Malaria is a preventable and treatable mosquito-borne illness, yet it infected an estimated 198 million people and caused more than 584,000 deaths in 2013. Although insecticidal nets are available for prevention there is not an effective vaccine on the market.
A vaccine called RTS,S has been shown to provide partial protection against malaria for up to four years. The vaccine is designed for children in African contries, where 90% of malaria deaths occur. RTS,S has been in development for over two decades by GlaxoSmithKline and with help from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Data from the trials revealed that the vaccine was only 46% effective in babies aged 5-17 months and 23% effective in 6-12 week olds. However, later data from the Phase III trial showed that these babies were still protected four years later, with effectiveness rates improving with booster shots. If approved, the vaccine could be available for use in October.
World’s First Viable Malaria Vaccine Shows Success in Trials
