Scientists from CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI) have come closer to the development of an antimalarial vaccine after developing a novel whole parasite vaccine successfully. After the successful animal trials, scientists have initiated efforts to prepare the vaccine for human application. It is an important advancement toward combating malaria.

Important Points:

1. New Vaccine Formulation:

2. This is a whole parasite vaccine that has been developed using the malaria-causing parasite and deletion of two genes, SCD and SCOT1.

3. The weakened parasite can multiply in the liver to enable the body to develop immunity without symptoms of malaria.

  2.  Mechanism of Action:

• The strain of the vaccine will infect the liver but will not enter the blood stream and prevent the onset of malaria.

• This strategy targets both the liver and blood stages of the parasite, showing 100% efficacy in preclinical studies.

  3.  Importance of the Study:

• The vaccine will be able to save millions of lives by providing all-around protection against malaria.

• It will help meet the WHO's objective of creating vaccines that can prevent more than 90% of infections.

Statements from Leaders or Officials:

• Satish Mishra, CDRI Scientist:

"The vaccine strain was made by deleting two parasite genes from the approximately 5,500 genes in the malaria parasite genome. It causes a liver infection but is stuck there, therefore preventing malaria, since it cannot enter the blood stream. This vaccine has passed with 100% efficacy in its preclinical stage and has very good potential in saving lives.CDRI scientists plan to develop the vaccine strain for the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, and move into clinical trials. The vaccine could prove to be an important tool against a critical global health challenge if it is effective, especially in regions where malaria remains a serious threat.