Creating affordable malaria vaccine proteins using E. coli
Official title: E. coli platform for expression of low-cost malaria fusion proteins
Funded at Fina Biosolutions, LLC · NIH-10819079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new, affordable way to make proteins for malaria vaccines using a special type of E. coli, with the hope of helping protect young children under five who are most at risk for malaria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fina Biosolutions, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rockville, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $297,809 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AI181078-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10819079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of five living in malaria-endemic regions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not affected by malaria or are outside the target age group may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a low-cost method for producing malaria vaccine proteins using a specially engineered strain of E. coli. The goal is to make these proteins more accessible and effective for vaccine development, particularly for children under five who are most at risk of malaria. By utilizing a unique bacterial system, the researchers aim to produce these proteins in high yields while ensuring they are correctly folded and functional. Collaborations with leading institutions enhance the credibility and potential impact of this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more affordable and effective malaria vaccines, significantly reducing malaria-related deaths, especially in young children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using bacterial systems for protein expression, but this specific approach is innovative and aims to address significant challenges in malaria vaccine development.
Where this research is happening
-
Fina Biosolutions, LLC
Rockville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lees, Andrew — Fina Biosolutions, LLC
- Study coordinator: Lees, Andrew
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.