Malaria vaccine is protective

Hopes for an effective vaccine against malaria have been boosted by recent research showing that an experimental vaccine can protect children for at least 18 months. According to researchers from the University of Barcelona, Spain, GlaxoSmithKline Plc's vaccine has reduced cases of life-threatening malaria by 49 percent and all clinical cases by 35 percent in a group of children vaccinated in 2003. The 18-month results were similar to those reported at the six-month stage, showing that the effectiveness of the vaccine did not wane, as some medical experts feared it might. The response rate demonstrated that an effective vaccine was possible. Glaxo's vaccine Mosquirix, also known as RTS, S/AS02A, is the most advanced amongst a number of vaccine candidates in development. It is, however, still several years from reaching the market. If all goes well, Glaxo hopes to complete final phase III studies and file for regulatory approval in 2010, suggesting the vaccine could be commercially available in 2011. The next phase of studies will be conducted in a number of African cities over the coming four years. Assuming it clears the final tests, Glaxo has promised to make Mosquirix available at low prices in developing countries. Mosquirix - which has been given in three doses in tests - targets just one stage in the malaria parasite's life cycle and its success has taken some scientists by surprise. Given the parasite's genetic complexity, many had doubted a vaccine based on a single antigen would work. The fact that it does, suggests that an improved shot, using multiple antigens or additives to boost the immune response, might be even more effective.