&w=3840&q=100)
ICMR invites EoIs to undertake tech transfer, commercialise malaria vaccine
Developed by ICMR's Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar (ICMR-RMRCBB), AdFalciVax aims to prevent plasmodium falciparum infections in humans and reduce community transmission of the parasite, which causes severe and potentially fatal malaria.
Non-exclusive tech transfer model proposed
The EoI outlines a non-exclusive agreement to be executed with one or more companies, enabling broader outreach and public health access. ICMR-RMRCBB will offer expert guidance and technical support across all stages of production to facilitate development and commercialisation.
The development process is expected to span at least seven years, divided into four stages, with a six-month buffer built into each stage.
While ICMR will provide scientific and technical support, the selected companies will be responsible for securing all regulatory approvals—from research and development to final commercialisation.
ICMR to retain IP and commercial rights
The Council clarified that it would bear no financial liability unless otherwise specified. Its institutes will, however, facilitate R&D and clinical studies within India.
In case of technology transfer, ICMR will retain sole ownership of the technology, including all underlying intellectual properties and commercial rights.
For joint development projects, any Background Intellectual Property (BGIP) will remain the exclusive property of the party that generated it.
Firms to pay royalty on net sales
Participating companies must share technical data with ICMR and engage in all discussions professionally and in mutual agreement.
'Subsequent to the execution of the agreement, such companies/manufacturers shall be responsible to pay the royalty at the rate of 2 per cent on net sales, according to the ICMR Guidelines for Technology Development Collaboration,' the Council stated.
India among top contributors to regional malaria cases
According to the World Health Organisation's World Malaria Report 2024, India accounts for half of the estimated malaria cases in the South-East Asia Region, which contributes 1.5 per cent of the global malaria burden.
India currently has access to two WHO-recommended malaria vaccines—Mosquirix, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and R21/Matrix-M, made by the Serum Institute of India (SII). Both are primarily intended for children in regions with moderate to high malaria transmission.
Broader protection potential cited
An official familiar with the matter said AdFalciVax may offer broader protection and a lower risk of immune evasion compared to existing single-stage vaccines, based on preclinical data.
Pre-clinical validation of AdFalciVax was carried out in collaboration with ICMR's National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), other ICMR institutes, and the National Institute of Immunology in Delhi, an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Gold, silver touch all-time high in domestic market
1 2 3 Nagpur: Gold and silver prices have reached all-time highs in the domestic market, with the precious yellow metal trading at Rs1,09,000 per tola (10 grams) and silver at Rs1,16,700 per kg. Internationally, gold remains below its 2022 peak of $3,500 an ounce, but a weaker rupee has pushed prices to record levels in India. Silver is just over a dollar shy of its 12-year high of nearly $50 an ounce, with international rates above $48 on Wednesday. Traders attribute the surge in precious metals prices to increased Indian imports ahead of the festive season, coupled with uncertainty over US trade policies and Federal Reserve's rate decisions. In times of economic uncertainty, funds typically flow into gold as a safe-haven asset, with de-dollarization also playing a significant role, they said. Rajesh Rokde, president of Gems and Jewellery (Domestic) Council (GJC), noted that gold prices stood at $3,500 in 2022. On Wednesday, prices hovered around $3,430, dropping to approximately $3,300 as US markets opened on Wednesday and it was night in India. Despite current gold prices being about $200 below the peak, the weaker rupee has kept domestic gold rates elevated. Even in the US, prices are roughly $200 higher per ounce than they were a month ago.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
9 hours ago
- Business Standard
CBAM exemption may not offer much relief to Indian steel MSMEs: Experts
50-tonne threshold seen as too low to ease burden; experts call for green transition or market diversification Md Kaifee Alam New Delhi Listen to This Article The European Union's (EU's) decision to exempt small traders from its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) got a boost with the European Parliament and Council reaching an agreement in June. However, it may not yield significant benefit for the Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, say industry experts. The exemption, first proposed by the European Commission in February, introduces a threshold of 50 tonnes per annum for CBAM's implementation. On June 18, it was announced that the European Parliament and Council had reached an agreement. It must now formally adopt the package before it can come into force
Fashion Value Chain
14 hours ago
- Fashion Value Chain
Fortis Hospitals Mumbai Launches Citywide Campaign for Brain Health Awareness on World Brain Day
