**AdFalciVax **

Feature	Detail
Developed by	ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar + NIMR + DBT-NII (Fully indigenous)
Target Pathogen	Plasmodium falciparum (deadliest malaria species)
Technology	Recombinant Chimeric Vaccine (combines antigens from two life stages)
Stage Targeted	1. Pre-erythrocytic (Liver) + 2. Transmission (Sexual) – Dual Action
Production Host	Lactococcus lactis (Safe, scalable bacterial system)

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Advantages Over Global Vaccines

Parameter	RTS,S (Mosquirix)	R21/Matrix-M	AdFalciVax
Target Stages	Single (Liver)	Single (Liver)	Dual (Liver + Transmission)
Thermal Stability	Cold chain needed	Cold chain needed	9+ months at room temp
Manufacturing Cost	High (Yeast system)	Moderate	Low (Bacterial)
Long-term Immunity	Moderate	Moderate	Higher potential

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Malaria

1. Parasite Species:

   • Deadliest: P. falciparum (cerebral malaria)
   • Most Common: P. vivax (dormant liver stage)
   • Others: P. malariae, P. ovale, P. knowlesi

2. Transmission:

   • Vector: Female Anopheles mosquito (night-biting).
   • Peak Incidence: Rainy season (breeding in stagnant water).

3. Indian Burden:

   • Endemic States: Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, NE (85% cases).
   • National Framework: National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) – Target: 2030.

Current Affairs Link (2024)

• Phase-1 Trials: Expected to begin in 2025 (ICMR notification).
• Global Relevance: Africa faces 95% of malaria deaths; vaccine export potential.
• Govt Schemes: Synergy with PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

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** UPSC Questions**

1. Prelims 2021:
   "Which malaria vaccine became the first to receive WHO recommendation in 2021?"
   Answer: RTS,S (Mosquirix).