Creating more powerful malaria vaccines
Expanding the breadth, magnitude, and durability of PfSPZ vaccines by creating multi-strain vaccines, designer hybrid and genetically altered parasite vaccines and use of a unique adjuvant.
This project aims to make new malaria vaccines that work better, last longer, and protect against more types of malaria parasites for people in areas where malaria is common.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanaria, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rockville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11082271 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Current malaria vaccines, based on a West African parasite strain, have shown promise in clinical trials. However, malaria parasites vary across different regions like East Africa and Asia, meaning the current vaccine might not be as effective everywhere. Our goal is to develop next-generation vaccines using different strains of the malaria parasite, including those from East Africa and Asia, to offer broader protection. We are also exploring new vaccine designs and a special ingredient called an adjuvant to boost the vaccine's strength and lasting effect. This work could lead to more effective and widely available malaria prevention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future vaccine trials stemming from this research would likely include individuals, particularly children aged 0-11 years, living in malaria-endemic areas of Africa and Asia.
Not a fit: Patients who do not live in malaria-endemic regions or are not at risk of Plasmodium falciparum infection would not directly benefit from this vaccine development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new malaria vaccines that provide stronger, longer-lasting, and broader protection against different malaria strains, especially for children and adults in malaria-prone regions.
How similar studies have performed: First and second-generation PfSPZ vaccines have already demonstrated excellent safety and efficacy in over 25 clinical trials, indicating a strong foundation for this advanced development.
Where this research is happening
Rockville, United States
- Sanaria, INC. — Rockville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sim, B. Kim Lee — Sanaria, INC.
- Study coordinator: Sim, B. Kim Lee
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 below.