Development of indigenous multi-stage Malaria vaccine 'AdFalciVax' is underway
Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR), through its Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar (RMRCBB) and
National Institute of Malaria Research
(NIMR), in partnership with the Department of Biotechnology-National Institute of Immunology (DBT-NII), is currently developing a novel recombinant chimeric
malaria vaccine
candidate, named
AdFalciVax
.
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.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Select a Course Category
Design Thinking
Product Management
others
Healthcare
Cybersecurity
Project Management
Management
Data Analytics
Degree
PGDM
Public Policy
Operations Management
Artificial Intelligence
MBA
Finance
Digital Marketing
Technology
Data Science
healthcare
MCA
Data Science
CXO
Others
Leadership
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
22 Weeks
IIM Indore
CERT-IIMI DTAI Async India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
25 Weeks
IIM Kozhikode
CERT-IIMK PCP DTIM Async India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
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.
Live Events
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.
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.
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
8 hours ago
- News18
Protein Confusion: Do Indians Really Need Supplements Or Just Better Diets?
Last Updated: For most Indians, the key to better health doesn't lie in supplements but in a diverse, balanced, and nutrient-rich diet Protein is known as the 'building block" of the body because it is essential for muscle recovery, hormone production, immune function, and overall growth. In India, however, there's a lot of confusion around protein intake. While gym-goers often stock up on tubs of protein powder, many vegetarians worry they aren't getting enough protein. Others question whether supplements are necessary at all, or if a balanced diet can provide adequate protein without the need for powders or pills. Nidhi Sahai, Head of Clinical Dietetics & Nutrition at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, shares all you need to know: Are Indians Consuming Enough Protein? Multiple national surveys suggest that a significant portion of the Indian population does not meet the recommended protein intake. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends approximately 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight for healthy adults. However, several studies indicate that many urban and rural Indians—particularly women, vegetarians, and older adults—fall short of this target. This gap is often not due to a lack of available protein sources, but rather diets that are heavily skewed toward carbohydrates (such as rice, chapati, and potatoes) and lacking in high-quality protein. Not necessarily, especially if you're a healthy individual who isn't engaged in intense physical training. A well-planned and balanced diet can meet the protein needs of most people. Many natural sources of protein can easily be incorporated into daily meals, including: Lentils and legumes (dal, chana, rajma) Dairy (milk, paneer, curd) Eggs, chicken, and fish Soy products (tofu, soy chunks) Nuts and seeds When Are Protein Supplements Useful? Protein supplements may be helpful in specific situations, such as: Athletes or bodybuilders who need increased protein intake Elderly individuals with poor appetite or chewing difficulties Post-surgery patients needing faster recovery Individuals with medical conditions or protein deficiencies—under professional supervision However, excessive or unnecessary supplementation, especially without proper guidance, can overburden the kidneys and lead to digestive discomfort or imbalances. What's the Real Need? Better Food Literacy and Balanced Meals Instead of rushing to the supplement aisle, most people would benefit from a greater understanding of how to build balanced meals. Consider the following tips: Include a protein source at every meal Combine cereals with pulses (e.g., rice + dal, roti + besan) Incorporate curd, milk, or buttermilk daily Choose nutritious snacks like roasted chana, boiled eggs, or nuts Limit ultra-processed foods that offer calories but little nutritional value While protein powders offer convenience, they cannot replicate the holistic benefits of real food which also provides essential micronutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and other vital compounds that support overall health. For most Indians, the key to better health doesn't lie in supplements but in a diverse, balanced, and nutrient-rich diet. With greater awareness and mindful eating habits, we can meet our protein needs naturally—one wholesome meal at a time. view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 16:10 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Protein Confusion: Do Indians Really Need Supplements Or Just Better Diets? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
10 hours ago
- India Today
Why young Indian couples are putting on the kilos
