Vaccine maker BioNTech will be using mRNA technology to develop a “highly effective” malaria vaccine. It is looking to replicate the success of its Pfizer-partnered mRNA-based COVID-19 jab to make a stronger malaria vaccine.
The two-pronged approach of the biotech company is to develop the vaccine candidate for malaria and to boost mRNA manufacturing capabilities to the African continent. The project aims to assess multiple vaccine candidates using mRNA technology to plan and target the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) and new antigens discovered in the pre-clinical research stage.
BioNTech is set to select the Most promising mRNA vaccine candidate post-pre-clinical phase and aims to commence a clinical trial for the first vaccine candidate by the end of 2022. BioNTech will also collaborate with the African Union and the Africa CDC under the partnership for Vaccine Manufacturing program to ensure its enabling factors. The project is also part of the kENUP foundation who aims to accelerate the eradication of infectious disease malaria.
CEO and co-founder of BioNTech, Ugur Sahin said that they plan to reduce the mortality rate and ensure a sustainable solution for the African continent and other regions affected by this disease. They include cutting-edge research and innovation for significant investments in vaccine development and transfer of manufacturing expertise to production sites in Africa and wherever it is needed.
