PfAg: a peptide-based malaria vaccine targeting CSP and AgTRIO
Official title: PfAg, a multivalent peptide vaccine against malaria
Funded at L2 Diagnostics, LLC · NIH-11416334 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, peptide-based malaria vaccine candidate aims to train the immune system to fight malaria by targeting specific parasite and mosquito proteins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | L2 Diagnostics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI195230-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416334 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals in malaria-endemic regions where vaccines would be deployed in future trials, pending regulatory approval.
✕Less likely to help
Early preclinical studies in animals may not translate directly to human benefit at this stage.
What this research studies
PfAg is a short peptide vaccine designed to trigger immune responses against malaria by focusing on key parts of the parasite and the Anopheles gambiae mosquito. The project is in Phase I feasibility, testing optimized vaccine constructs and preliminary efficacy in preclinical models. The goal is to enable a safe, affordable vaccine that could work alone or boost existing malaria vaccines, with an eye toward deployment in malaria-endemic regions. If successful, this work could lay the groundwork for later human studies and real-world vaccination strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the vaccine could contribute to reducing malaria infections and support eradication efforts in high-burden areas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous peptide-based vaccine approaches have shown immunogenicity and partial protection in preclinical models, but human efficacy remains to be established.
Where this research is happening
-
L2 Diagnostics, LLC
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chuang, Yu-Min — L2 Diagnostics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Chuang, Yu-Min
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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.