Developing a new malaria vaccine using mRNA technology
Official title: Multivalent mRNA-based malaria vaccines
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-10945076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $738,445 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI184895-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10945076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years living in malaria-endemic regions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children or those living in non-endemic regions for malaria may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burns, James Matthew — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Burns, James Matthew
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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.