RMRC Bhubaneswar develops next-gen malaria vaccine; allows tech transfer for commercialisation

In a landmark scientific development, the Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar, has successfully developed an advanced malaria vaccine while simultaneously opening up tech transfer for the vaccine.

According to reports shared by RMRC on its X handle, the recombinant, chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine is named AdFalciVax and marks a major step forward in India’s fight against Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite infecting humans.

Unlike existing vaccines currently available in the market, AdFalciVax offers dual-stage protection by preventing both human infection and community-level transmission.

The vaccine is now ready for technology transfer, with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, inviting expressions of interest from eligible companies, manufacturers, and institutions for its production and commercial rollout.

What Sets AdFalciVax Apart

AdFalciVax stands out from currently available WHO-approved malaria vaccines such as RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix) and R21/Matrix-M, both in its mechanism and cost-efficiency.

It is engineered using cutting-edge protein design techniques involving Lactococcus lactis, a safe bacterial host, to fuse key proteins, including PfCSP, Pfs230, and Pfs48/45, that provide broader protection and a robust antibody response.

One of its key advantages lies in its pharmaceutical stability. The vaccine retains potency for over nine months at room temperature, eliminating the need for expensive cold chain systems and making it ideal for remote and underserved regions where logistics often pose serious challenges.

Developed Through Strategic Collaboration

The pre-clinical validation of AdFalciVax was carried out in partnership with the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) and the National Institute of Immunology (NII), both in New Delhi. 

RMRC Bhubaneswar led the research and retains full technical know-how of the vaccine production process. The new formulation has demonstrated sustained efficacy for over four months post-boost, suggesting the potential for long-term protection spanning over a decade in humans.

ICMR has initiated the process to license this indigenous vaccine technology for manufacturing and marketing. The selected companies will receive expert technical guidance and continued support from RMRC and ICMR for scale-up, clinical trials, and eventual commercial deployment.