Developing a new malaria vaccine using mRNA technology

Multivalent mRNA-based malaria vaccines

['FUNDING_R01'] · DREXEL UNIVERSITY · NIH-10945076

This study is testing a new malaria vaccine made with mRNA technology to help protect young children from malaria by boosting their immune response against the parasites that cause the disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorDREXEL UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10945076 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a multivalent malaria vaccine that targets different stages of the malaria parasite lifecycle. By using mRNA technology, the vaccine aims to enhance the immune response against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, which are responsible for the majority of malaria cases. The approach involves formulating a vaccine that can stimulate both antibody and cell-mediated immune responses, potentially leading to better protection against malaria. The research will systematically evaluate the effectiveness of this vaccine in generating a robust immune response in young children, who are particularly vulnerable to malaria.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years living in malaria-endemic regions.

Not a fit: Patients who are not children or those living in non-endemic regions for malaria may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective malaria vaccine that significantly reduces the incidence of malaria in children.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise with mRNA vaccine technology in various infectious diseases, suggesting potential for success in malaria vaccine development.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.