Clinical researchers have announced Phase III trial results for a next-generation malaria vaccine showing 87% efficacy against severe disease in children under five, the highest protection rate ever recorded for a malaria preventive and a significant advance on existing approved vaccines.
The trial enrolled over 4,800 children across five sub-Saharan African countries and demonstrated durable protection over a 24-month follow-up period with a favourable safety profile.
The developers have applied for WHO prequalification and are in discussions with the GAVI vaccine alliance about accelerated deployment in high-burden countries, potentially reaching 40 million doses annually within three years.
