India is developing AdFalciVax, a multi-stage malaria vaccine candidate designed to protect against the lethal Plasmodium falciparum parasite and reduce community transmission. Developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Biotechnology-National Institute of Immunology (DBT-NII), it targets the parasite’s pre-erythrocytic and sexual stages.
AdFalciVax is an indigenous, recombinant, and chimeric vaccine produced using Lactococcus lactis bacteria and is stable at room temperature for ease of transport.
Key Features and Goals
- Multi-Stage Targeting: AdFalciVax is designed to target two critical stages of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite: the pre-erythrocytic (liver) stage and the sexual (mosquito) stage.
- Dual Protection: It aims to provide protection against infection in humans and simultaneously reduce the spread of the parasite in the community by targeting its transmission cycle.
- Indigenous Development: AdFalciVax is India’s first indigenous recombinant multi-stage malaria vaccine, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative.
- Scalable Production: The vaccine is produced using Lactococcus lactis, a safe and cost-effective food-grade bacteria, making it potentially affordable and accessible.
- Stable Storage: The vaccine remains effective for over nine months at room temperature, simplifying storage and transport, especially in regions without robust cold chain infrastructure.
Development and Next Steps
- Preclinical Stage: The vaccine is currently in its early research and development phases, having shown excellent efficacy in preclinical studies.
- Licensing and Manufacturing: ICMR has licensed the AdFalciVax technology to Indian Immunologicals Limited, TechInvention Lifecare Private Limited, Panacea Biotec Limited, Biological E Limited, and Zydus Lifesciences for further development, manufacture, and commercialization.
- Future Timeline: The vaccine is expected to take approximately seven years to become publicly available, including manufacturing, stringent safety standards, clinical trials, and regulatory approvals.
Potential Impact
- Malaria Eradication: AdFalciVax has the potential to make a substantial contribution to India’s goal of malaria eradication.
- Enhanced Strategies: The vaccine will enhance existing strategies, such as diagnostics, prompt treatment, and mosquito population management, to accelerate the elimination of malaria.
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
With reference to the indigenously developed malaria vaccine candidate ‘AdFalciVax’, consider the following statements:
I. It is India’s first indigenous vaccine designed to target the Plasmodium falciparum parasite
II. The vaccine is a multi-stage vaccine that provides dual protection by targeting the parasite in both the liver and blood stages of the human host
III. It has been developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international partners
IV. A key advantage of AdFalciVax is its stability, as it remains effective for several months at room temperature, eliminating the need for extensive cold chain infrastructure
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) I, II and III only
b) I and IV only
c) III and IV only
d) II, III and IV only
Answer: b
Explanation: Statement I is correct: AdFalciVax is indeed India’s first indigenous recombinant chimeric malaria vaccine candidate, specifically designed to combat Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest form of the malaria parasite. Statement II is Incorrect: AdFalciVax targets two stages, but not the blood stage (erythrocytic stage) in the human host. It targets the pre-erythrocytic stage (in the liver, to prevent infection) and the sexual stage (in the mosquito vector, to block transmission). By targeting the parasite before it enters the bloodstream, it aims to prevent the symptoms and block community transmission. Statement III is Incorrect: The vaccine has been developed indigenously by the ICMR–Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar, in partnership with other national institutes like the National Institute of Immunology (DBT-NII) and the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR). It is an outcome of the “Make in India” initiative and does not involve international partners in its core development. Statement IV is correct: A significant advantage of AdFalciVax is its high thermal stability, as it can remain effective for over nine months at room temperature (around 30°C). This makes it highly suitable for deployment in remote and resource-limited areas without robust cold chain facilities.
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