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Source: The post is based on the article “WHO approves use of malaria vaccine with adjuvant tech” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd October 2023.
What is the News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended a new vaccine named R21/Matrix-M for the prevention of malaria in children.
What is R21/Matrix-M Vaccine?
R21/Matrix-M is a Malaria Vaccine.
Developed by: Jenner Institute at Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India with support from the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), the Wellcome Trust, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The vaccine contains R21 antigen developed by University of Oxford, specific to the malaria parasite, and Novavax’s Matrix-M, a saponin-based adjuvant that enhances the immune response, making it broader and more durable.
Key Features of R21:
– High efficacy when given just before the high transmission season: In areas with highly seasonal malaria transmission (where malaria transmission is largely limited to 4 or 5 months per year), the R21 vaccine was shown to reduce symptomatic cases of malaria by 75% following a 3-dose series.
– Cost-effectiveness is favorable, with a price range of $2 to $4 per dose, making it comparable to other recommended malaria interventions.
– Safety: The R21 vaccine was shown to be safe in clinical trials.
Significance: The R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine recommended by WHO, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, which received a WHO recommendation in 2021.
