RTS,S/ASO1: The First Malaria Vaccine Approved for Use in Humans

There are currently two malaria vaccines that are in use or under development:

* **RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix)** is the first and only malaria vaccine that has been licensed for use in humans. It is a pre-erythrocytic vaccine, which means that it works by preventing the malaria parasite from entering the bloodstream. RTS,S/AS01 is given in a series of four doses, starting at 5 months of age. The vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of severe malaria by 30% and the risk of death from malaria by 23%.

* **PfSPZ** is a whole-sporozoite vaccine that is currently in clinical trials. PfSPZ is made from non-infectious sporozoites, which are the form of the malaria parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes. PfSPZ has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in clinical trials, and it has the potential to be more effective than RTS,S/AS01.

Other malaria vaccines that are in development include:

* **R21** is a pre-erythrocytic vaccine that is currently in phase 2 clinical trials. R21 is based on the same technology as RTS,S/AS01, but it has been modified to improve its effectiveness.

* **MSP** is a blood-stage vaccine that is currently in phase 1 clinical trials. MSP is made from a protein that is found on the surface of the malaria parasite. The vaccine is designed to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that attack the parasite.

* **Transmission-blocking vaccines** are designed to prevent mosquitoes from becoming infected with the malaria parasite. These vaccines are still in the early stages of development.

The development of malaria vaccines is an important step in the fight against malaria. These vaccines have the potential to save millions of lives, and they could help to reduce the burden of malaria on global health.

Source 😁 Bard.google.com