ICMR seeks collaboration for malaria vaccine production through tech transfer

ICMR Invites Collaboration for Production of Recombinant Chimeric Multi-Stage Malaria Vaccine (AdFalciVax)

Context:

• Malaria remains a major public health challenge, particularly caused by Plasmodium falciparum.
• Development of an effective malaria vaccine is crucial to prevent infection and reduce community transmission.
• ICMR aims to facilitate commercialization of the vaccine through technology transfer to eligible organizations, companies, and manufacturers.

Vaccine Details:

• Vaccine: AdFalciVax – a recombinant chimeric multi-stage malaria vaccine.
• Developed using Lactococcus lactis as the production platform.
• Pre-clinical validation conducted by ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar, in collaboration with ICMR-NIMR and National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi.

Collaboration Details:

• ICMR invites Expression of Interest (EoI) for technology transfer, open until August 17, 2025.
• The collaborator will access ICMR’s technical know-how to develop the vaccine for commercial use.
• Technical support includes:
  • Study planning and protocol development
  • Product development and improvement
  • Data/results analysis and outcome assessment
  • Safety and efficacy evaluation
  • Facilitation of validation and clinical trials in India

Financial/Operational Terms:

• ICMR bears no financial implications unless explicitly agreed upon.
• Institutes under ICMR provide technical and facilitation support for research and development.

Significance / Implications:

• Accelerates India’s capacity to develop and produce indigenous malaria vaccines.
• Strengthens public-private collaboration in vaccine R&D.
• Supports India’s malaria elimination goals, in line with WHO’s strategy for reducing malaria burden globally.
• Enhances potential for export and global deployment of a locally developed malaria vaccine.

Policy / Public Health Relevance:

• Aims at equitable access to effective malaria vaccines in endemic regions.
• Encourages technology transfer and innovation in the Indian biotech and pharma sector.
• Strengthens India’s role in global vaccine development and disease prevention initiatives.

Prelims / Facts for UPSC:

• Vaccine: AdFalciVax
• Organiser: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Delhi
• Production platform: Lactococcus lactis
• Constituent Institutes: ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar, ICMR-NIMR, NII New Delhi
• EoI deadline: August 17, 2025
  
  Updated - July 19, 2025 08:29 pm | The Hindu