A promising malaria vaccine, developed with the collaboration of Oxford University scientists, demonstrates remarkable effectiveness, especially in the youngest children, according to recent data. In 2024, the R21/Matrix-M vaccine received approval for use from the World Health Organisation (WHO), and new insights from a phase 3 trial in African children further confirm its efficacy and safety.
During the trial conducted in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mali, and Tanzania, researchers immunized over 4,800 young children, revealing an average efficacy of 78% in the five to 17-month age group over the first year. This data is particularly significant as no other vaccine has reported more than 55% effectiveness in the same age category. The Lancet published these findings, indicating that a booster dose administered after a year maintained good efficacy over the subsequent six to 12 months. Overall, efficacy ranged between 68% and 75% for children aged five to 36 months.
The Serum Institute of India (SII) has already manufactured 25 million doses, poised for rollout in the next three to four months. The vaccine’s observed increased immune responses and slightly higher efficacy in the five to 17-month age group compared to older children support the planned deployment initially from five months of age in African children.
Malaria poses a significant threat to young African children, causing approximately 600,000 deaths annually. With two recently WHO pre-qualified vaccines and early deployments underway this year, the R21/Matrix-M vaccine’s continued high efficacy in field trials is seen as a promising development. Professor Adrian Hill, chief investigator of the R21/Matrix-M phase 3 trial, expressed optimism, stating that the results align with those observed in a smaller four-year phase 2b trial.
The vaccine, priced between $2.00 (£1.65) and $4.00 (£3.30) per dose, holds substantial potential for transformative impact, especially in African countries. Audrey Duncanson, innovations transition manager at Welcome, emphasized the significance of this breakthrough, given malaria’s enduring global health risk. At least 28 African countries plan to introduce the WHO-recommended malaria jab as part of their national immunization programs.
Adar Poonawalla, chief executive of SSI, hailed the Lancet study as a significant advancement in the fight against malaria, particularly in Africa, where the disease poses a substantial threat. The cost-effectiveness of the vaccine and its potential to protect millions of lives offer hope for progress toward a malaria-free world. The collaborative efforts in vaccine development showcase the dedication to addressing global health challenges and bringing about positive change in affected regions.
