- In July 2024, the Serum Institute of India (SII) and Oxford University introduced the "high efficacy" malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, in Côte d'Ivoire. Approved by the WHO, this vaccine is not only effective and affordable but also capable of being mass-produced rapidly. SII plans to manufacture 100 million doses annually, with each dose priced at under USD 4
- In May 2024, a team of scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) identified a promising vaccine candidate that could lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies for malaria. Their research, published in the iScience journal by Cell Press, suggests targeting the parasite's Prohibitin protein as a novel approach for vaccine development
- In May 2024, the Serum Institute of India commenced exports of the 'R21/Matrix-M' malaria vaccine to Africa. Developed in partnership with the University of Oxford and Novavax’s Matrix-M adjuvant, the vaccine marks a significant step in malaria prevention. On Monday, May 20, Adar Poonawalla and the U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, officially launched the first shipment of R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine doses
- In October 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the R21/Matrix-M vaccine for malaria prevention in children. This recommendation came after guidance from the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group (MPAG), and was officially endorsed by the WHO Director-General following their regular biannual meeting held from September 25-29
- In January 2021, vaccine manufacturer Bharat Biotech signed a product transfer agreement with pharmaceutical giant GSK and the global non-profit organization PATH to produce the world’s only malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01E1, developed by GSK. Under the agreement, Bharat Biotech will take over the manufacturing of the RTS,S antigen component and the vaccine itself