On the occasion of World Brain Day 2025, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai launched a unique citywide awareness campaign titled 'Helmet Pehna Kya', in an attempt to spark public dialogue around the importance of brain health and proactive care. The campaign, saw more than fifty volunteers walk the streets of Mumbai wearing helmets in unexpected places. Fortis Mumbais Helmet Pehna Kya sqad all set to engage Mumbaikars on World Brain Day 2025 Volunteers wearing helmets attracted attention and struck up conversations everywhere from local trains and flower markets to office parks and roadside food stands, leading Mumbaikars to wonder, 'Why are they wearing the helmet here'The answer To emphasize a crucial point: your brain should be protected every day, not only in the event of an accident. Fortis Hospitals Mumbai questioned common belief that brain safety is solely related to accident-related trauma by introducing a symbol of physical protection (the helmet) in routine, low or no-risk situations. Instead, the campaign reframed helmets as a symbol of routine checkups, mental wellness, early detection, and lifestyle modification. The initiative aims to remind people that brain health is a daily priority rather than an emergency, this innovative activation not only attracted Mumbaikars attention but also struck the relevant conversations. This initiative couldn't be timed better. Across India, neurological disorders are becoming an everyday reality for more and more families. Over the past three decades, cases of conditions like Stroke, Epilepsy, Migraine, and Dementia have more than doubled. Today, these account for almost 10% of the nation's overall disease burden; Stroke alone took the lives of nearly 7 lakh people in 2019. What's alarming is that stressors we live with daily: high blood pressure, poor diet choices, rising pollution levels, and chronic mental strain are the triggers. A comprehensive study led by the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative-supported by ICMR, PHFI, IHME, and the Ministry of Health-highlighted these trends and published the findings in The Lancet Global Health. It is wake-up call, our brain health is far more fragile than we realise. That's what makes the Fortis Mumbai campaign so meaningful. By turning helmet into a powerful symbol, and carries a message that's hard to miss: protecting your brain is not just about reacting to emergencies; it's about living more mindfully, every single day. Talking about the initiative, Dr S Narayani, Business Head – Fortis Hospitals, Maharashtra, said, 'At Fortis, our mission goes beyond treating illness, we aim to prevent it through education and awareness. The helmet is a powerful choice for the campaign as it reminds us that just as we protect our head from injury on the roads, we must also protect our brain through awareness, timely action, and healthy choices. For us preventative healthcare is the foundation of a healthy society and through this campaign, we hope to engage the community, and empower them to take proactive steps towards better brain health.' As part of World Brain Day, Fortis Hospitals in Mumbai brought brain health awareness to the forefront with a unique, people-first approach. At all four units-Mulund, Kalyan, Vashi, and Mahim-Patient Care Services staff wore helmets within hospital premises, sparking heartfelt conversations with patients and their families about the importance of brain health. Community sessions hosted at open spaces helped Neurologists share insights on recognizing early warning signs, and stressed the value of timely care. The initiative extended to notable locations across Mumbai, as reactions and real-time moments were shared across Fortis Mumbai's social media pages, helping the message of brain health reach the community at large. 'When it comes to brain health, lifestyle plays a very important role and should not be overlooked. One particular acronym that tell my patients to lookout for is termed SHAAADOWSSS, which stands for Smoking, Hypertension, Age over 60 years, Alcohol Abuse, Atrial fibrillation, Diabetes, Obesity, Wellspring (family history), Stress, Sedentary Lifestyle and Sleep Disorders. True to its name, these conditions follow you around like a shadow and if left unmanaged they significantly increase your risk of developing issues like Stroke. The good news is simple, conscious changes in your daily routine can drastically lower that risk and protect your brain for the long run,' said Dr Ashok Hande, Director – NeuroSurgery, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, while talking about the role lifestyle awareness plays in brain health preservation. Dr Sreelakshmi N. Consultant-Neurology, S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim, said, 'Everything you experience flows from the brain. Yet, your brain remains the body's most sensitive organs. Issues like Stroke can appear suddenly, while conditions such as Dementia may develop gradually and quietly. That's why paying attention to even subtle changes matters. Don't ignore the signs your body may be giving you. Acting early can change outcomes.' Highlighting the role family history, Dr Gurneet Singh Sawhney, Director-Stereotaxy and Functional Neurosciences, Fortis Hospital, Mulund said, 'Family history plays a crucial role when managing disease burden. If someone in the patient's family has had ailments like Dementia, Stroke etc. then one's chances of developing neurological complications may be higher. That makes it even more critical to be aware of the warning signs, get regular health check-ups, and adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce your risk.' DrRushabh Chheda, Consultant, Neurosurgery and Stroke Intervention Specialist, Fortis Hospital Kalyan, said, 'Brain health is too important to take chances with. Any warning sign you observe should be taken as a medical emergency, not be considered a wait-and-watch situation. There is a common saying in Neurology which says – time is brain – thus the quicker you act, the more brain function can be saved and every minute counts when it comes to protecting your brain and your life, so act fast to preserve what matters most.' The message is clear: it's time for Mumbai to act decisively with stronger strategies for prevention, better awareness, and more accessible neurological care-before this silent epidemic grows louder. About Fortis Healthcare Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities, ~4,750 operational beds (including O&M facilities), and over 400 diagnostics centers (including JVs). The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with a global major and parent company – IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs over 23,000 people (including Agilus Diagnostics Limited) who share its vision of becoming the world's most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.
