Multigene Approach May Hasten Vaccine for Malaria

(Gaithersburg, MD, USA) will cooperate with the U.S. Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC, Silver Springs, MD, USA) to produce and evaluate adenovirus vectors containing genes for up to five malaria antigens.

GenVec's proprietary adenovector technology utilizes a replication deficient adenovector to deliver genes to cause the production of beneficial antigens or proteins. NMRC will provide GenVec with the CSP, SSP2, LSA1, MSP1, and AMA1 genes from different stages of the malaria parasite's life cycle to be used in the adenovector vaccines.

"MVI is delighted to be working with GenVec and NMRC on such vital development work,” said Dr. Melinda Moree, Director of MVI. "We hope to learn more about which antigens to drive forward and which to halt--a key contribution that MVI can make to move the field ahead. This selection process should give scientists worldwide a better idea about the components needed to produce an effective malaria vaccine.”




Related Links:
Program for Appropriate Technologies in Health
GenVec Inc.
U.S. Naval Medical Research Center