India’s First Indigenous Multi-Stage Malaria Vaccine: AdFalciVax

India has taken a historic step in the fight against malaria with the development of its first indigenous multi-stage malaria vaccine, AdFalciVax. This breakthrough could transform how malaria prevention and control is managed in the country and beyond.

The vaccine has been developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) through its Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar. It is a joint effort with the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) and the National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi. Together, these institutions have pooled their scientific expertise to make this innovation possible.

AdFalciVax is a recombinant chimeric vaccine designed to fight Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite. Unlike conventional vaccines, it targets two critical stages of the parasite’s life cycle:

• PfCSP (Pre-erythrocytic stage): Prevents infection of human liver cells.

• PfsPro6C (Transmission stage): Blocks the parasite’s spread from humans to mosquitoes.

This dual-stage action makes AdFalciVax a unique and powerful tool in the battle against malaria.

As of mid-2025, AdFalciVax has completed preclinical development. The ICMR has already issued an Expression of Interest (EoI), inviting industry partners to collaborate on manufacturing, clinical trials, and future commercialization.

Research and Innovation Hubs

The vaccine was primarily developed and validated at RMRC Bhubaneswar, with major contributions from NIMR and NII in New Delhi. These centres of excellence reflect India’s growing role in global health research and advanced biotechnology.

Significance for Public Health

Malaria continues to be a major global health burden, with India among the worst-affected countries. Existing vaccines provide limited protection and usually target only one stage of the parasite.

AdFalciVax is significant because it:

• Combines dual-stage protection (infection prevention + transmission control).

• Strengthens malaria elimination programs by reducing both cases and community spread.

• Represents a cost-effective and scalable solution for endemic regions.

• Pathway to Manufacturing and Rollout

ICMR has established the technical know-how to produce AdFalciVax using the Lactococcus lactis expression system. Through its EoI, ICMR is offering non-exclusive licenses to both public and private manufacturers.

Technology transfer will be supported directly by ICMR and RMRC, ensuring a smooth transition from laboratory innovation to large-scale production and distribution.

AdFalciVax has the potential to become a landmark in India’s healthcare innovation journey. With clinical trials and partnerships ahead, the vaccine may soon protect millions of people at home and provide a powerful new tool for malaria control in endemic regions worldwide.

(Rh/Eth/VK/MSM)