The next generation of malaria vaccines would aim to increase efficacy, durability or protection and reduce the number of doses needed.

Research and development often continues after a first-in-class vaccine has been developed. Following a consultative process led by WHO, preferred product characteristics for next-generation vaccines were identified. PATH and its collaborators are using these guidelines to help develop vaccines that meet these desired characteristics with a longer-term goal of progressive malaria elimination and eventual eradication.  

Work to develop next-generation malaria vaccines focuses on increasing efficacy, durability or protection and reducing the number of doses needed. Such vaccines have the potential to provide greater impact in preventing disease and death in the most vulnerable over first-generation vaccines. In addition, if they can successfully confer high-level protection in all age groups, they have potential to help accelerate parasite elimination. 

To this end, MVI is working on a range of vaccine approaches, targeting different stages of the Plasmodium parasite's complex life cycle. These include vaccines targeting the circumsporozoite protein, approaches combatting the parasite when it reaches the blood stream, vaccines to block transmission of the parasite from humans to mosquitoes, and finally, combination vaccines targeting multiple life cycle stages. We are doing this work with multiple partners and support from a variety of donors.