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ICMR Invites EoI for Commercial Production of India's First Malaria Vaccine ‘AdFalciVax’.

Science and Technology | Dated: 23 Jul 2025

In July 2025, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) invited Expression of Interest (EoI) from eligible companies for the Transfer of Technology (ToT) for India's first indigenous malaria vaccine candidate ‘AdFalciVax’, aimed at large-scale production and deployment to combat malaria.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - AdFalciVax has been jointly developed by ICMR–Regional Medical Research Centre (ICMR–RMRC), ICMR–National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR–NIMR), and the Department of Biotechnology–National Institute of Immunology (DBT–NII), under the Ministry of Science & Technology. The vaccine reflects a strategic public-sector collaboration to eliminate malaria through indigenous innovation.
  • - AdFalciVax is the first recombinant chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine in India, designed to target both the pre-erythrocytic (liver) stage and the sexual (mosquito-transmission) stage of Plasmodium falciparum — the deadliest malaria-causing parasite in humans.
  • - The vaccine uses a novel recombinant chimeric technology that combines specific antigens to induce a broader immune response. It is engineered using Lactococcus lactis, a food-grade bacteria, making it safe, scalable, and effective for commercial biomanufacturing.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Preclinical animal studies have yielded promising results, with evidence suggesting that AdFalciVax offers more comprehensive protection than existing single-stage vaccines. It reduces the possibility of immune escape and potentially offers long-term immunity, making it a game-changer in malaria control.
  • (ii) The Transfer of Technology (ToT) will allow private manufacturers to begin pilot and industrial production of the vaccine. Interested firms must meet specific eligibility and quality standards as outlined by ICMR to be part of the malaria elimination roadmap.
  • (iii) This move supports India’s broader health policy goals, including the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) and aligns with WHO’s Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016–2030. India aims to eliminate malaria by 2030 and AdFalciVax could play a central role in achieving this milestone.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

What is the name of India's first indigenous multi-stage malaria vaccine candidate developed by ICMR?

Correct Answer: AdFalciVax

🚀 Quick Recap: