A Second Malaria Vaccine, R21/Matrix-M: Ready for Prime Time

R21/Matrix-M has received WHO recommendation and prequalification, positioning it for wide use against malaria.

Malaria remains a major global killer despite the quest for effective vaccines. Now, investigators report results of a pivotal phase 3 trial of R21/Matrix-M (NEJM JW Infect Dis May 25 2021 and Lancet 2021 397:1809), a circumsporozoite protein-based vaccine containing a saponin adjuvant, in four malaria-endemic African countries. More than 4500 children (age range, 5–36 months; about half from seasonal and the rest from perennial transmission areas) were randomized 2:1 to R21/Matrix-M or rabies vaccine (control) given as three doses plus a booster.

Serious adverse events did not differ significantly between groups. R21/Matrix-M vaccine efficacy (VE) against the first episode of clinical malaria during the first 12 months after primary series …

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

A Second Malaria Vaccine, R21/Matrix-M: Ready for Prime Time

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Reviewing Author