Why in news?
The Indian government licensed five domestic firms to manufacture and commercialise AdFalciVax, the country’s first indigenous multi‑stage malaria vaccine. The vaccine was developed by researchers at ICMR laboratories.
What is AdFalciVax?
- Vaccine type: A recombinant chimeric vaccine designed to prevent infection by Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, and to block transmission.
- Developers: ICMR–Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, with support from ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research and the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi.
Key features
- Targets the parasite before it enters the bloodstream and also disrupts its life‑cycle inside mosquitoes.
- Stable at room temperature for over nine months, making it suitable for India’s tropical climate.
- Affordable and scalable for mass vaccination; validated in pre‑clinical trials.
- Licensed firms include Indian Immunologicals Ltd, Techinvention Lifecare Pvt Ltd, Panacea Biotec Ltd, Biological E Ltd and Zydus Lifesciences.
Significance
India accounts for 1.4% of global malaria cases and two‑thirds of the burden in Southeast Asia. AdFalciVax represents a major step towards self‑reliance in vaccine development, reducing dependence on imports and supporting India’s goal of malaria elimination by 2030. Widespread use could save thousands of lives and foster innovation in biotechnology.