The University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India signed a licensing agreement to develop R78C, a next-generation malaria vaccine targeting multiple lifecycle stages of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite. Best Book for Current Affairs & General Knowledge Preparation
R78C is based on two blood-stage antigens, RIPR and CyRPA. Scientists expect broader and longer-lasting protection compared to earlier single-stage malaria vaccines.
The partnership builds upon Oxford and Serum Institute’s earlier collaboration on the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, which received WHO recommendation in October 2023 and WHO prequalification in December 2023.
WHO prequalification allows procurement by UNICEF and funding support from Gavi, significantly expanding vaccine access in malaria-endemic countries.
R21/Matrix-M became the world’s second WHO-recommended malaria vaccine after RTS,S/AS01. It demonstrated high efficacy in children during Phase III clinical trials across Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mali, and Tanzania.
Clinical trials showed nearly 75% efficacy in regions with seasonal malaria transmission, crossing WHO’s target threshold for malaria vaccines.
The Serum Institute of India plans large-scale manufacturing capability. Earlier announcements confirmed production capacity of 100 million doses annually, expected to double subsequently.
Malaria remains a major global health challenge. According to WHO estimates cited by Oxford researchers, over 600,000 malaria deaths occur annually, mainly among African children.
The new R78C candidate represents an advanced multi-stage vaccine strategy designed to improve durability of immunity and reduce malaria transmission more effectively.
Expected Current Affairs Questions for UPSC CDS NDA and AFCAT Written Exam
1. R78C malaria vaccine recently seen in news targets which disease-causing organism?
A. Plasmodium vivax
B. Plasmodium falciparum
C. Leishmania donovani
D. Trypanosoma cruzi
Answer: B. Plasmodium falciparum
Explanation: R78C targets Plasmodium falciparum, responsible for the most severe malaria infections.
2. Which organization granted prequalification status to the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine?
A. UNICEF
B. Gavi
C. WHO
D. UNESCO
Answer: C. WHO
Explanation: WHO granted prequalification in December 2023, enabling wider global procurement and deployment.
3. The R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine was jointly developed by Oxford University and which Indian organization?
A. Bharat Biotech
B. Biological E
C. Panacea Biotec
D. Serum Institute of India
Answer: D. Serum Institute of India
Explanation: Serum Institute partnered with Oxford University for development and large-scale manufacturing of the malaria vaccine.
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