A recent report reveals that the RH5.1/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, currently in development, holds significant potential as part of a comprehensive malaria vaccine strategy. The vaccine, which targets the blood stage of malaria, could become a key player in efforts to combat the disease, according to GlobalData, a leading analytics firm.
The report highlights the ongoing advancements in malaria vaccine research, noting that 11 other vaccines are currently in Phase II trials. Among these, RH5.1/Matrix-M stands out for its promising results in a recent study conducted by researchers in Burkina Faso and the UK. The vaccine has demonstrated safety, efficacy, and strong immunogenicity in a Phase 2b trial involving 361 children aged 5 to 17 months.
The findings show that RH5.1/Matrix-M is 55% effective against clinical malaria when administered with a delayed third-dose regimen (at 0, 1, and 5 months). In addition, it proved to be over 80% effective against high levels of malaria parasites, suggesting it could offer protection against severe forms of the disease. The vaccine was also well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported, according to the study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Stephanie Kurdach, Infectious Disease Analyst at GlobalData, emphasized the significance of RH5.1/Matrix-M, stating, “This vaccine has the potential to become the first blood-stage malaria vaccine on the market. Its addition could strengthen the fight against malaria, offering an essential second line of defense for those at highest risk of infection.”
Malaria, caused by the Plasmodium parasite and transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a global health challenge. Despite some countries being certified as malaria-free, the disease burden is still high, particularly in Africa, which is the hardest-hit region. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to prioritize malaria control and prevention efforts.
Currently, two malaria vaccines are WHO-prequalified for use in children: GSK’s Mosquirix and Serum Institute of India’s R21/Matrix-M. These vaccines target the sporozoite stage of the parasite, preventing initial infection. However, as immunity diminishes over time, the parasite can reach the liver and eventually cause blood-stage malaria, which leads to clinical disease.
A blood-stage malaria vaccine like RH5.1/Matrix-M could fill an important gap in malaria prevention, providing long-term protection even as immunity from current vaccines wanes. In addition to RH5.1/Matrix-M, there are 11 other malaria vaccines under development, including options from major manufacturers like BioNTech, GSK, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
However, there are no new malaria vaccines currently in Phase III trials or pre-registration, highlighting the ongoing challenges in developing effective malaria prevention tools.
With RH5.1/Matrix-M showing encouraging results, experts are hopeful that the next generation of malaria vaccines will offer broader protection and help reduce the global malaria burden significantly.