There's the mirror effect: 'When your partner reaches for chips, you do too. When they skip their morning run, so do you." (Photo: Generative AI) More than one in four young married couples in India is overweight or obese Food apps increase availability of high-calorie meals leading to weight gain Emotional eating and partner influence contribute to unhealthy habits Young, married, and seemingly thriving, but is it all good for the body? As incomes rise, food apps multiply, and the late-night snacking gets fancier, young urban Indian couples are seeing a not-so-cute side effect: they're gaining weight together. According to a recent Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study, more than one in four young married couples in India is either overweight or obese. So, what's really going on? Is love making us lazy? Or are couples just eating their way into comfort? WHEN FOOD IS JUST A SWIPE AWAY 'The availability of high-calorie dishes through food apps is making things worse,' says Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain, Chairman, GI Oncology, Minimal Access & Bariatric Surgery at Fortis Shalimar Bagh. Dr. Jain says he's seen a steady rise in obesity, diabetes, hypertension and fatty liver disease among young patients in the last few years. Most of them are urban, newly married, and eating well but moving very little. There's a steady rise in obesity, diabetes, hypertension and fatty liver disease among young patients in the last few years. () 'Most of them are late sleepers who keep eating till late hours. Affluence and sedentary lifestyles where satisfying the senses matters more is a perfect recipe for obesity,' he tells THE PARTNER EFFECT: DOUBLE THE FUN, DOUBLE THE FAT? 'Couples influence each other heavily in all aspects of life,' explains Dr. Jain, 'including eating habits, partying, and exercise routines. So, if both partners enjoy the same kind of sedentary lifestyle, then weight gain becomes almost inevitable.' He adds that young couples from wealthy families, with fewer responsibilities, often lean toward a 'fun-loving lifestyle' filled with late-night parties, eating out, and endless binge-watching. Add to that India's rich food culture, carb-heavy diets, sweets, red meat, alcohol in certain states, and you've got yourself a weighty problem. AFTER THE WEDDING COMES... LESS WALKING There seems to be a significant drop in physical activity after marriage. Physical appearance becomes less of a priority. People start eating elaborate meals outside, work late hours, and get busy with future financial planning. And then there's the impact on women. India's rich food culture, carb-heavy diets, sweets, red meat, alcohol in certain states lead to a weighty problem. (Photo: India Today) 'Infertility and PCOD are associated with obesity,' says Dr. Jain. 'So social and marital life can take a hit post-marriage. Men, on the other hand, become more career-focused and start ignoring physical health.' EMOTIONAL WEIGHT: WHY LOVE MAKES US EAT MORE Dr. Sandhya Sharma, Consultant Psychologist at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, puts it simply: 'The comfort trap.' 'Once you find 'the one', the pressure to look perfect fades. You order dessert without guilt. Skip the gym because your partner loves you anyway,' she explains. 'It's beautiful but dangerous.' According to Dr. Sharma, food becomes a couple's love language. Midnight biryani runs, ice cream after fights -- calories are now emotional currency. Then there's the mirror effect: 'When your partner reaches for chips, you do too. When they skip their morning run, so do you.' She also reveals an overlooked emotional trigger. 'Couple fights raise stress hormones that make you crave sugar and carbs. That post-argument ice cream? It's not just emotional, it's biological.' The list of modern culprits is long: there's the restaurant dating culture where every milestone is celebrated with a heavy meal, screen-time bonding, and the promise of working out together until one quits the gym. 'Daily exercise together, eating a light dinner, and motivating each other instead of making fun of each other's weight, these are key things to do,' advises Dr. Jain. THE SILENT WEIGHT PACT (AND HOW TO BREAK IT) Once married, couples often slip into a shared zone of indulgence. The pressure to stay fit takes a backseat. But here's the flip side: just as couples fall into bad habits together, they can get healthier together too. When one partner starts prioritising wellness -- getting regular check-ups, walking more, or ditching sugar -- the other often follows suit. The healthiest couples? They treat fitness as part of their relationship, not outside of it. They cook together. Exercise together. Even weigh in together. And when they fight? They talk it out, instead of eating it out. "Because the best kind of growing old together is doing it in bodies that can actually keep up with your dreams," says Dr. Sharma. Young, married, and seemingly thriving, but is it all good for the body? As incomes rise, food apps multiply, and the late-night snacking gets fancier, young urban Indian couples are seeing a not-so-cute side effect: they're gaining weight together. According to a recent Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study, more than one in four young married couples in India is either overweight or obese. So, what's really going on? Is love making us lazy? Or are couples just eating their way into comfort? WHEN FOOD IS JUST A SWIPE AWAY 'The availability of high-calorie dishes through food apps is making things worse,' says Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain, Chairman, GI Oncology, Minimal Access & Bariatric Surgery at Fortis Shalimar Bagh. Dr. Jain says he's seen a steady rise in obesity, diabetes, hypertension and fatty liver disease among young patients in the last few years. Most of them are urban, newly married, and eating well but moving very little. There's a steady rise in obesity, diabetes, hypertension and fatty liver disease among young patients in the last few years. () 'Most of them are late sleepers who keep eating till late hours. Affluence and sedentary lifestyles where satisfying the senses matters more is a perfect recipe for obesity,' he tells THE PARTNER EFFECT: DOUBLE THE FUN, DOUBLE THE FAT? 'Couples influence each other heavily in all aspects of life,' explains Dr. Jain, 'including eating habits, partying, and exercise routines. So, if both partners enjoy the same kind of sedentary lifestyle, then weight gain becomes almost inevitable.' He adds that young couples from wealthy families, with fewer responsibilities, often lean toward a 'fun-loving lifestyle' filled with late-night parties, eating out, and endless binge-watching. Add to that India's rich food culture, carb-heavy diets, sweets, red meat, alcohol in certain states, and you've got yourself a weighty problem. AFTER THE WEDDING COMES... LESS WALKING There seems to be a significant drop in physical activity after marriage. Physical appearance becomes less of a priority. People start eating elaborate meals outside, work late hours, and get busy with future financial planning. And then there's the impact on women. India's rich food culture, carb-heavy diets, sweets, red meat, alcohol in certain states lead to a weighty problem. (Photo: India Today) 'Infertility and PCOD are associated with obesity,' says Dr. Jain. 'So social and marital life can take a hit post-marriage. Men, on the other hand, become more career-focused and start ignoring physical health.' EMOTIONAL WEIGHT: WHY LOVE MAKES US EAT MORE Dr. Sandhya Sharma, Consultant Psychologist at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, puts it simply: 'The comfort trap.' 'Once you find 'the one', the pressure to look perfect fades. You order dessert without guilt. Skip the gym because your partner loves you anyway,' she explains. 'It's beautiful but dangerous.' According to Dr. Sharma, food becomes a couple's love language. Midnight biryani runs, ice cream after fights -- calories are now emotional currency. Then there's the mirror effect: 'When your partner reaches for chips, you do too. When they skip their morning run, so do you.' She also reveals an overlooked emotional trigger. 'Couple fights raise stress hormones that make you crave sugar and carbs. That post-argument ice cream? It's not just emotional, it's biological.' The list of modern culprits is long: there's the restaurant dating culture where every milestone is celebrated with a heavy meal, screen-time bonding, and the promise of working out together until one quits the gym. 'Daily exercise together, eating a light dinner, and motivating each other instead of making fun of each other's weight, these are key things to do,' advises Dr. Jain. THE SILENT WEIGHT PACT (AND HOW TO BREAK IT) Once married, couples often slip into a shared zone of indulgence. The pressure to stay fit takes a backseat. But here's the flip side: just as couples fall into bad habits together, they can get healthier together too. When one partner starts prioritising wellness -- getting regular check-ups, walking more, or ditching sugar -- the other often follows suit. The healthiest couples? They treat fitness as part of their relationship, not outside of it. They cook together. Exercise together. Even weigh in together. And when they fight? They talk it out, instead of eating it out. "Because the best kind of growing old together is doing it in bodies that can actually keep up with your dreams," says Dr. Sharma. Join our WhatsApp Channel
The Hindu
13 hours ago
- The Hindu
Mumbai man booked for unleashing dog on minor boy
A disturbing incident occurred in Mumbai on Thursday (July 17, 2025) at around 10 p.m., when Mohammad Sohail Khan deliberately unleashed his pet dog on a minor boy, who was playing in a parked auto-rickshaw, according to Mumbai Police. The dog attacked the minor boy, biting him on the chin and hands, causing serious injuries. A video of the incident went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation. Lancet study estimates 3 in every 4 animal bites in India due to dogs Khan allegedly set his pet dog loose on minor boy without any provocation and the dog bit the child repeatedly. Instead of intervening, Khan was seen laughing and enjoying the incident. The boy sustained injuries to his chin and hands and was left mentally traumatised by the ordeal. "On July 17, at around 10:00 p.m. the complainant's minor son was playing in a parked rickshaw in the residential area when the accused, Mohammad Sohail Khan — an acquaintance from the same locality — deliberately released his brown-coloured pet dog. Owing to a lack of control and supervision, the dog bit the child on the chin, causing injury," said Mumbai Police. Based on the detailed statement of the complainant, an offence has been registered against Khan under Sections 291, 125, 125(a) of IPC (BNS) at Mankhurd Police Station. 3.17 lakh people sought treatment for dog bite cases in the State in 2024 A notice has been served to the accused under Section 35(3) of BNS. Earlier, on July 10, the Central Government aimed to eliminate Rabies by 2023. According to the study done by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), on Human rabies death and animal bite burden estimates in India, 2022-2023, more than 5,000 people die every year owing to dog bites. 'Nearly 9.1 million animal bites and 5,726 human rabies deaths due to dog bites are estimated to occur every year in India,' states a study done by ICMR-NIE. 'Eighty per cent of the dog bite victims reported taking at least one dose of the vaccination. In order to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2023, India must continue to fast-track its action through a focussed health approach,' states a study done by ICMR-NIE. The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, based on a release issued by the Ministry, mentioned that States/UTs have reported, as per the data reported on the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (Integrated Health Information Platform) portal under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, that 21,95,122 dog bite cases in India during Jan-Dec 2024.
