Research on existing Malaria vaccines and development of new promising candidates

Background:

Currently, two vaccines are recommended for malaria prevention, RTS’S and R21/Matrix-M. At the same time, more candidates are in the pipeline undergoing safety and/or efficacy trials. To maximise the impact of currently recommended malaria vaccines in the context of the global technical strategy for malaria 2016-2030, it is important for the Global Health EDCTP3 JU to capitalise on the 1) recommendation of RTS’S as the first malaria vaccine recommended for large scale, 2) latest WHO recommendation of R21/Matrix-M for malaria prevention in updated advice on immunization.

As a longstanding public health crisis, malaria requires a multidimensional approach, including more and better vaccine strategies. Therefore, further R&D on other promising candidates in the pipeline is required, and further research on cross-cutting issues is necessary, to ensure both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical prevention strategies are part of future evidence-based malaria prevention and control measures. Cross-cutting issues may include social sciences and community engagement activities as part of vaccines studies in malaria endemic regions. Synergy between researchers and other relevant stakeholders is required to develop and strengthen vaccines manufacturing capacity and to build an efficient supply chain in sub-Saharan Africa.

Scope:

Proposals submitted under this topic are expected to advance knowledge on the safety, efficacy and effectiveness of currently recommended malaria vaccines or new malaria vaccines. To this end, proposals submitted under this call topic should address at least two of the following:

• Trials from Phase 2a should be considered, to ensure continuation of R&D on new generations of vaccines targeting all stages of plasmodium falciparum lifecycle;
• Long term effectiveness studies through aligned primary endpoints should be considered where possible;
• Collection, analysis and sharing of pharmacovigilance data on vaccines that are currently registered or candidates in late-stage efficacy trials.

Where possible, collaboration and coordination with the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, medicines and health products (TEI-MAV+) is encouraged. The proposers could show, for example, willingness to enter into technology transfer agreements with African counterparts - including the provision of patents, technical knowledge and know-how -, or early engagement with regulators or with African manufacturers to support the translation into affordable products adapted to the regional market.

Applicants are reminded of the expectation that proposals should come from research consortia with a strong representation of institutions and researchers from sub-Saharan African countries, including involvement of Franco/Lusophone countries if possible. Applicants are also reminded of the expectation of reaching out to organisations in countries with relatively lower research capacities.