New Malaria Vaccine Breakthrough : Though known for over a century, malaria still kills. World Health Organization research shows this insidious illness impacted 247 million individuals in 2022 and killed over 600,000. Unfortunately, 95% of malaria infections and deaths occur in Africa. Even worse, 80% of malaria-related deaths on the continent are in children under 5.
RTS, S is the only vaccine that partially protects children. However, breakthroughs may change the game. A novel malaria vaccine that targets a different portion of the parasite’s lifecycle may assist kids’ immune systems.
Oxford scientists tested a new malaria vaccination on 63 patients aged six months to 35 in Bagamoyo, Tanzania. The vaccine is ChAd63-MVA RH5, although most people call it that. This novel vaccine targets Plasmodium falciparum’s RH5 protein, which enters red blood cells.
Ars Technica quoted Oxford legend Dr. Angela Minassian as saying the bug is useless without RH5. A vaccination targeting RH5 produces antibodies that inhibit this protein. Enough antibodies prevent the parasite from entering erythrocytes and causing illness.
Ages were used to group study participants. A rigorous double-blind test prevented test volunteers and doctors from knowing who received the malaria vaccine and who received a rabies vaccination as a control. Unexpectedly, malaria vaccinees had RH5-binding antibodies. These antibodies prevented the parasite from spreading in lab studies, preventing the sickness.
The vaccine was safe during research and had few negative effects following administration. The study’s authors stated, “The vaccine had a perfect safety record, with no unexpected side effects or serious consequences.”
The RH5 vaccine gave youngsters 11 months or younger a substantial immunological boost, unlike RTS, S, which is still unknown.
However, the RTS, S vaccination has saved many lives in Malawi, Ghana, and Kenya. A recent UN statement claimed 18 million doses of RTS S would be distributed to nine more African countries. WHO is also investigating the R21 vaccine, which worked 80% of the time in early tests.
In the liver, RTS, S and R21 kill sporozoites, the early stage of malaria infection. Once parasites enter the body, they can no longer protect it. The parasite needs the RH5 protein to enter the bloodstream. The novel vaccination could represent a second line of defense against malaria by preventing parasite entry into erythrocytes.
Our Reader’s Queries
What is the recently discovered malaria vaccine?
The R21 vaccine has been given the green light by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the second malaria vaccine to be recommended, after the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine was approved in 2021. These vaccines have been proven to be both safe and effective in preventing malaria in children, and are expected to have a significant impact on public health when widely implemented.
What is the latest approved malaria vaccine?
The World Health Organization has given the green light to a new vaccine for the mosquito-borne disease. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine is specifically designed for children aged 5 to 36 months, who are at high risk of contracting the disease. This is the second vaccine to be approved by the WHO, and it’s a significant step forward in the fight against this deadly disease. With this new vaccine, we can protect the most vulnerable members of our society and prevent the spread of this dangerous illness.
Is there a new malaria vaccine?
The WHO has given its stamp of approval to a new malaria vaccine that can safeguard children from the fatal illness. Malaria claimed the lives of over 600,000 individuals in 2021, making this endorsement a significant step towards reducing the disease’s impact. This second vaccine is expected to provide additional protection to children in areas where the first vaccine is already in use. With this development, we can hope to see a decline in the number of malaria-related deaths and a brighter future for those at risk.
What is the most advanced malaria vaccine?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has given the green light to the R21/Matrix-MTM malaria vaccine, which was created by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India. This vaccine utilizes Novavax’s adjuvant technology and has met all necessary safety, quality, and effectiveness standards. This is great news for those who are at risk of contracting malaria, as this vaccine has the potential to save countless lives.