Multivalent mRNA malaria vaccine for broader protection
Multivalent mRNA-based malaria vaccines
['FUNDING_R01'] · DREXEL UNIVERSITY · NIH-11158978
This project is developing a new mRNA vaccine designed to protect people, including young children, against multiple stages of the malaria parasite.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DREXEL UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11158978 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will design mRNA vaccine candidates that include components targeting the parasite before it enters the blood, during blood-stage infection, and at the sexual stage to block transmission. They will optimize mRNA sequences and delivery formulations to keep each component strongly immunogenic without interfering with the others. Laboratory and preclinical tests will measure antibody and T-cell responses and antibody titers, building on prior recombinant protein plus adjuvant work. If preclinical results are promising, the team aims to advance the most effective candidates toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Future vaccine trials would likely enroll people living in malaria-endemic regions, with young children often prioritized because they face the highest risk of severe disease.
Not a fit: People who are not exposed to malaria (for example, residents of non-endemic countries) or those who cannot receive vaccines due to specific medical contraindications may not benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer broader and longer-lasting protection against malaria and help reduce cases and transmission, particularly in children in endemic areas.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier vaccines such as RTS,S have shown partial protection and provide a foundation, while mRNA vaccine approaches for malaria are promising but remain largely unproven in humans so far.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- DREXEL UNIVERSITY — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BURNS, JAMES MATTHEW — DREXEL UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BURNS, JAMES MATTHEW
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.