The first indigenous mRNA vaccine against malaria produced by Indian scientists will start clinical trials during this year. Governments and researchers worldwide consider this development as a crucial advancement in malaria research because mRNA vaccine platforms successfully prevented COVID-19. A collaborative team from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR) has developed the vaccine through their joint research. 

Vaccine Potential: 

Malaria keeps causing severe public health problems in India since more than 2 million cases occur every year. Presently pre-clinical trials have demonstrated substantial promise for the mRNA malaria vaccine that specifically targets Plasmodium parasites causing the disease. Science experts predict the vaccine has great potential to decrease malaria prevalence within Indian endemic areas and world territories alike. 

Global Implications: 

This vaccine presents the possibility to revolutionize malaria therapy specifically for subSaharan Africa which suffers the highest burden of malaria. Research studies indicate that mRNA vaccine methodology could create potential opportunities to develop vaccines against different parasitic diseases thereby extending mRNA technology applications beyond viral infections.