Creating a new vaccine to fight malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum

Developing a multi-component vaccine harnessing potent antibody and cellular responses against the blood-stage of Plasmodium falciparum

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11066520

This study is testing a new malaria vaccine that combines two different approaches to help your body fight the disease better, and it's being done in a model that closely resembles how malaria affects humans.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11066520 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a multi-component vaccine aimed at combating malaria, specifically targeting the blood-stage of the Plasmodium falciparum parasite. The approach involves combining two vaccine candidates that work through different mechanisms to enhance the immune response. One candidate is designed to improve the quality of antibodies, while the other utilizes whole blood-stage parasites to stimulate a robust immune reaction. The efficacy of this vaccine will be evaluated using a primate model that closely mimics human malaria infections.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old, particularly in regions where malaria is endemic.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk of malaria or those who have already been vaccinated with existing malaria vaccines may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a highly effective malaria vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence and severity of malaria infections in vulnerable populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing malaria vaccines, but this multi-component approach is innovative and aims to address limitations of existing vaccines.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.