Development of indigenous multi-stage Malaria vaccine 'AdFalciVax' is underway
ADVERTISEMENT AdFalciVax is the first indigenous recombinant chimeric malaria vaccine specifically designed to target two critical stages of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for the most lethal form of malaria.
The vaccine aims to protect against human infection while also reducing vector-borne community transmission of the parasite.
According to the release, the vaccine has demonstrated excellent efficacy in the preclinical stage of development. Preclinical data suggest that AdFalciVax may have advantages over existing single-stage vaccines, including broader protection by targeting two vulnerable parasite stages, lower risk of immune evasion, potential for better long-term immunity, and extended thermal stability with functionality maintained for over nine months at room temperature.AdFalciVax is a recombinant multistage vaccine produced in Lactococcus lactis, designed to protect both individual humans and reduce the community transmission cycle.It represents one of the most advanced malaria vaccine candidates globally, with a rational design targeting two key stages of the parasite. This vaccine consists of a stable and functional recombinant chimaera between antigenic components that promises dual protection.
ADVERTISEMENT ICMR intends to license the technology for AdFalciVax to eligible organisations and manufacturers for further development, manufacture, and commercialisation under non-exclusive agreements. This approach aims to enable wider outreach and maximise public health benefits. All collaborations will adhere to ICMR's Intellectual Property Policy.
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As an indigenously developed vaccine candidate that fulfils the Make in India mandate, AdFalciVax holds the potential to contribute substantially to malaria eradication by preventing infection and minimising community transmission.This information is provided for awareness purposes only. The vaccine candidate is in its early research and development phases and is not yet available for any clinical use or commercialisation.
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The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Malaria's new frontlines: vaccines, innovation, and the Indian endgame
In 2023, malaria infected nearly 294 million people and killed close to 6,00,000. Despite early victories in the fight against malaria, global progress has stalled in recent years. The parasites are adapting, becoming resistant to treatments, while mosquitoes are surviving insecticides. It's a shape-shifting enemy—and the old tools are slipping. India has reduced its malaria burden by over 80% between 2015 and 2023—but last year, tribal districts such as Lawngtlai (Mizoram) and Narayanpur (Chhattisgarh) still recorded malaria rates of over 56 and 22 cases per 1,000 people, respectively as per the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control —reminders that the parasite continues to thrive in several pockets long after national averages have improved. While Africa faces mostly Plasmodium falciparum, India also battles the relapse-prone Plasmodium vivax which can lie dormant in the liver and reawaken weeks or, even months later. In Jharkhand, mixed infections account for nearly 20% of cases (NCVBDC), complicating elimination. Even where incidence has dropped, the parasite can persist—lurking in asymptomatic carriers (people with no symptoms) or returning months after infection. The search for smarter, longer-lasting vaccines has never been more urgent. Hope with limits: RTS,S and R21 After decades of setbacks, the first approved malaria vaccine—RTS,S—arrived in 2021. It offered about 55% protection in the first year, but efficacy waned by 18 months, requiring a fourth booster dose. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine, developed by Oxford and the Serum Institute, showed up to 77% efficacy in Phase 3 trials winning World Health Organization (WHO) approval in 2023. Fewer doses, low cost, and Indian production make it especially promising. Still, both vaccines target only one stage of the parasite, leaving reinfection and transmission a lingering threat. Whole-parasite vaccines: a stronger shot on the horizon Instead of targeting a single protein, like in RTS,S and R21, whole-parasite vaccines expose the immune system to the entire malaria parasite—alive, but weakened. The experimental PfSPZ vaccine mimics natural infection using radiation-weakened P. falciparum sporozoite (the