RTS,S

RTS,S is a recombinant protein-based malaria vaccine. It is also known as Mosquirix. The vaccine was developed as a joint project between GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI). The development of the RTS,S vaccine was partially funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Development

The RTS,S vaccine was developed using a recombinant protein-based technology. This technology combines proteins from different sources to create a new protein that can stimulate an immune response. The RTS,S vaccine combines the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) from the Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasite with a protein from the hepatitis B virus.

Efficacy

The efficacy of the RTS,S vaccine has been tested in several large-scale clinical trials. The results of these trials have shown that the vaccine can reduce the risk of malaria in children by approximately 50%. However, the vaccine's efficacy decreases over time, and it does not provide complete protection against malaria.

Usage

The RTS,S vaccine is currently being used in a pilot implementation program in three African countries: Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The program is being conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is aimed at evaluating the vaccine's effectiveness in real-world settings.

Safety

The safety of the RTS,S vaccine has been extensively studied. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in children. The most common side effects are mild and include pain and swelling at the injection site, fever, and headache.

Future Research

Future research on the RTS,S vaccine is focused on improving its efficacy and duration of protection. Researchers are also exploring the possibility of combining the RTS,S vaccine with other malaria vaccines to provide broader protection against the disease.

RTS,S Resources
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