The Promising Impact of the R21/Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine

Scientists have developed two malaria vaccines after decades of research, with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommending the use of RTS,S two years ago and now backing the R21 vaccine. While the R21 vaccine is easier and cheaper to produce, it requires four doses for protection. Malaria cases have been on the rise due to various factors, including disruptions caused by the pandemic, insecticide and drug resistance, and a funding shortfall. The new vaccine is not a standalone solution but should be used alongside other measures. Ongoing research is focused on developing better vaccines and interventions, including mRNA malaria vaccines. The recent Nobel Prize awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their mRNA vaccine work highlights the potential of this technology.