parasite's early-stage form) delivered directly into the bloodstream. Early studies showed that 96% of participants developed strong antibodies, with up to 79% protection after the third dose. Building on that foundation, a modified version called PfSPZ-LARC2, developed by Sanaria, may push efficacy even further. The simplicity of a one-dose regimen, despite the intravenous requirement, could make it a strong candidate for targeted use in outbreak zones or among hard-to-reach migrant populations in India. Unlike vaccines that target the parasite's earlier stage, PfRH5 acts during the blood stage, when symptoms appear and the risk of severe illness increases. Since RH5 is a vital protein for red blood cell invasion that the parasite can't easily alter, it offers cross-strain protection—a rare asset in malaria vaccine design. Phase 1a/b and Phase 2b trials in the UK, The Gambia, and Burkina Faso have shown promising outcomes. These vaccines could complement earlier-stage ones and may help boost natural immunity in people who've previously had malaria. Transmission-blocking vaccines While the above vaccines aim to protect individuals, transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) target the parasite in the mosquito—halting its spread at the population level. Pfs230D1 induces antibodies that prevent parasite fertilization within the mosquito gut. In Mali, it reduced transmission by 78% in a Phase 2 trial. This strategy is especially relevant to India with a far higher proportion of asymptomatic carriers. 'Our group and others in India are actively working on TBVs to address this reservoir,' said Agam P. Singh, scientist at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi. India, too, is entering the TBV space with its own candidates. In July 2025, AdFalciVax was announced by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the country's first indigenous dual-stage malaria vaccine. Unlike single-phase vaccines, it combines pre-erythrocytic (PfCSP) and transmission-blocking (Pfs230 and Pfs48/45) antigens to both prevent infection and block mosquito transmission. 'AdFalciVax has completed preclinical testing,' said Subhash Singh, who leads the programme at ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar. In mice, it triggered strong immune responses lasting over four months—roughly equivalent to a decade in humans—and remained stable at room temperature for nine months, potentially aiding rural deployment. Progress is also visible beyond P. falciparum. A first-in-human trial in Thailand showed that the P. vivax TBV Pvs230D1M reduced mosquito transmission by up to 96%, another ray of light for India's mixed-species numbers. India, too, is not far behind. 'A similar research program for P. vivax is underway, in collaboration with AdFalciVax co-inventors Sanghamitra Pati and Sushil Singh,' said Dr. Singh. Boosting immune power Strengthening the immune response itself is another active front. A recent protein-based vaccine combined a ferritin nanoparticle with CpG—a type of adjuvant, or immune booster already used in hepatitis B vaccines—and cut liver-stage parasite burden by 95% in mice. AdFalciVax showed over 90% protection in mice even with alum, a mild and widely used adjuvant. 'We saw protection on a par with more inflammatory adjuvants such as MPLA (a stronger adjuvant),' said Dr. Singh. 'Whether this holds in humans remains to be seen.' Scientists are also testing newer vaccine platforms such as mRNA, which allow vaccines to be made faster and tweaked more easily than protein-based ones. In 2025, researchers at CureVac and the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) encoded the Pfs25 antigen—targeting the parasite's sexual stage—into an mRNA-lipid nanoparticle. They observed complete transmission blockage in mice, with antibodies lasting over six months from just two doses. However, not all mRNA-based vaccine efforts are moving ahead smoothly. In early 2025, BioNTech's Phase I/IIa trial for its blood-stage mRNA vaccine candidate BNT165e was placed on clinical hold by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the company did not disclose the reason, it noted that discussions with regulators are ongoing. The pause highlights the hurdles of translating mRNA platforms into malaria vaccines. 'mRNA and nanoparticle platforms can certainly be explored—alone or in combination,' said Pawan Malhotra, emeritus scientist at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi. 