WHO Approves Cheaper, More Potent Malaria Vaccine
The R21/Matrix-M vaccine was developed by the University of Oxford and is the second immunization recommended by the WHO. In addition, it is the first to reach the goal of 75% efficiency
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of a cheaper and more effective vaccine against malaria. The immunization is the second to be approved by the world health authority and was developed by the University of Oxford and can be produced on a large scale.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that at least 627,000 people died from malaria in 2020. Most of those who died were young children in sub-Saharan Africa, and the deadly disease affects mainly babies and infants.
That is why scientists were carrying out research to find an effective vaccine against malaria. There are already agreements to manufacture more than 100 million doses of the new immunization per year. The world’s largest vaccine maker, the Serum Institute of India, plans to ramp up to 200 million, the BBC said.
It is difficult to develop immunity against malaria naturally because it is a complex parasite that is transmitted by mosquito bites. It “hides” from the immune system by constantly changing its shape inside the human body.
GSK was the creator of the first vaccine called RTS, the WHO endorsed its use almost two years ago. So far there are only 18 million doses and they were allocated to 12 African countries for distribution between 2023 and 2025.
The R21/Matrix-M vaccine has the potential to close the gap between supply and demand. The two immunizations in full implementation can help reinforce prevention, control of those infected and save thousands of lives.
The data, which has not gone through the scientific review process, shows that the new vaccine is 75% effective in preventing the condition in areas where malaria is seasonal. A figure comparable to the data issued in the application of the RTS,S. In areas where the parasite prevails throughout the year, the effectiveness is lower.
The most relevant thing about the R21/Matrix-M vaccine is that it is easily implementable, cost-effective and affordable. Furthermore, its creators point out that it is ready for distribution in risk areas.
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The director general of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, indicated that having two safe and effective vaccines against malaria “is a great pleasure,” reported the BBC.
The effectiveness of the vaccine is similar, based on previous data, the key difference is the ability to create R21 on a large scale. Additionally, the dose costs between two and four dollars, about half the price of RTS,S. Four doses are required per person for complete immunization.
The two vaccines target the same stage of the malaria parasite’s life cycle with similar technology. But, the newer vaccine requires a lower dose and uses a simpler adjuvant (a chemical given in the vaccine that activates the immune system).
At least 2,000 cases of malaria in the United States are reported each year, according to the CDC. Most of them are imported, generally by people traveling to countries where the disease is endemic. However, locally acquired infections can occur, since the Anopheles mosquito vectors exist throughout the country.
In 2023, seven cases of locally acquired malaria were reported in Sarasota County, Florida, one case in Cameron County, Texas, and one case in a Maryland resident. That is why authorities recommend being alert for symptoms of fever, chills, headache, body aches and fatigue. Especially if the patient traveled to an area where cases of the condition have occurred.
