts for 1.4% of global malaria cases and 0.9% of global malaria deaths.
• The country contributes to 52% of all malaria deaths outside sub-Saharan Africa and 66% of cases in Southeast Asia.
• About 95% of India’s population resides in malaria-endemic areas, with 80% of reported cases coming from tribal, hilly, and inaccessible regions, home to 20% of the population.

(Source: TH)