'But it's hard to predict what will work. Plasmodium is complex, unlike bacteria or viruses.' Augmenting existing vaccines, blocking immune evasions Beyond boosting the strength of the immune response, scientists are also exploring how to improve its aim—modifying malaria antigens to help the body recognise the parasite more efficiently. A new experimental vaccine links PfCSP—a surface protein from the malaria parasite—to MIP3α, a molecule that acts like a flare to draw in immune cells. In mice, it triggered stronger antibody and T cell responses than standard mRNA vaccines, reducing liver-stage infection by up to 88%. It hasn't yet been tested in humans, but it shows how tweaking the immune response could push malaria vaccines past current limits. Beyond vaccines, researchers are exploring how malaria hides from our immune system. P. falciparum uses RIFIN proteins to bind to immune 'off switches' like the LILRB1 receptor, shutting down immune cells. It's a tactic that helps the parasite hide in plain sight. A new study describes an experimental, engineered antibody, D1D2.v-IgG, designed to block this interaction. Built from a segment of the LILRB1 receptor, the antibody binds to RIFIN 110 times more strongly than the natural version—outcompeting the parasite at its own game. By blocking this interference, it freed the body's LILRB1 to function normally, restoring immune attack in lab tests. Though still untested in animals, the approach could one day support new malaria therapies or enhance vaccine responses. Gene drives and vector suppression While engineered antibodies attack the parasite, CRISPR-based gene drives go after its vector. These tools insert fertility-disrupting genes into mosquitoes. In a landmark study, this approach wiped out entire Anopheles gambiae colonies within a year—with no resistance detected. But evolution rarely plays along. In the wild, mosquitoes might adapt, ecosystems could shift, and once released, gene drives can't be recalled. The idea of eradicating a species raises thorny ethical and ecological questions. So, researchers are exploring subtler strategies. One 2025 study edited a single letter in the FREP1 gene, blocking the malaria parasite from developing inside the mosquito. With a gene drive, this parasite-blocking trait spread to over 90% of lab mosquitoes in ten generations—without harming their fertility or survival. But the parasite remains under pressure to evolve around the block, and infected mosquitoes still live long enough to potentially transmit malaria if the trait doesn't saturate the population. Another team took a different route—engineering mosquitoes to die sooner only when infected. By disabling an immune gene, they created a self-limiting feedback loop: the more malaria spreads, the more it kills its own carriers. Because this strategy doesn't attack the parasite directly, it reduces the pressure for resistance. It's an elegant inversion—using the parasite's success against itself to shrink transmission, without eradicating the vector or requiring perfect coverage. The Indian lens: challenges and the path ahead The nation aims malaria elimination by 2030. It's an ambitious plan—but one that hinges on precision and persistence. Tribal and forested districts in Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and parts of the Northeast are the last strongholds of malaria—often remote areas with limited healthcare access. Even in places where infections seem to be minimal, adults and older children often act as asymptomatic reservoirs, quietly sustaining transmission. The dual-species landscape in India further complicates elimination efforts. 'P. cynomolgi—a monkey malaria species—is the best model for P. vivax research,' said Dr. Malhotra. 'We were developing it 20 years ago with the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), but strict monkey access laws and lack of scientific foresight stalled it.' Despite these challenges in vivax research, efforts to develop a vaccine are gaining ground. Both Dr. Subhash Singh at ICMR and Dr. Agam P. Singh at NII confirm that P. vivax vaccine candidates are under active development. But even the most innovative science needs systems to carry it forward. 'We need a COVID-style push,' said Dr. Malhotra. 'Industry and academia must collaborate with proper funding. We've developed potent therapeutic antibodies against liver-stage parasites and now need partnerships to move them forward. A lone scientist in a lab can't do it all.' The science is advancing—but it needs infrastructure and political will to match. Dr. Singh echoes the sentiment. 