Brazilian researchers managed to get the first vaccine against the most common malaria variant in the Americas to enter the patent phase, after passing the pre-clinical phase to confirm its quality, efficacy and safety assessment, the State Research Support Foundation said today.
The Brazilian malaria vaccine “vivax” has been developed by researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP), in collaboration with the Vaccine Technology Center of the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG).
“Currently there is no vaccine against ‘vivax’ malaria, an infectious disease caused by the parasite of the genus Plasmodium and transmitted to humans through the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes,” says Fapesp statement.
According to the research funding entity, in Brazil there are three species of these vector parasites: vivax, falciparum and malariae.
Only against falciparum, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccinating children in some countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
“We have a product that has never been seen in the world and is produced entirely in Brazil. My goal since the beginning of the research more than ten years ago was to get a vaccine, ” announced Irene Soares, one of the coordinators of the work.
According to Soares, in the South American country “there is still a big gap in the lines of vaccine research, which came to light during the pandemic. “
The patent application was made at the end of last October through the USP Innovation Group, as well as the UFMG Innovation and Technology Center.
The researchers had previously demonstrated that the vaccine was able to safely induce high levels of antibodies in mice and rabbits, a breakthrough published in the scientific journal “Vaccine”.
Considered endemic in the Amazon rainforest region and a global public health problem, malaria in severe cases causes seizures, hemorrhages and altered consciousness.
Between January and October of this year, Brazil registered 117,946 cases of the disease, 80 percent of them (95,113) caused by Plasmodium vivax, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
Last year, the countries of the American continent reported 480,000 cases of malaria, according to the statement of the institution.
2024-11-24 08:04:00
#Brazilian #researchers #develop #antimalaria #vaccine
What are the potential barriers to widespread distribution and access to the new malaria vaccine, and what strategies can be implemented to ensure equitable global access?
## Breaking News: A Brazilian Breakthrough in the Fight Against Malaria
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we’re delving into exciting news from Brazil regarding the development of a groundbreaking malaria vaccine. Joining us are two esteemed guests: Dr. Irene Soares, lead researcher and coordinator of the project, and Dr. Maria Silva, an infectious disease specialist and expert on malaria control. Welcome to both of you.
**Theme 1: The Science Behind the Breakthrough**
**Host:** Dr. Soares, let’s start with you. Can you provide our viewers with a clear understanding of how your team achieved this extraordinary milestone in malaria vaccine research?
**Dr. Soares:** (Explains the research process, highlighting key discoveries and technological advancements).
**Host:** This vaccine is specifically designed to target Plasmodium vivax, which is prevalent in the Americas. Dr. Silva, can you shed light on the significance of focusing on this particular strain of malaria? And how does this vaccine differ from existing malaria vaccines?
**Dr. Silva:** (Discusses the unique challenges posed by Plasmodium vivax and the limited success of current malaria vaccines against this strain. Explains how the Brazilian vaccine addresses these challenges).
**Theme 2: The Impact and Implications**
**Host:** This is truly a monumental achievement. Dr. Soares, how do you envision this vaccine impacting the fight against malaria, both in Brazil and globally?
**Dr. Soares:** (Outlines potential benefits of the vaccine, emphasizing disease prevention, reduced healthcare burden, and improved overall well-being of affected communities).
**Host:** Dr. Silva, what are your thoughts on the potential long-term implications of widespread availability of this vaccine?
**Dr. Silva:** (Discusses the possibilities for malaria eradication in endemic areas and the potential impact on global health, highlighting challenges like access and distribution).
**Theme 3: The Future of Vaccine Development**
**Host:** The success of this vaccine clearly demonstrates the vital role of research and innovation in addressing global health challenges. Dr. Soares, what’s next for your team and what are your hopes for the future development of this vaccine?
**Dr. Soares:** (Talks about ongoing clinical trials, future research directions, potential collaborations, and the long-term vision for widespread vaccine deployment).
**Host:** Dr. Silva, what message would you give to global policymakers and funding bodies regarding the importance of continued investment in malaria research and vaccine development?
**Dr. Silva:** (Emphasizes the need for sustained funding, international collaboration, and equitable access to new vaccines to effectively combat malaria worldwide).
**Host:** Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights. This groundbreaking development in malaria vaccine research offers a beacon of hope for millions affected by this potentially deadly disease. We’ll continue monitoring this progress closely and bringing you updates on World Today News.
