Malaria Vaccine Development Program (MVDP)

The Opportunity

In recent years, much evidence has emerged indicating the feasibility of malaria vaccines. Rapidly accumulating new knowledge of the parasite has allowed powerful insights into possible methods for producing vaccines, and experimental vaccines have been demonstrated capable of protecting against the disease. One vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline Biologics and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research is on track for licensure.  However, its efficacy is limited (about 30 percent against clinical disease and 60 percent against severe disease).  Vaccines with greater efficacy are needed.

A number of requirements must still be met to develop vaccines with the desired characteristics of high efficacy in very young children, long duration of efficacy, suitability for deployment in the developing world, and cost-effectiveness. Although these are demanding requirements, most experts believe that they can be met.