BioNTech begins clinical trial of mRNA-based malaria vaccine candidate
The company said it will initially evaluate different antigens of the parasite that causes malaria over the coming months to help select the multi-antigen vaccine candidate with which to proceed to later-stage trials.
Advertisement
Berlin: BioNTech has initiated a first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trial of its BNT165b1 malaria vaccine candidate using mRNA technology, the German company announced on Friday. The Phase 1 trial is expected to enrol 60 volunteers in the United States with no history of malaria to evaluate the vaccine candidate at three dose levels, BioNTech said in a statement.
BNT165b1 is the first vaccine candidate from BioNTech's malaria project, which aims to develop a highly effective mRNA vaccine as well as establish vaccine production in Africa.
The company said it will initially evaluate different antigens of the parasite that causes malaria over the coming months to help select the multi-antigen vaccine candidate with which to proceed to later-stage trials.
Scientists around the world have been working for decades to develop a vaccine to prevent malaria, which infects millions of people every year and leads to hundreds of thousands of deaths - most of them babies and young children in the poorest parts of Africa.
The world's first and only licensed malaria vaccine, Mosquirix, was developed by GSK Plc's over many years of clinical trial across several African countries, but is only around 30% effective. In addition, a lack of funding and commercial potential have thwarted GSK's capacity to produce as many doses of its shot as needed.
MRNA vaccines, which came into the spotlight amid drugmakers' race to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus, prompt the human body to make a protein that is part of the pathogen, triggering an immune response.
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.