R21/Matrix M: New 'High Efficacy' Malaria Vaccine of SII

Vaccine Development and Approval

• Co-developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) and University of Oxford
• Leverages Novavax's Matrix-M adjuvant technology
• Granted WHO prequalification status in December 2023
• Underwent rigorous regulatory process and clinical assessment
• Proven highly effective and affordable
• Low-dose vaccine, allowing for rapid and large-scale manufacturing

Rollout and Distribution

• Côte d'Ivoire becomes first country to begin administering R21/Matrix-M
• 656,600 doses received for initial vaccination
• Targeting 250,000 children aged 0-23 months across 16 regions
• SII has manufactured 25 million doses, committed to scaling up to 100 million annually
• Priced at less than USD 4 per dose for accessibility
• Also authorized in Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Central African Republic

Impact on Malaria Control

• Second malaria vaccine available in Sub-Saharan Africa after RTS,S
• Expected to save tens of thousands of young lives each year
• Complements existing prevention methods like bed nets
• Addresses a leading cause of medical consultations in affected regions
• In Côte d'Ivoire, malaria deaths decreased from 3,222 in 2017 to 1,316 in 2020
• Still kills four people a day in Côte d'Ivoire, mostly small children

Serum Institute of India

• Cyrus Poonawalla established the Serum Institute of India in 1966.
• Headquarters in Pune, India.
• Quantity of vaccine doses produced and distributed worldwide it is the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world.
• Played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Serum Institute also manufactures vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, BCG, r-Hepatitis B, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio.

Future Prospects and Global Efforts

• 15 African countries expected to introduce malaria vaccines with Gavi support in 2024
• Plans to reach approximately 6.6 million children in 2024 and 2025
• SII aims to produce 100 million doses annually
• Potential for widespread distribution across African countries
• Marks the start of a new era in malaria control interventions
• Collaborative effort involving SII, Oxford University, Novavax, and global health organizations

About Malaria

Definition: Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Geographic distribution: Primarily affects tropical and subtropical regions, with highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa.

Mosquito vector: Female Anopheles mosquitoes

Common symptoms: Fever, Chills, Sweats, Headaches, Fatigue, Muscle aches, Nausea and vomiting

Incubation period: Usually 7-30 days, depending on the species

Vaccine: RTS,S/AS01 vaccine recommended by WHO for children in regions with moderate to high transmission. Another new vaccine R21/Matrix M.

Safety Measures:

Personal protection:

• • Use insecticide-treated bed nets
  • Apply mosquito repellents
  • Wear long-sleeved clothing, especially during peak mosquito hours

Travel precautions:

• • Consult healthcare provider before traveling to endemic areas
  • Take appropriate chemoprophylaxis as recommended

Home protection:

• • Install screens on windows and doors
  • Use indoor insecticide sprays or coils

Community measures:

• • Participate in local vector control programs
  • Eliminate standing water around homes

Healthcare access:

• • Seek prompt medical attention if symptoms develop
  • Complete full course of prescribed antimalarial treatment