'We are now concentrating on translating AdFalciVax's promising preclinical results into trials. Successful deployment however, will require good results over multiple stages of trials as well as regulatory approvals, likely taking at least 7–8 years.' In addition, strong coordination between regulators, industry, and researchers is needed. ICMR has already floated an Expression of Interest seeking industrial partners to co-develop the vaccine. 'Challenges that need to be addressed include producing GMP-grade components, developing immune biomarkers, and benchmarking efficacy against RTS,S and R21,' added Dr. Singh. 'We definitely need vaccines, antibodies, new drugs—for both P. falciparum and P. vivax,' said Dr. Malhotra. 'But that's not enough. Doctors need training, resistance must be tracked, and vector control has to keep pace.' It must be a full-spectrum battle—from the molecular level to the community clinic. India's malaria story is no longer one of uniform burden—it's a fight against hidden reservoirs, remote geographies, and a parasite that won't quit. With next-gen vaccines, homegrown innovation, and growing scientific momentum, the country stands at a critical juncture. Elimination by 2030 is not just a goal—it's a test of whether science, policy, and public health can unite to defeat an ancient foe. The tools are here. Now, we must use them—decisively and everywhere the parasite still survives. (Anirban Mukhopadhyay is a geneticist by training and science communicator from Delhi.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Infosys Foundation renews funding for diabetes centre; ‘Dixit Lifestyle' aids HbAIc control
Eat twice a day when you are really hungry, increase proteins, reduce carbohydrates and finish the meal in a maximum time of 55 minutes, Dr Jagannath Dixit who is well known for advocating a diet plan aimed at reversing obesity and type 2 diabetes said. With the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes rising rapidly in the country– 101 million as per the recent ICMR-INDIAB study- Dr Dixit explained that lifestyle modification is quite simple: reducing the frequency of eating lowers insulin levels, which leads to four key benefits — weight loss, reduced abdominal fat, and the prevention or reversal of diabetes. At the Pune based Association for Diabetes and Obesity Reversal (ADORE) Dr Dixit and his team guide individuals on how to lose weight and control diabetes without medication by following the 'Dixit lifestyle'. As per data from ADORE's Diabetes Reversal Counselling Center, 3,500 patients have registered to lose weight or control diabetes, with an average weight loss of 6.2 kg over six months. 'Out of these, 3000 patients are from Pune city and its surrounding areas. Approximately 398 diabetic patients have been able to reduce their HbA1c levels(These levels reflect average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months) to below 6.5 without medication for at least three months, with 365 of them from the city and around Pune,' Dr Dixit told media persons at a conference held on Thursday. 'Infosys Foundation had given funds to the tune of Rs 2.4 crore and we had launched the 'Infosys Foundation Diabetes Care Program' centres in Pune and Nagpur in November-December 2022. A centre in Nashik, funded by CTR Company, runs daily. ADORE also has centres in Thane, Kalyan, Sangli, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Kolhapur, Solapur, Vile Parle, Surat, Belgaum, and Madgaon, operating one to three days a week. We have also set up new centers Badlapur and Bhayandar,' Dr Dixit added. With Infosys Foundation extending financial support for ADORE's efforts, Dr Dixit has set up the centre at a larger space in space has been provided by the charitable organization Ram Padma Godbole Foundation at Law College Road. The centre will operate from Monday to Saturday between 5 PM and 9 PM. Dr. Dixit said that all medical check-ups and counselling services at this centre will be completely free of cost. According to Dr Dixit, ADORE's centre has also helped 35–40 patients with very high blood sugar to control diabetes without medicines, and 4 patients have successfully quit tobacco while following the Dixit lifestyle. When contacted, one of the patients Vithal Thorat (62) who retired as a police constable told The Indian Express that his HbA1c levels in June 2023 was 16.7. According to World Health Organisation an An HbA1c of 6.5% is recommended as the cut point for diagnosing diabetes. 'I strictly followed the Dixit lifestyle diet and by November 2023 my HbA1c levels had dropped to 6.2,' Thorat said.
Business Standard
a day ago
- Business Standard
Food as Medicine: Dr. V. Mohan on the Economic and Health Impact of Pistachio-Based Diabetes Prevention
Dr. V. Mohan, one of India's foremost diabetologists and researchers, sheds light on the findings of a landmark clinical trial led by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), conducted with the support of the American Pistachio Growers (APG). Recently published in the prestigious Journal of Nutrition, the study reveals how adding pistachios to a daily diet could significantly improve metabolic health in people with prediabetes—a discovery that could influence how India tackles its growing diabetes burden. Why Pistachios May Be the Missing Piece in India's Nutrition Puzzle? The Indian diet is largely carbohydrate-heavy, with limited focus on proteins and healthy fats. For a balanced diet, all three macronutrients—carbs, proteins, and fats—must be proportionately included. Among fats, trans fats (in processed foods) and saturated fats (like ghee and butter) are harmful. Healthier options include unsaturated fats: monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). MUFAs are especially beneficial for heart health and diabetes management. Unfortunately, Indian diets lack MUFAs. Pistachios, rich in MUFA, offer a healthy solution. Research now shows they help lower cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and waist size—contrary to earlier beliefs about nuts and weight gain. Pistachios and Satiety: A Natural Way to Control Appetite Pistachios are remarkably effective at inducing satiety, helping people feel full faster. When meals include natural, fiber- and protein-rich foods like pistachios, fruits, and non-starchy vegetables, carb intake naturally drops. For instance, someone used to eat three chapatis may feel satisfied with just one or two. This simple dietary change can aid in weight control, improve blood sugar levels, and support better overall metabolic health—making pistachios a smart, healthy addition. Reducing Healthcare Costs Through Preventive Nutrition According to the ICMR-INDIAB study, India has 101 million diabetics and 136 million prediabetics. If even half of the prediabetics develop diabetes, the total could exceed 160 million—leading to enormous healthcare costs, including medications, surgeries, and dialysis. Preventive strategies like pistachio consumption can delay or prevent diabetes and reduce heart disease risk. This not only improves health outcomes but also significantly cuts healthcare expenses for individuals and the system. The Role of International Collaborations in Driving Health Innovation Collaborations like ours with APG (American Pistachio Growers) are crucial for generating strong, evidence-based research. This study helps prove that investing in healthy foods—like pistachios over junk snacks—can lead to simple, impactful health improvements nationwide. An Opportunity for Indian Food Brands: Healthy Pistachio-Based Products There is a huge opportunity for Indian food companies to develop pistachio-based products. But they must be careful not to undermine the health benefits by adding excess salt, sugar, or fat. Pistachios should be consumed in as natural a form as possible, or blended with other healthy ingredients in a mindful way. Done right, this can help make healthier eating mainstream. The Future of Pistachio Research: Beyond Diabetes At the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, we're studying how pistachios improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and lower insulin resistance. Long-term trials are challenging, so we're pursuing large-scale observational studies over 10–15 years to explore pistachios' lasting impact on heart disease, diabetes, and obesity in real-world settings. Can India Create Its Own 'Mediterranean Diet"? India can create its own 'Indian Mediterranean diet' with nuts like pistachios, healthy fats, and traditional vegetables—promoting long-term health by rethinking our carb-heavy eating habits. The Rise of Nut-Based Food Content Creators: A Boon for Public Health? We also need the help of social media creators and health influencers to spread awareness. If people understand that a handful of pistachios daily can lower heart disease and diabetes risk, this message will stick—and habits will change. Global Collaboration: Partners in the Pistachio Study Our study involved collaborations with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and other global experts. These partnerships ensured that our research met the highest scientific standards, making it impactful and credible. What's Next for MDRF? Beyond Pistachios We're working on several projects. Studies on cashews, almonds, walnuts, and groundnuts Research on how much carbohydrate is safe, and what should replace it—protein, fat, or something else Childhood diabetes, gestational diabetes, and type 1 diabetes Use of AI and machine learning in reading retinal scans for diabetes-related eye diseases Physical activity innovations like Tandav, a 12-minute Bollywood dance workout designed by my daughter Dr. Ranjana, which uses HIIT principles We are exploring immune markers, inflammatory markers, and metabolomics. These studies are costly, but since the early results are promising, we're talking to funders to support continued research in this area. Conclusion: Rethinking Food as Medicine India must shift from treatment to prevention. Adding pistachios daily is a small step with big benefits—for diabetes, heart health, and healthcare costs. It's time to see food as medicine.
