Experts Predict Dramatic Developments in the Malaria Vaccine Field

Malaria is a disease that affects nearly a quarter of a billion people annually while causing an estimated two million deaths. To counter this threat at least six major research groups are actively developing a vaccine to prevent transmission of the disease. Their search has been spurred by the commitment of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (Seattle, WA; USA) to contribute $10 billion in grants to support malaria vaccine-development efforts.

The current frontrunner in the race for a malaria vaccine may be Mosquirix from GlaxoSmithKline (Brentford, United Kingdom), which continues to be investigated in several large-scale Phase III trials in Africa. Initial studies of the vaccine in children under five have shown that it can reduce infections by as much as 63%, though more often in the range of 50%, with effects persisting for at least one year. The results are not at the 80% level that most healthcare organizations are looking for, but the company is still hoping for marketing approval in 2012.

Overall, Kalorama predicts a $100 million vaccine market from products like these by 2012, with growth to $1.05 billion by 2017. "The attention on this disease comes at a time when pharmaceutical companies are positive about vaccines as part of their business model and searching for new targets,” said Bruce Carlson, publisher of Kalorama Information. "A vaccine has long been the desired solution to malaria, and now the pieces seem to be coming together.”

Related Links:
Kalorama Information
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
GlaxoSmithKline