By Soniya:
The University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India have signed a licensing agreement to develop and manufacture R78C, a next-generation malaria vaccine candidate. The collaboration aims to strengthen global efforts against malaria, a disease that continues to cause significant mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
R78C targets Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, and adopts a multi-stage approach. Unlike existing vaccines that focus on a single stage of infection, R78C uses two blood-stage antigens—RIPR and CyPRA—to attack the parasite at different points in its lifecycle. This strategy is expected to generate a stronger immune response and reduce both disease severity and transmission.
The partnership is significant due to SII’s large-scale manufacturing capacity and global reach, which could enable affordable and widespread access if the vaccine proves successful. It also builds on earlier collaboration between the two institutions, including work on the WHO-recommended R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine.
Currently in the research and clinical trial phase, R78C represents a promising advancement in malaria prevention. If successful, it could become part of a new generation of vaccines aimed at long-term protection and eventual disease elimination.
